Application Timeline, Appears we are too late?

courtland

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Thank you for having this forum available to us as parents and students. I am a parent, and we found out last month from our Senior high school year daughter, that she wants to serve our nation. We are a family of service, and it's only natural that she made this decision, but, and a big but, she also wanted to take advantage of either an Army ROTC or NROTC (Marine Track) scholarship for a 4 year college, she'll be a freshman in fall 2016.

Since she just had this epiphany early last month, is it too late in the process to apply for either of those scholarships?

Last month we were in with the Army recruiter, and our daughter was ready to sign on for the reserves, with basic training summer of 2016, AIT to follow and she could then begin her college career in Spring of 2016 with the general assistance for college that Army offers such as 4000.00 per year.

When her high school campus Army recruiter informed her principle of her desires, the principal put the breaks on the process because he wanted us as a family to under stand our daughters options, the principle and the ROTC colonel of the school felt as though she had a great chance to be accepted into one of the service academies, or obtain an rotc scholarship. We had that meeting last week. Her principle and the school ROTC Colonel were really encouraging her to start the process, and they fully understood that applications are due very soon, but they felt she has a great chance.
I have been spending hours this last week understanding the process, and the deadlines, and the requirements, and it all seems completely overwhelming, and it all seems completely impossible at this point, it appears we are too late for both the service academies and any hope of scholarship applications being turned in on time.
So back to my original question, is it too late for fall of 2016 for either a scholarship application or service academy application? Thanks for any opinions.
John
 
No it's not too late, but she needs to start now. Application deadlines vary per service and type of program so make sure to check each website. The earlier she gets them in the better. Also for Nomnations each MOC has their own deadlines so make sure to check those sites too. With a few weekends and nights after schos buckled down it is possible to get these done over the next month. It seems overwhelming but take it one step at a time. It's a lot of redundant info and just takes time to do. I believe USNA applications aren't due until January usually. Take a deep breathe and if this is what she wants it can be done. And you guys have a good principal!
 
https://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/board-dates-2015-2016-scholarship-boards/

Far from too late... Still plenty of time. You need to talk to the Enrollment Officer at an Army ROTC Battalion, preferably at a school your daughter is interested in ASAP. She needs to start the process soon, but she could possibly start her application in January and finish her file in February and still get a scholarship offer. And remember that not all Cadets earn a scholarship. If she really wants to be an Army Officer she will be enrolled in Army ROTC in 2016 somewhere whether she has a scholarship or not.

Your daughter fell into the trap many a high school senior does...talking to an enlisted recruiter about ROTC in college.
 
Agree clarkson with your comment about talking to an enlisted recruiter.

I am not slamming those recruiters, but it is important to understand that their job is to recruit enlisted members, not potential officers via SA/ROTC/OCS. They are typically enlisted and do not understand the officer side options.
 
Agree with all of above. The first Marine Board doesn't even meet until November (of course you want to get your app in earlier). I'm sure the closest in deadlines are for the MOC nominations which should probably be your priority if she decides to apply to an academy.

You mention she was ready to sign on for the Reserves. Thought you should know that for NROTC (including Marines) and AFROTC, she will definitely go active duty. If serving in the reserves vs active duty is how she wants to go then AROTC would be the way to proceed.
 
First off, cheers to the HS Principal for the action he took. Its very important that your DS understands the options and commitments that come along with signing a contract and joining the military.

Second, it is not too late. Sooner is better than later; but she has the time to get those applications, essays, physical fitness tests, etc going.

I have been spending hours this last week understanding the process, and the deadlines, and the requirements, and it all seems completely overwhelming,

Its not as bad as it seems. There is a wealth of information on this site (use the search function) and lots of knowledgeable people here.
 
No it's not too late, but she needs to start now. Application deadlines vary per service and type of program so make sure to check each website. The earlier she gets them in the better. Also for Nomnations each MOC has their own deadlines so make sure to check those sites too. With a few weekends and nights after schos buckled down it is possible to get these done over the next month. It seems overwhelming but take it one step at a time. It's a lot of redundant info and just takes time to do. I believe USNA applications aren't due until January usually. Take a deep breathe and if this is what she wants it can be done. And you guys have a good principal!
A deep breath indeed! Thanks so much for the encouragement, and the information, I am so glad we found this forum. I have to tell ya, I was about to blow a gasket this morning as I rifled through all the information available, and trying to figure out the scheduling, but coming here has calmed me, and I thank you all for that.
 
Beware also there are three year scholarships and college program options in case things are not processed in time for the four-year, or if a 4 year scholarship is not granted. Best of luck pursuing this goal!
 
https://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/board-dates-2015-2016-scholarship-boards/

Far from too late... Still plenty of time. You need to talk to the Enrollment Officer at an Army ROTC Battalion, preferably at a school your daughter is interested in ASAP. She needs to start the process soon, but she could possibly start her application in January and finish her file in February and still get a scholarship offer. And remember that not all Cadets earn a scholarship. If she really wants to be an Army Officer she will be enrolled in Army ROTC in 2016 somewhere whether she has a scholarship or not.

Your daughter fell into the trap many a high school senior does...talking to an enlisted recruiter about ROTC in college.
This is some great direction clarksonarmy, thanks for that! The first step appears obvious, speak with an Enrollment Officer, and yes she wants to serve badly, so either way she will be enrolled, you are absolutely correct! Thanks so much again.
 
Agree clarkson with your comment about talking to an enlisted recruiter.

I am not slamming those recruiters, but it is important to understand that their job is to recruit enlisted members, not potential officers via SA/ROTC/OCS. They are typically enlisted and do not understand the officer side options.
We did fall into the trap, purely out of ignorance, and no slam taken, they have a job to do and it's a necessary part of our national defense. They are good folks. But now that you guys mentioned this here, when we were in with the recruiter last month, he was veering us away from ROTC and more towards immediate enlistment. Thanks Pima!
 
Agree with all of above. The first Marine Board doesn't even meet until November (of course you want to get your app in earlier). I'm sure the closest in deadlines are for the MOC nominations which should probably be your priority if she decides to apply to an academy.

You mention she was ready to sign on for the Reserves. Thought you should know that for NROTC (including Marines) and AFROTC, she will definitely go active duty. If serving in the reserves vs active duty is how she wants to go then AROTC would be the way to proceed.
Thank you kinnem, reserves was talked about with the recruiter only for the reason that our daughter is going to college, that is her, and our goal, so the reserves seemed a good fit that could work with her schedule, and server at the same time, but now that the whole ROTC suggestions have been recommended by her school, now she is completely excited and wants to go active after college. Thanks so much for your time and replies.
 
First off, cheers to the HS Principal for the action he took. Its very important that your DS understands the options and commitments that come along with signing a contract and joining the military.

Second, it is not too late. Sooner is better than later; but she has the time to get those applications, essays, physical fitness tests, etc going.

I have been spending hours this last week understanding the process, and the deadlines, and the requirements, and it all seems completely overwhelming,

Its not as bad as it seems. There is a wealth of information on this site (use the search function) and lots of knowledgeable people here.
We are starting today! She is in the process now of starting her online application with ARMY for a scholarship opportunity. Yesterday we were all helping her with college admissions applications as well. It was a full day marathon of online applications, and essays being started, and much more. Whew!
Yes, her high school principle and the Air Force ROTC commander both want her to take this track, they have complete faith that she'll be successful and we forever grateful they stepped in and pulled her/us from the spell of the enlistment recruiter, again not slamming them, they are great folks, and to the credit of the enlistment recruiter, he did inform the high school principle of the intentions, thus the reason he called us and met with us.
 
Beware also there are three year scholarships and college program options in case things are not processed in time for the four-year, or if a 4 year scholarship is not granted. Best of luck pursuing this goal!
Another reason for me to relax just a little Sampia, thanks so much for making that option known to us, you guys are the best! When I awoke this morning, I had a dark cloud hanging over my spirit from the lack of sleep last night, trying to figure out how the heck we are going to help our daughter through this process, it all just seemed overwhelming last night, now it all seems completely possible. Thanks all!
 
Make a big chart with each college, SA, and ROTC she is applying to. Put down everything she needs to do under each (main application, essays, SAT/ACT scores sent, transcript sent, PT scores submitted, etc etc etc). Add in dates each is due and check off as you go. Make a column for the MOC nominations for the SA's. Makes it so much easier to keep track of! Good luck! Remember to breathe! I so remember this from a few years ago and am so thankful it is behind us!
 
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. Last year I was navigating West Point and AROTC applications at this time (perhaps a bit later, oops).
If you or your DD ever gets bogged down in work, or is getting demotivated and starts considering the enlistment route again in order to just not have to do all of this... my scholarship is responsible for $210,000-$218,000 over four years.
Stay motivated, press on.
 
Along with the spreadsheet, you might want to invest in a file tote to drag with you around. DD was driving me nuts with all the paperwork hanging out on the kitchen counter, so the tote was a back-to-school gift! I attached a picture of her file tote. Of course, for impression management, I put the Service Academy Forums file up front for you all to see. Occasionally I will print out a posting for future reference. ;)

One of the problems dd had was remembering all the passwords & userids, so she wrote them on the front of each file along with status updates from the portals. Also, add ACT/SAT/AP files too along with the Common Application, which might be handy. The nomination packets are tucked in the back of the tote in big yellow envelopes, waiting for all the teacher references. The essays are slow going, but fortunately, the 1st month in her AP Eng Lit class, they write college application and scholarship essays that the teacher will review. (Lucky for me).

Much to the recruiter's credit at dd's high school, he recommended the academies in addition to ROTC. However, she mistakenly went to the Army enlistment website to register for ROTC. Hah... she had all kinds of interesting emails and phone calls. :eek:

Best wishes for the journey.
 

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Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. Last year I was navigating West Point and AROTC applications at this time (perhaps a bit later, oops).
If you or your DD ever gets bogged down in work, or is getting demotivated and starts considering the enlistment route again in order to just not have to do all of this... my scholarship is responsible for $210,000-$218,000 over four years.
Stay motivated, press on.
Kronk- how is norwich
 
Make a big chart with each college, SA, and ROTC she is applying to. Put down everything she needs to do under each (main application, essays, SAT/ACT scores sent, transcript sent, PT scores submitted, etc etc etc). Add in dates each is due and check off as you go. Make a column for the MOC nominations for the SA's. Makes it so much easier to keep track of! Good luck! Remember to breathe! I so remember this from a few years ago and am so thankful it is behind us!
Thanks soccmom! I am finding just keeping organized is one of the harder aspects of this journey, just creating a simple flow chart is daunting. Files on our PC being shared between my daughter and myself etc. Thanks so much for your encouragement!
 
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. Last year I was navigating West Point and AROTC applications at this time (perhaps a bit later, oops).
If you or your DD ever gets bogged down in work, or is getting demotivated and starts considering the enlistment route again in order to just not have to do all of this... my scholarship is responsible for $210,000-$218,000 over four years.
Stay motivated, press on.
That is completely awesome Kronk, what a scholarship! If you don't mind me asking where did you finally end up? And another question, I am seeing DS and DD around here often, can someone please explain this terminology, thanks! And I'll surely take you up on the PM offer, I appreciate that.
 
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