NROTC College Sophomore

RFawkes1

New Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2016
Messages
2
So, I am currently looking at applying to my universities Naval ROTC, but I'm not sure what it is I'd be applying for. I'm assuming I'll be applying for a 3-year scholarship as I'm currently a freshman at my university. Last year as a senior in high school, I was rejected because my SAT scores for mathematics were just below the ROTC standards as well as my major was Biomedical Sciences. I'm actually good at math, but that SAT score was from my sophomore year of high school and I never retook the test. This year I've since changed my major to chemical engineering and am doing pretty well in all my classes A's and one A-.

My main question is if I'm even eligible to receive the scholarship because I'm not currently enrolled in an ROTC unit. Am I pretty much SOL because I didn't get accepted my first year, or do I still have a fighting chance? I understand the scholarship is relatively difficult to get, but I'm going to do my best to get it.

My other question is, what kind of things is the review board look for in an application aside from a high GPA and a preferred major?

Thanks for your input.
 
If you're a freshman, then I assume you currently have less than 30 credit hours. If so, you're eligible to apply for the NROTC National scholarship. The minimum to apply is 520Math/530English, or 21Math/22English. Average scores for accepted students are about 1370 (out of 1600) or 31. The National focuses heavily on HS record and standardized test scores.

The 2-year and 3-year side load scholarships are only available once you have at least 30 credit hours. Side loads only focus on college, freshman year and beyond. They do not consider HS record or standardized test scores.

If you're not a member of the College Program at your school NROTC unit, you're blowing your opportunity. Yes, you can apply for the National as a non-affiliated student, but your chances are much lower. A student can technically apply for the side loads as a non-affiliated student as well, but they're not going to get it; the overwhelming majority go to college program students already in NROTC units.

Go meet with your school's unit. Ask to join college program at the start of the spring. Ask for guidance on the National application.
 
If you're a freshman, then I assume you currently have less than 30 credit hours. If so, you're eligible to apply for the NROTC National scholarship. The minimum to apply is 520Math/530English, or 21Math/22English. Average scores for accepted students are about 1370 (out of 1600) or 31. The National focuses heavily on HS record and standardized test scores.

The 2-year and 3-year side load scholarships are only available once you have at least 30 credit hours. Side loads only focus on college, freshman year and beyond. They do not consider HS record or standardized test scores.

If you're not a member of the College Program at your school NROTC unit, you're blowing your opportunity. Yes, you can apply for the National as a non-affiliated student, but your chances are much lower. A student can technically apply for the side loads as a non-affiliated student as well, but they're not going to get it; the overwhelming majority go to college program students already in NROTC units.

Go meet with your school's unit. Ask to join college program at the start of the spring. Ask for guidance on the National application.

Sorry, to clarify, I meant I was going to apply during my 2nd semester and by that time I'll have 30 credit hours. The college program only accepts applications for fall semester and will be selected May 31st, 2017. So do you think my only option would be to apply for the scholarship when I complete my second semester? Is there maybe a 3 year college program that I'd apply for and apply for advance standing the following year? Do you think I would apply for the college program again or both, on the website it clearly labels it as the 4-year college program.
 
Last edited:
You're confusing the local unit's college program application with the National scholarship application. They are entirely different. You apply for the National scholarship now, as the deadline is January. Do it now, and you'll be under the 30 credit mark.

Local college program applications are controlled by each individual unit, and students can join freshman or sophomore year. I'd be shocked if a unit wouldn't entertain letting you join at the start of the spring semester. Don't treat what's on their website as the bible, just ask them.

If you're interested in this opportunity, just go to the unit and talk to them. There isn't anything else anyone here can tell you that's going to make this any easier.
 
The college program only accepts applications for fall semester
They may only accept applications for the fall semester, but you should be able to join the battalion for the spring semester as a college programmer with no scholarship. DS had at least 2 join his battalion last spring.

Meet with one of the officers of the battalion. Let them know you want to join the unit and you would like to participate this spring semester. Let them know you are working on the national scholarship application, they may offer to help or review your application.
 
Back
Top