To add some of my insight into competitiveness of the ROTC nom:
- Pretty much everyone who applies for it, gets it. I've not heard of anyone getting turned down for it. If some people are turned down, it's extremely rare.
- You can apply to the same branch academy as your JROTC without being an honor unit. e.g. All AJROTC units can apply for USMA nominations, All NJROTC units can apply for USNA nominations. Honor units w/ distinction may apply to any or all academies.
- Some 200-400 nominations are granted every year for 20 slots to each academy. Whereas with an MOC nomination, you would be competing with at most 9 other people, you compete with at least 9 other people with the ROTC nom.
- Most ROTC nom candidates are 3Q (~75%), whereas only half of MOC candidates are 3Q. With an ROTC nom, you are now competing with at least 7-8 people. With MOC nom, you would be competing with 4 other people.
Without accounting for merit:
- Someone with only an ROTC nomination would have a 12% (or lower) chance at receiving an appointment.
- Someone with only an MOC nomination would have a 20% chance at receiving an appointment. Please note: These estimations are based on average districts. The competitiveness of your district would obviously change this.
This is why it's important to apply for as many nominations as you are eligible for! More nominations = more areas to compete.
More important notes:
- The statistics above are represented in assuming someone has only one nomination. Use your brain to determine how the above information is relevant to you. e.g Someone with both an ROTC and MOC nomination is more likely to receive appointment with the MOC nomination, and therefore, less likely to receive appointment with the ROTC nomination.
- The academies usually don't use up their ROTC nomination slots. They have 20 available, only 16 are usually filled. The statistics above were represented as if all 20 spots were filled. Adjust accordingly.
In conclusion, a nomination is a nomination. If you are the best and most stunning candidate, you'll be sure to get in no matter which nomination you have.