NROTC MO Scholarship Update - Advice for Future Applicants

I received a few messages throughout my application process to keep some of y'all informed. First off I'll start by saying thank you to all those who have encouraged me and given advice, greatly appreciated. I will continue to update those who are interested in my progress as an applicant and midshipman; next year. As for now, this is my last thread. Now for what you're really here for.


On 3 October, 2020 I had my officer interviews and PFT.
20 Pull Ups
105 Crunches
19:18 - 3 Mile Run
Total/Official Score: 292
Not a 300, but a score I’m proud of. Will continue to train for a sub 18:00.

Officer Interview:
(My experience and insight for future Marine applicants).
I sat down with my state's executive officer (O3) and a Major for my interview. Both asked questions regarding leadership and personal experience. I believe my interview went very well. Hell, even made the XO smile when I said I wanted to pursue Infantry. After my interview my recruiter was called into the officers conference room. According to my SSGT, the two officers told him I would be a good Marine Officer candidate/midshipmen. It's always nice to hear, but I won't ever know until I commission. I was told today I was ranked first out of all the applicants that attended that station for the pacific northwest.

This part is for future applicants. Questions you may be asked:
- Why do you want to become a Marine Officer?
- Have you looked at any jobs? If so, what are you interested in?
- What are the most important characteristics in a leader?
- They will most likely follow up that question with a trait you listed and ask: Why is it important for a leader to have this trait?
- What adversity have you faced?
- They may give you some form of situation. In my experience it was: You're in the field and you lose communication with another group. What do you do?
Best advice I can give is, be able to back up your answers. Remember, these are not guaranteed questions so come prepared to answer anything.

All the best.

My DS was not Marines but his situational question was...you've been given orders to fire upon the targeted enemy. The problem is he's in a school. You do not know if civilians are present. What do you do...tough question for a 17 year old.

I’m applying for the scholarship too brother! Best of luck, hopefully you get selected on the first board!

goirish1 said:

My DS was not Marines but his situational question was...you've been given orders to fire upon the targeted enemy. The problem is he's in a school. You do not know if civilians are present. What do you do...tough question for a 17 year old.

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Much trickier than a simple combat communications scenario.

goirish1 said:

My DS was not Marines but his situational question was...you've been given orders to fire upon the targeted enemy. The problem is he's in a school. You do not know if civilians are present. What do you do...tough question for a 17 year old.

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It seems like the smartest answer sometimes would be to say "I do not know/I have a lot to learn". I have heard that from some smart people. I am not using the word "wise" for a good reason. An 18-year-old or even a college student mostly likely is not "wise". A candidate could be enthusiastic to learn, though.

Mousie29 said:

It seems like the smartest answer sometimes would be to say "I do not know/I have a lot to learn". I have heard that from some smart people. I am not using the word "wise" for a good reason. An 18-year-old or even a college student mostly likely is not "wise". A candidate could be enthusiastic to learn, though.

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I think the I don’t know Is a good answer. My daughter was asked specific questions years ago about the Patriot Act (she was an 04 HS grad) and she started to answer as she had a vague idea but then stopped herself and said, “To be honest, I don’t know enough about it to provide you with a thoughtful answer. I will, however learn about it.” She got her nomination.