AROTC Interview This Week

CoachBart

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My DS has his Army ROTC Interview this week at VMI. I have read a lot of good tips on this forum that I have passed on to my DS. I want to ask for some additional last minute tips for this Fri and I have a couple of questions.

1. I have read that its a good idea for my DS to have a folder with him containing his Essay that he wrote on the AROTC website application, a copy of his PT test that he took, and a brief bio/resume. So he will have that with him. He also will have his own list of questions for them if he gets an opportunity to ask them. I have even read on here where people even discussed what they were going to wear. My DS will wear a collered shirt and tie. He likes to wear a tie for important occasions.

2. Should he put anything else in the folder that I mentioned above? He was given the task of writing the PT for his JROTC class at school last year and he did a good job of planning and teaching the class proper form and had his plan written out so I told him he may want to bring that and show them to show he was placed in that position of teaching and leadership in that class. What do you think? Good idea or bad?

3. How many copies of each item should he have to hand out? Who else will be at this interview?

4. Should he bring a change of clothes and tell them he can take the PT test again for them if they like?

5. What will the interview be like and what questions will he need to answer?

Although I am driving him I am not going to be around for the interview but I will pass on any tips to him ya'll give me. Also, someone mentioned the other day to send a follow up email thanking them for their time. I think that is a good idea and its always nice to be courteous for any reason. Has my DS forgotten anything important that he should address? Also, how long do these interviews usually last?

The only other thing my DS has to do after the interview is have the school nurse confirm his height and weight and send that to CC. He got a letter stating that the nurse letter and the Interview are the only items still missing. I have some questions about SMP too but I will start a new thread for that.
 
Here are my thoughts on the interview. Each Battalion will be a little different, so these questions may be better asked of the ROO, or on the Battalion's facebook page, if they have one.
http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2011/07/25/the-interview/

Some info on SMP, there is lots of info on this discussion board, so before starting a new thread you might want to search on SMP and see what has been discussed previously
http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/smp-another-option/

Good luck
 
Have your DS relax some too:smile: I would put anything in that folder that he may use to promote himself as a Scholar, Athlete, Leader. My DS had 3 members of the cadre at his interview, but it is different at each school. I would include at least 2 copies of his bio/resume. I'm sure you've looked over the interview score sheet, gojack has posted a link in several threads.

Have something to do while he's in the interview - somewhere on campus to visit or just hang out....DS's interview was over an hour, again, I'm sure this varies school to school.
 
clarkson's interview tips are excellent. I have a bit of a different take on the importance of the resume, though. For my DS's interview last year, it was important.

In the case of my DS, the APMS who conducted the interview was really really happy to receive a copy of the resume, and he actually used it to conduct the interview and to fill out his interview sheet. He asked DS about every item and used it to prompt his questions as the interview went on (sure, he could have obtained the information on the computer and printed it out before the interview, but he didn't).

Most of the interview questions were about items listed in the resume, but there were some totally random questions as I recall used to gauge his reasoning skills and ability to think on his feet (can't really prepare for that, other than getting a good night sleep).

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with bringing extra PT clothes (my DS did not), but it likely won't be necessary. You can keep those in the car in case the offer to retake the PT test is accepted (my philosphy is that it is better to be prepared for an interview than not).

DS also took with him a small notepad and a pen just in case he had to write something down. That was a tip that I passed on to my DS, because it was always drilled into me that when reporting to a senior officer, you should come prepared to take notes.

Usually, there is only one interviewer, but there may another officer who is mainly there as an observer (as in the case where the interviewer is training a replacement).

I would also bring a copy of HS transcripts.

As for number of copies, I would bring three (1 for the interviewer, 1 in case there is another person sitting next to the interviewer, and 1 for your DS so he can follow along with the interviewer without having to lean over the desk to view the entry being discussed).

The interview itself lasts about an hour. You should expect an introductory "sales pitch" of about 10-20 minutes talking about how great the program is at the school and then the real interview.

I think not having the parent show up for the interview is a good idea because it sends an important message that it is the applicant, not the parent, taking the initiative for the scholarship application.

Oh . . . and a nice haircut before the interview is always useful (don't need a "high and tight" Marine Corps haircut, though, just a typical high schooler haircut).

A link to the interview score sheet can be found in clarkson's blog on interview tips. The interviewer will actualy fill that out during the interview.

Clarkson's point about "Yes, Sir. Yes, Ma'am" is very important. High Schoolers tend to respond to questions with "Yeah" or "Cool", which can be misinterpreted.

Good luck!!!
 
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I don't know anything about VMI, so I don't know the specifics on the interview there - but I would make sure that they know your son has
the full support of his family in his chosen path, I understand not being there
during the interview, maybe pick him up at the end and shake hands?
--- Just a thought

One addition - he should have a small note pad and pen/pencil - if they start giving him a lot of info, it's good to take a few notes.
 
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Thanks

Thanks for all of your comments. I appreciate the fact that each one of you "brought something to the table." I will post a follow up comment after my DS interview this weekend.
 
Thanks for all of your comments. I appreciate the fact that each one of you "brought something to the table." I will post a follow up comment after my DS interview this weekend.

Thank you in advance for doing that, CoachBart. Others will benefit from your experience. Best of luck to your DS!!
 
Interviews seem to vary from battalion and PMS.

I have had 2 sons go through the process now and both were different.

The older son had his interview at a local University which was not at the top of his list. The day of his appointment we received a call and the Major asked that I come in with him. We both sat in her office for about an hour talking about the program, when the official interview was about to start she directed me to the Lt. Col.'s office where I was asked to sit and talk more about the program. After the interview we all sat together for an hour or so and talked some more. It was very informal, my son wore slacks and a nice shirt.

Younger son was quite different, He was visiting his brother at school and asked if he could join them for PT. after PT was over the PMS invited him to come to his office and talk. Half way through there discussion he asked him if he wanted to just complete the interview. My son was in running shorts and a T-shirt, the completed the interview and talked for about another hour about the program and Tanks, he was an Armor Officer. The interview was very casual as you can tell.

I think the advice above is great, both sons had their resumes with them and it helped them to not forget anything. It was also nice because the PMS went over the list to make sure he had everything on his application.

The best advice is to relax and be as comfortable as you can, Oh...and don't say Yea or um...say Yes or No to the questions asked, and don't be shy, let the PMS know everything you have done, remember you are trying to sell yourself.

Good luck.
 
My son did his at our local university about 3 weeks ago.

Clarksonarmy's blog post (link above) was so helpful, especially the score sheet.

He was asked to bring a resume, transcript, and CFA scores from West Point (accepted in lieu of the ROTC PT test).

His interview was conducted one on one, lasted about 45 minutes, and was pretty informal. My son enjoyed hearing the ROO's stories about Ranger School!

The only thing I would add to all the good advice above is for the candidate to have a few questions about the particular battalion. The evaluation process should be happening in both directions!
 
The interviewee should be prepared to answer a variation of the question "What jobs in the military do you think you are best suited for ?". You would be surprised how many applicants will speak about enlisted jobs or jobs that only exist in other branches of service. I use this question to determine whether the interviewee has done any research, and whether or not they have reasonable expectations.
 
My DS has his Army ROTC Interview this week at VMI. I have read a lot of good tips on this forum that I have passed on to my DS. I want to ask for some additional last minute tips for this Fri and I have a couple of questions.

1. I have read that its a good idea for my DS to have a folder with him containing his Essay that he wrote on the AROTC website application, a copy of his PT test that he took, and a brief bio/resume. So he will have that with him. He also will have his own list of questions for them if he gets an opportunity to ask them. I have even read on here where people even discussed what they were going to wear. My DS will wear a collered shirt and tie. He likes to wear a tie for important occasions.

2. Should he put anything else in the folder that I mentioned above? He was given the task of writing the PT for his JROTC class at school last year and he did a good job of planning and teaching the class proper form and had his plan written out so I told him he may want to bring that and show them to show he was placed in that position of teaching and leadership in that class. What do you think? Good idea or bad?

3. How many copies of each item should he have to hand out? Who else will be at this interview?

4. Should he bring a change of clothes and tell them he can take the PT test again for them if they like?

5. What will the interview be like and what questions will he need to answer?

Although I am driving him I am not going to be around for the interview but I will pass on any tips to him ya'll give me. Also, someone mentioned the other day to send a follow up email thanking them for their time. I think that is a good idea and its always nice to be courteous for any reason. Has my DS forgotten anything important that he should address? Also, how long do these interviews usually last?

The only other thing my DS has to do after the interview is have the school nurse confirm his height and weight and send that to CC. He got a letter stating that the nurse letter and the Interview are the only items still missing. I have some questions about SMP too but I will start a new thread for that.

DS and I just returned from his AROTC interview at VMI. First they showed a video to the two of us, then ushered me to a waiting room while DS had his interview. He said it was very informal. The interviewer had DS' information printed out from the scholarship website and was only interested in any new information that could be added. The only question that was asked of him was why he wanted to be in the army. Then DS had the opportunity to ask questions. There was no need for any resume. Then he escorted DS back to me and reiterated some of what he had discussed with DS and asked me if I had any questions. They checked his PT test to see how physically fit he was, but it seemed to be more of a gauge. He only interviewed with one person, and there was no need to hand anything out, as they had everything they needed (unless you had something new to add). It seemed that they liked having a parent there.

We also had an appointment with admissions afterward. Again, we saw another video, and they took him away to talk with him. Then they brought me in and summarized what had been discussed and asked me if I had any questions. Everything was pretty informal. DS did wear a shirt and tie with a pair of khakis, because that's what he wanted to wear.

Good luck tomorrow! DS is glad it's over, but loved being back on campus and it just made him more excited to possibly go there.
 
I was a on-campus scholarship cadet when they handed 4 year awards out like candy a few years ago so I never really did an interview. However by appearing in business casual clothes, coming in with some military knowledge, being prepared to answer questions, showing up clean shaven and using basic customs and courtesies could only help.
 
Interview Completed

DS and I just returned from his AROTC interview at VMI. First they showed a video to the two of us, then ushered me to a waiting room while DS had his interview. He said it was very informal. The interviewer had DS' information printed out from the scholarship website and was only interested in any new information that could be added. The only question that was asked of him was why he wanted to be in the army. Then DS had the opportunity to ask questions. There was no need for any resume. Then he escorted DS back to me and reiterated some of what he had discussed with DS and asked me if I had any questions. They checked his PT test to see how physically fit he was, but it seemed to be more of a gauge. He only interviewed with one person, and there was no need to hand anything out, as they had everything they needed (unless you had something new to add). It seemed that they liked having a parent there.

We also had an appointment with admissions afterward. Again, we saw another video, and they took him away to talk with him. Then they brought me in and summarized what had been discussed and asked me if I had any questions. Everything was pretty informal. DS did wear a shirt and tie with a pair of khakis, because that's what he wanted to wear.

Good luck tomorrow! DS is glad it's over, but loved being back on campus and it just made him more excited to possibly go there.

My DS completed his inetrview at VMI and it was an exact copy of what you stated above. My DS also visited admissions and met with the minority admissions officer and wrestling staff as well. This was the last step he had to complete so now he just has to wait and see. All of the info I learned on this site has been so helpful. My son is also going to visit the other schools he is applying to as well.
 
My DS completed his inetrview at VMI and it was an exact copy of what you stated above. My DS also visited admissions and met with the minority admissions officer and wrestling staff as well. This was the last step he had to complete so now he just has to wait and see. All of the info I learned on this site has been so helpful. My son is also going to visit the other schools he is applying to as well.
Coach Bart,

Congrats to your DS and thank you for letting all know that SAF advice works! Hope that other 2016 potentials read and follow.

Sounds like your DS is in good shape for the first Board. Now he can concentrate on enjoying his senior year of HS. The good news will come if/when it's ready. Don't make it his/yours number one obsession. Trust me, it will just make life more painful than it has to be. I think you both have taken all the right steps, and now things are in higher hands, as well as those of CC.

One last thing, have DS do some follow-up emails to all he talked with at VMI. Also, at other school visits, give them a heads up as they will have access to the interview info.
 
My DS completed his inetrview at VMI and it was an exact copy of what you stated above. My DS also visited admissions and met with the minority admissions officer and wrestling staff as well. This was the last step he had to complete so now he just has to wait and see. All of the info I learned on this site has been so helpful. My son is also going to visit the other schools he is applying to as well.

I'm glad it went well! My DS also has visited other schools (all SMCs), and has declared VMI his #1 choice. It really did help to visit the other schools to get a feel of the campus. Perhaps we'll see you at VMI next year!

And I agree, this forum has been a HUGE source of information. I honestly don't know what people do without it. Good luck with the rest of your visits!
 
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