AROTC January Board Acceptance

For those of us who were not offered anything, we still have to play the waiting game. Now, I have a question for those who might know. Who do I contact to find out how I can make my application stronger and even more competitive? Please answer if you know!
 
thank you for that post!

Yes the process seems to have changed tremendously in the last few years. It was different for our student this year than when we were involved with ROTC as cadre previously. Singapore mom offers excellent advice. Sit tight for a day or so, let the process work and then if your student was offered scholarship but not at their #1 school, THEN call the PMS and maybe that person can shed some light on your particular situation.

This was the situation our student was in, even after interviewing with PMS at #1 school. One week later (after board results and scholarship offers posted) #1 school was able to offer a 3yr AD scholarship maybe convertible to a 4yr by the end of the board process.

Generally speaking the PMS will try to work with you and your student if at all possible. But do remember, as singapore mom stated, Cadet Command has the ultimate say as they hold the dollars. And as someone stated several months back- the "dollar is the bottom line".
 
House06 said:
But for some to say that those who are involved in the decision making process do not know what they are doing is irresponsible and I believe comes from an emotional state rather than any real assessment of the situation.
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I think we are definitely coming from 'an emotional state'...that's for sure! :eek:
However, some of the comments my son has received from a certain PMS has definitely shown his lack of understanding of the process. Haven't shared that experience online, but it does happen. Most people don't share all their Wonderful stories, but it would be nice if they did.:smile:

Being unhappy with the process, status updates from PMS, etc...is a lot different than being upset about the decisions that are made. Once the decision is made, everyone moves forward and deals with it in different ways. Accepts it, asks for a transfer, etc.

Do we need to be patient? yes!
Is that always easy? No!!!

I'm sure we can all agree that no PMS is intentionally giving out misleading information. They want the best batch of kids they can get.
 
teach2 no "snottiness" perceived! The scholarship process is massive and confusing and doesn't always work like a well- oiled machine but it does work and it offers our children some really great, life-changing opportunities that they might not have had otherwise. Seems like that is certainly worth all the irritation, worrying and annoyance that we might have upfront.
 
Helen23- Go over the application with a fine tooth comb and see if you left out anything. Maybe things have changed since you first applied. Can you retake SATs/ACTs?

If there is a place for extras, not included on the bubble sheet/online choices, then create a resume that will cover everything from 9th grade until now.

My son had attended some leadership seminars/conferences on National Security and also Aviation (pilot ground school and learned to fly a plane). There definitely wasn't a check box for that.

Volunteer projects? include this on the resume with a quick description.

My son's resume was divided into:

Leadership and Extra Curricular Activities
Awards and Accomplishments
Community Involvement
Employment


Here's his resume: (formatting is lost when copied).

Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
Boy Scouts of America
• Eagle Scout (completed in 9th grade, received in 10th grade)
• Senior Patrol Leader (9th grade)
• Junior Leader Training (9th grade); Scuba Award (10th grade)
• My Eagle Project was completed in Singapore. I worked for one year to design and implement an Orienteering course for the 3rd grade curriculum at Singapore American School. This project included learning topographical and Orienteering mapping software, leading a team to measure out three separate physical courses, creating a workable manual with lesson plans, and teaching the teachers.
YMCA Camp Jones Gulch Resident Camp
• Counselor-in-Training (10th grade);
• Counselor-in-Training II/Jr. Camp Counselor (11th grade)
Orchestra, Symphony
• Double Bass Member (9-12th grade)
• 1st Chair (9th and 11th grades)
• Letter (11th grade)
National Honor Society
• Member (10th - 12th grades)
Navy JROTC
• Platoon Commander (12th grade)
• Commanding Officer-Orienteering Team (12th grade)
• Academic Team Member (12th grade)
Baseball Coach
• Baseball coach for 3rd/4th grade team (10th grade)
Model United Nations
• Member (11th grade)
The American Culture Club
• Member, Vice President (9th grade)
The Conspiracy Theorists Club
• Member, Vice President (10th grade)
Other School Clubs
• Ultimate Frisbee Club: Member (9th-10th grades)
• Football Club: Member (9th-10th grades)
• Asian Food and Culture Club: Member (11th – 12th grades)
Football
• Junior Varsity (9th-11th grade)
• Varsity (12th grade, will receive Letter in Fall 2009)
Baseball
• Junior Varsity (10th grade)
Scuba Diving
• Open Water Certified
Awards and Accomplishments

Military Academy – Summer Leaders
• USAFA Summer Leader Seminar (12th grade- Summer 2009)
Leadership Conferences
• National Junior Leaders Conference – National Security (9th grade)
• Congressional Student Leadership Conference – Aviation and Aeronautics (12th grade-Summer 2009 – ground school and flight simulation and flight instruction)
Honors
• National Society of High School Scholars (11th -12th grades)
Chinese
• High School Level 1-2, Singapore American School (9th-10th grades)
• High School Level 3, Concordia Language Villages, Summer Immersion (11th grade)
• Six Week Immersion in China, (12th grade- Summer 2009- included trekking, home stays, service projects, and language immersion)
Philmont Scout Ranch
• Completed high adventure expedition : 75 mile hike, environmental and outdoor activities using Leave No Trace principles
• Philmont Award– Boy Scouts of America (10th grade)
Community Activities

YMCA – Lake Houston, Kingwood Volunteer - chaperone (11th grade)
Humble Parks District Volunteer for Pioneer Days (11th grade)
Humble Independent School District Volunteer – babysitting (11th grade)
Boy Scouts of America various Eagle projects and community service including tree planting, bench building, orphanage painting, teaching migrant workers computer skills, food drives Kingwood, Texas; Singapore (9th-10th grade; will join local troop in 12th grade)
Elephant Nature Park. Built fences and helped with Elephant preservation, Chang Mai, Thailand (9th grade)
La Shi Hai, China Taught English to elementary aged students, cleaned debris from school’s interior and exterior, painted school steps, built greenhouse for community so they can have fresh food during the winter. (12th grade)
Employment

Self Employed Lemonade, Coffee and Doughnut Stand on Weekends. Landscaping, Yard work, Odd jobs . All to finance my trip to China. (11th grade)
 
well i will share something from our own experience. Our student received a 4yr scholarship from a very good school with a top rated ROTC program and an extremely attentive and professional ROTC PMS and staff.

The #1 choice school, PMS not so attentive, however he doesn't have to be. Students are begging to get into the school and ROTC program. I think probably some of that is personality driven, some is just program driven etc.

Our student really had a very difficult time turning down ROTC scholarship with super great PMS. However several things contributed to that decision. (1) not accepted to university yet- probably will be, but still a chance (2) wonderful PMS will be leaving soon (3) #1 school has always been our student's #1 choice and seems to be a better fit- personality wise and academically.

Yes, I agree that the ROTC programs should be very attentive to the applicants and parents. To me, that gives an overall impression of what your student's experience is going to be there. I "interviewed" one PMS and have names, faces and personal interaction with the other program. No, thats not always feasible- but I do think it is very important to get a good sense of the program and people that you are entrusting the care of your student to.
 
singaporemom, my experiences just with Cadet Command and all the people I have talked with could fill a page. And I am not a mom but a Army ROTC hopeful student! If anyone wishes me to relate, just ask!:wink:
In all seriousness, this is the message I keep getting from Cadet Command and the PMS: "Yes, yes everything is there and fine. Just wait." They told me this when my application was incomplete, when they messed up my last name, my GPA, etc....
Finally, it looks like everything is there! :thumb: Yay!
In my opinion, it looks like the more you have, the more chance you get of getting a scholarship. My big question is, does it matter which schools you want to go to? Because it seems like that is what it's coming down to, at least in my experience.
Sorry for rambling, but this is what happened to me,the short version.
 
House06-
The PMS interviews were key to me as a parent. This PMS knew more things about my older son that I could have imagined. And after he interviewed my younger son he picked up on key differences that only someone who was paying attention would have noticed. This battallion has always ranked very very high nationally and you can see why.
 
Helen- sometimes the schools have something to do with it, which is why most are advised to throw in at least one safety school.

Test scores and GPA are just one part of the equation. A friend of ours has not received her scholarship yet and she is ranked in the top 10 (not %) in her class and has already been admitted to a very prestigious school.

The sports and the leadership are very vital. Create a resume and see what you can come up with to make you a stronger candidate.
 
Helen23 said:
My big question is, does it matter which schools you want to go to? Because it seems like that is what it's coming down to, at least in my experience.
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I honestly don't know what they are looking for. However, I think you might be correct about the schools you want to go to. My son put down schools he had been accepted to or was pretty sure he could get accepted to. His ACT was lower than most but he has decent grades and activities. I am glad to hear that your file is finally competed. My fingers are crossed for you!
 
House06 - Excellent Posts! Thank you for that.

I would like to add that a PMS has this tour for only 4 years. In each of the last three years changes have been made to the scholarship system. My daughter applied back in the fall of 2006 and the process is completely different now.

This year they changed the DODMERB process. Until this year, beginning an application for a scholarship got you a DODMERB physical. Not so this year.
Also understand that all scholarships are "Conditional" until you become medically qualified. While you have been offered a scholarship - you don't actually have it... yet.

Cadet Command is housed in a very small base in Virginia - Fort Monroe. They are in the process of moving to Fort Knox and will be consolidating the Eastern and Western Region.

The issue of high cost schools - they get lots and lots of applications. This is why I suggest that everyone find an in-state (or even out of state) public college or university to apply to. This increases your chances greatly. If you only apply to private LAC's with $40,000 tuition you may be dissappointed.

Finally - Do NOT pick a school because you (or your candidate) "love" the PMS and "clicked". You might be dissappointed when you get there in the fall and discover he left over the summer. Remember - they may wine and dine you but they are in fact, recruiting.

Congratulations to those who have scholarships so far and good luck to those who are waiting. Just keep in mind - there is lots of time left and there will be a lot of movement to come. Hang in there!
 
I see....
Thanks for the advice! :thumb:
I shall now bother my PMS at the school of my choice to ask his advice on what the school he is at is looking for.
Wish me luck!:smile:
 
Helen23 said:
For those of us who were not offered anything, we still have to play the waiting game. Now, I have a question for those who might know. Who do I contact to find out how I can make my application stronger and even more competitive? Please answer if you know!
Click to expand...

Were you sent a letter with the name of a point of contact? If so then make copied of your updates and fax/mail them to your POC.
 
One PMS told my son that there aren't too many Chinese speaking, varsity football playing, Eagle Scouts out there.

Seems that the combination was intriguing.
 
Helen 23
There is probably not a 'simple" answer on how to make your ROTC application stronger. If there is time, retake the ACT/SAT and focus on improving test scores. Although ROTC uses whole candidate score, these test scores are important to the universities and colleges, you are applying to. Update your candidate activities record with any "leadership" "honors" you may have received after your initial application . Fax these or priority mail these to your contact representative at Cadet Command. If you do not know who this is, call Cadet Command and ask. There are regional contacts assigned.

Take a hard look at the schools you are applying to. Are they all "reach" schools? Meaning that you might be on the"bubble" to get in or will probably not gain admission? You can reasonably determine this by looking at each school's admission statistics for Class of 2013. Take a look at the middle 50% statistics for that class. If you do not fall into the "range" for ACT/SAT scores, top "whatever %age" class rank, certain GPA between X and X, then this particular school might be a reach school and you may or may not get in.

If your school list includes more "reach" rather than "safety" schools ( schools you should get into, then that might be impacting your ROTC application. Cadet Command would be hard pressed to award scholarship to an applicant whose list contains all or mostly schools that the applicant may not get into.

As others have already said, if you have been accepted to schools already and they are on your ROTC list, send a copy of your letter of acceptance with a letter stating your continued interest in the ROTC program to the PMS of that program. This will demonstrate determination and motivation. So that when, if your name pops up for scholarship then there is some recognition. Also, up to this point, unless you have the opportunity to meet the PMS personally or interact with the program in some way, you are (and everyone else) is a paper application and a name on a list.

You have to establish some sort of connection with the program by showing determined interest. So, that even in the case of you not receiving a national ROTC scholarship; then there is the possibility, particularly if you have already been accepted at the school that you might be able to receive an "inhouse" scholarship or the opportunity to participate with the program for a year and then compete for a 3 or 2 year scholarship. Yes, its not the same as a 4yr "full tuition" scholarship. But it may serve your purpose of helping to pay for a college education and serve in the military as well.

This last option will very much depend upon your desire to attend a certain university and participate in their ROTC program regardless. Amazingly, more people take this option than you might think.

Thinking about how to make your application stronger is good, but honestly short of really improving ACT/SAT scores ( if you think that is a hinderance), one of the best things you can probably do while you wait out the process is to become proactive and work on your "what if" plans. Just in case.

I am sure everything will work out for you in the end. While you wait, take the action that you can in preparing for your future. We will all be waiting to hear your good news later in the Spring!
 
My PMS keeps telling my that my application is very good and that I look very competitive for a Army ROTC scholarship at that school. It's such a small school though....However, the fact that it is a veterinary school should have it fairly high on the list, right?:eek:
Stats: Want to be a veterinarian. Volunteer at a local vet's office every Monday. GPA: 3.94. ACT: 27(hoping to boost it). Second degree black belt in TaeKwonDo, which includes leadership, self-control, and honor. A certified referee in TaeKwonDo, again leadership and confidence skills. Participant in Debate Teams and Speech Teams. Got the Congressional Gold Medal for Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Employed at both my TKD school and at a local grocery store. Sometimes, I even babysit. In the top 10% of my classes, which include physics, Algebra 2, Philosophy, World History, and everything else that doesn't include math or science. Schools of choice in order:
1. Oklahoma State University, accepted, has an Army ROTC program, have met the PMS there.
2. Texas Tech University, accepted, has an Army ROTC program, talked to the PMS over the phone.
3. University of Missouri-Columbia, accepted, has an Army ROTC program, have not met the PMS.
4. University of Portland, accepted, has an Army ROTC program, have not met the PMS.
5. Texas A&M University, waiting on acceptance, has an Army ROTC, have not met the PMS.

the problems I had with my application were all through the computer and the people at Cadet Command losing my information. I know that it is a small facility and I do feel sorry for them. Now that everything is there, I feel more confident. Sorry for rambling again.
Helen23 out!
 
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Keep checking!!!

I have been quietly reading all the posts this week of everyone's staus changing. It is so exciting to see some people moving forward, but I admit being a little bummed that my son's status did not change. I was especially bummed to see the post yesterday where a PMS told someone that all the updates have been made for this month and now we wait until March. Well, old habits die hard so of course I checked his status again this morning....just in case! :wink:

Well, it CHANGED to the DoDMERB status!!!! :shake: :biggrin:

So apparently not everything was posted yesterday. I am so excited I can't see straight! He has been accepted to 4 of the 5 schools he listed, but he really wants his #1 choice. I just may have a nervous breakdown waiting to see the list of schools! My son is not the least bit nervous and has "known" all along that he will get it. He must have gotten his patience and his confidence from his father! :cool:
 
From my understanding, a current PMS is "on the job" for three years, with a possible renewal for the 4th year and this is generally dependent upon whether or not the last assignment involved a deployment.

Some things for parents/ students to consider for ROTC programs

Students:
(1) Does the ROTC staff at school answer my questions(in a reasonable manner) and contact me in a timely manner?
(2) Do I have access to current cadets to ask questions about the program?
(3) What does the website look like?
(4) Are there social activites for ROTC battalion? Or does the unit run separate ways as soon as training/ class is over?
(5) How often does the battalion have scheduled Physical Training?
(6) Does this unit participate in intramural sports program? Or train with athletic teams on campus?
(7) Does being an ROTC student have any other benefits/ such as move in early policy? Free attendance at certain campus events?
(8) Is there mandatory study hall? Or are tutoring services available for students to help maintain GPA for scholarship? Academic probation policy?
(9) Is there a peer mentoring program for freshman to help integration into program and campus?
(10) How is the ROTC program perceived on campus? Any issues?

For Parents:
(1) is the ROTC staff professional, friendly and helpful( within reason?)
(2) Are they able to address most of your concerns or questions?
(3) What is the relationship between ROTC and university administration?
(4) Does the ROTC staff have an "open door" policy for cadets?
(5) If there are "issues" between cadets such as dating problems, harrassment etc, how do they handle these type situations?
(6) Grade policy- In view of "privacy act policy" regarding student grades, are parents notified of grades? If not, in what situtaion would they be?
(7) What policiy is in place to help students maintain GPA? Study hall, tutors, academic counseling with PMS? etc
(8) Are there social activities planned for cadets' families to attend?
(9) Does the unit send out a newsletter or other information to families?
(10) What is the policy- or at what point does the PMS notifiy cadet families of problems/potential problems facing cadet? Grades, attitude, class absences etc?
(11) How does the PMS feel about educational delay? what is the unit's record for getting student educational delays for law and med school? Does the PMS assist or provide assistance for those students who might consider the Rhodes, Fulbright, Marshall scholar programs?
(12) If there is a medical emergency for the cadet, or an emergency at home, what is the procedure for notification and getting cadet home if necessary?


As you can see, this is probably just the tip of the iceberg in things to think about when considering an ROTC program. For both the student and parents/guardians it is a very important decision that requires a lot more thought than just selecting a school and hoping for a scholarship. If you are researching a school or considering accepting a a scholarship and the ROTC program does not successfully meet most of these points to consider; then perhaps it is time to move down the list.

The best of luck to everyone who is currently involved in the process!
 
congrats to you and your son! hopefully he gets his number 1 school :) Seeing this post gave me a little hope that my status may change soon.
 
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