Based on OML, LDAC, APFT, Branch Selection, Etc. What are some of the best schools in the nation for ROTC?
Also, can you major or minor in military science?
I can only speak for my son's school regarding Military Science. They are able to Minor in Military Science but not Major. Not sure about other schools.
The best ROTC school is a relative question. There are battalions that win awards as the best program in each Brigade, there was a list posted on this thread a while back. Georgetown University ROTC just won an award this year as the best in the nation by a Private Gorup. That being said, most PMS and ROO's will tell you that you need to first find a school that you like, feel comfortable with, and can see your self doing well. How you do in ROTC will be in a large part on you, how you perform, the GPA you have, and your APFT scores. You can excel at any school if you work hard.
Granted, some battalions are going to be better organized and offer things others will not. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that because the school is a top university that the ROTC will also be the best, it doesn't always work out that way.
A good example; The University of North Dakota may not be at the top of a lot of peoples list when thinking of a first choice but consider this. UND AROTC had 7 cadets finish in the top 20% of ROTC this year, they had the No. 1 cadet in their brigade.
When your looking at a school you need to ask a lot of questions:
How many summer training slots do cadets get each year.
Do all cadets pass LDAC each year
What percentage receive E's at LDAC
How many cadets get one of their top 3 Branch choices. (This one also has a lot to do with how well the cadets are counseled on their choices.)
What percentage of cadets that want Active Duty get it.
How is the grading system done for MS classes
Do MS1 and MS2's participate in FTX's
What is the average GPA among ROTC cadets
A question to ask other cadets....How is the HR department, do they get their tuition, book and stipend payments on time.
All of these questions will give you a good view of how the battalion works. The biggest thing to remember is that even in the best battalions success is up to you. My 2 sons are going to a university that some here would refer to as a "Podunk U". My older son is graduating this year, he is in the top 10% on the Active Duty OML. For him the school didn't matter, he did his best and worked hard. In the end if you have a 3.5 plus, an E at LDAC, a 300 APFT, and top marks from your battalion you have a very good chance of being in the top 10%, the school or ROTC battalion won't matter at that point.
You mentioned APFT, your school selection won't have much to do with how well you do on the APFT, if your a cadet that just goes to PT when required your going to be lacking in the APFT. The APFT is something you have to want to do better, you will need to work out beyond the daily PT. Your APFT score is all on you.
Find a school you can see yourself thrive, that's the first step, ROTC will fit right into your life if your happy where you are going, it makes a good recipe for success.