Boston University NROTC MO vs USNA

I

icankraft

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Joined
Nov 28, 2023
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Hi everyone,

All college decisions are out, and I am considering between attending the Naval Academy or Boston University with the NROTC Marine Option scholarship.
I understand that either route I take, I'll end up (likely) commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps. I am trying weigh the pros and cons of both schools, and am looking for others' inputs on what to consider before committing to either. I am currently leaning towards the Naval Academy, and I was recruited to run track at the Naval Academy but not at BU.

BU Pros:
Typical "college life" (something I prefer just a little bit over 24/7 military lifestyle for four years before commissioning)
-more freedom in lifestyle
-more lively and connected (many close friends and connections in Boston area)
Able to enjoy my life/freedom in living a little bit more before I fully commit to the Marine Corps

BU Cons:
Less "prestige" (something my parents and I care a bit about to an extent)
Won't be able to run track but it is something I am willing to give up to focus on my classes and NROTC duties.

USNA Pros:
Better connections/jobs for post-undergraduate and post-military service if I 5 and dive
-more likely to earn a job with higher pay
Higher quality and better preparation in becoming a leader in the Marine Corps through being around highly experienced staff
Ability to balance track and field, military obligations, and studying all at once

USNA Cons:
less of a typical "college life"
-less freedom in lifestyle
-less time to spend outside of school with family or friends in different cities/countries
High stress in balancing many obligations
Possibility of not receiving a Marine Corps commission, and ending up in the Navy (I am 100% committed to becoming a Marine)
 
icankraft said:
Hi everyone,

All college decisions are out, and I am considering between attending the Naval Academy or Boston University with the NROTC Marine Option scholarship.
I understand that either route I take, I'll end up (likely) commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps. I am trying weigh the pros and cons of both schools, and am looking for others' inputs on what to consider before committing to either. I am currently leaning towards the Naval Academy, and I was recruited to run track at the Naval Academy but not at BU.

BU Pros:
Typical "college life" (something I prefer just a little bit over 24/7 military lifestyle for four years before commissioning)
-more freedom in lifestyle
-more lively and connected (many close friends and connections in Boston area)
Able to enjoy my life/freedom in living a little bit more before I fully commit to the Marine Corps

BU Cons:
Less "prestige" (something my parents and I care a bit about to an extent)
Won't be able to run track but it is something I am willing to give up to focus on my classes and NROTC duties.

USNA Pros:
Better connections/jobs for post-undergraduate and post-military service if I 5 and dive
-more likely to earn a job with higher pay
Higher quality and better preparation in becoming a leader in the Marine Corps through being around highly experienced staff
Ability to balance track and field, military obligations, and studying all at once

USNA Cons:
less of a typical "college life"
-less freedom in lifestyle
-less time to spend outside of school with family or friends in different cities/countries
High stress in balancing many obligations
Possibility of not receiving a Marine Corps commission, and ending up in the Navy (I am 100% committed to becoming a Marine)
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If you feel as though you want more of a regular college, go to a regular civilian college. I say this because if you had that one doubt in your head about the constant military 24/7 life and no partying, it’s going to be difficult at the academy. My sister currently is at Cornell for NROTC. she does pt once a week and wears her uniform once a week and still gets to do fun civilian stuff the rest of the time. It’s all about what YOU want. Not your parents. Sure, the academy will give you good connections after service, but so will NROTC! Any employer will look at your history and say “damn this kids successful”. Just because you went to usna or Boston university doesn’t mean one’s better than the other. They’re both GREAT. my dad works for a plastic company and he specifically looks for military folks because he knows they’ll do their work and be reliable. Most employers look for prior military service because those people have fantastic leadership experience as well. Also, even if you do NROTC, you’ll be able to do a bunch of the same summer training as midshipman at the academy. You’ll do a summer cruise, you could be a detailed during NSI, and so much more! You just have to decide what’s best for YOU. either way, it will work out for you. So in the long run, it won’t matter. But if you go to usna and constantly wish you had done NROTC, it won’t be fun. Just know that no matter the route, your connections and experiences will be AMAZING! Also, just wanted to add more about the NROTC part. When I say you barely do anything during the AC year, you literally barely do. It won’t hinder your studies besides probably being a little sleep deprived, which you will be anyways at the academy. I’ll have to ask my sister about the other stuff they do, but all I can remember she also does is drill practice which was required for freshmen. She LOVES NROTC and loves how she can also enjoy being a civilian as well. So, it’s up to you to decide. Go through the pain in the butt of the academy (cuz it kind of is LOL) or get it much pleasantly (won’t use easy) through NROTC.

I’m not an expert, so I would look to any of the vets for advice. Also if I said something immaculate, lmk plz
 
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Fine leaders come out of any commissioning path. It's sometimes more about developing your own leadership style, in part through observing others. You'll have leadership opportunities to develop your skills on either path Chose the one that fits you best.

In the military world no one will care about where you went to college .. it's all about results
 
Career-wise, once you do active duty, those experiences will likely count for more than where you earned your degree. Employers might initially be enamored with the school, but ultimately you'll be hired based on the transferable skills you gained as an officer. I say this as someone who recruited, hired, managed and worked alongside numerous former JMOs.

Either route will get you butter bars. Neither is a guarantee that you'll become a Marine. So think about which school has "your tribe." Whose students do you "vibe" with and feel a kinship with? That, more than surface impressions, will probably get you to the right decision.
 
Reminder, USNA gives you opportunities that NROTC at BU might not. I read somewhere that Mids are given amazing opportunities to explore and experience both the Navy and Marine Corp career paths. Idk if NROTC has the same thing though!
 
I don’t think your pros for USNA make sense. A degree from BU and experience as a Marine officer is impressive on its own. Also, YOU, not your commissioning source, will determine how good of an officer you will be.

Go the USNA route if you truly desire the unique academy experience.
 
Conversely, NROTC students experience things academy students don’t. More adulting. More cooking and laundry and grocery and planning. Service academies build that in.

At the end of the day both commission meeting the needs of their service. The quality of the person is what will be the differentiator, not the commissioning source in my opinion.
 
NROTC midshipmen also have to go through OCS, so that's an added concern. There's, from what I've read, a pretty high attrition rate due to injuries and other factors during that, so that's something to consider as well.
 
@bookjustice Actually, no. NROTC do not go through OCS.

My understanding is that those who already hold a bachelors degree are those who apply for and are considered for OCS.

In terms of attrition, totally dependent on the candidate and their willingness to meet standards. Sometimes medical becomes something outside of their control which is true of SA personnel as well.
 
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@icankraft , congratulations on the scholarship, appointment, and Track opportunity. I applaud your use of a decision matrix to crystalize you decision BUT wanted to let you know that this will most likely end up an emotional decision rather than a logical one. So, my advice: go with your gut.

I also want to challenge your pro/con work. It needs work. What you listed boils down to lifestyle vs post service job opportunities.

I commissioned via NROTC MO and my real-life experience included both stellar and less than ideal Officers from all commissioning sources. As others have noted where you fall will depend upon you not your undergraduate institution.

@Heatherg21 - NROTC candidates go through a course called Officer Candidate School (OCS) between Junior and Senior year as the final step (besides successfully earning a degree and graduating). There is another commissioning source for college seniors and graduates known as the Officer Candidate Course (OCC). https://www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join/become-an-officer.html
These are often confused so I wanted to help clarify.
 
Heatherg21 said:
@bookjustice Actually, no. NROTC do not go through OCS.

My understanding is that those who already hold a bachelors degree are those who apply for and are considered for OCS.

In terms of attrition, totally dependent on the candidate and their willingness to meet standards. Sometimes medical becomes something outside of their control which is true of SA personnel as well.
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Sorry about that, I had confused the six-week training before senior year that's held at OCS for OCS. Thank you for the correction. :cool:
 
bookjustice said:
Sorry about that, I had confused the six-week training before senior year that's held at OCS for OCS. Thank you for the correction. :cool:
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You’re thinking of Platoon Leaders Class, but it is essentially the same as OCS from what I understand.
 
NROTC Marine Options do go through PLC Seniors at OCS summer before their senior year before they can commission

Majority of them make it through the first time, but there’s also a second chance at that if you get dropped for injuries or what not. You can go to it again after you graduate senior year and commission at the end of the course too.
 
With regards to your statement that at BU you would be "Able to enjoy my life/freedom in living a little bit more before I fully commit to the Marine Corps"
For full commitment to the Marine Corps vs the option to walk away, NROTC midshipman commit if they do not drop prior to day 1 of their sophomore year - Mids can and do start, enjoy a free year of tuition/ fees and training etc. and then drop prior to Sophomore year without penalty. USNA midshipmen can enjoy 2 full years of schooling and still walk away without a service obligation, if this is for whatever reason not for them.
I think you were describing day to day life at BU and feeling like it's less of a grind/ commitment at BU -well, certainly you would have less structure/ more opportunities for freedom while requiring equal and strong time management and organization skills. SAs are known as a grind and a great place to be FROM, but for many candidates, not great places to be AT. *some love every minute of it, but.

Also, it's my understanding that at USNA ultimately you have to he chosen by the Marine Corps to become a Marine, even if you express interest, attend Marine Leatherneck events, training. For NROTC-Marine Option mids, if accepted to participate/ meet all standards, you start out slotted to be a future marine officer and then the opportunity is yours to lose. Some Navy Option mids switch over - they request to transfer from Navy option to Marine Option, but, not all of those requests are approved. Most in one year were denied.

What major are you planning on studying? Might make a difference on which school . degree is more marketable in comparing BU vs USNA opportunities. Both have strong reputations, of course.

One comment - if you are worried about the "grind" of USNA and time to enjoy leisure, if this works out, you'll be a Marine officer longer than you'll be at USNA - BEING a marine officer isn't a casual stroll in the park either. So just make sure you understand "what do you want" and then go for it.
 
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icankraft said:
Hi everyone,

All college decisions are out, and I am considering between attending the Naval Academy or Boston University with the NROTC Marine Option scholarship.
I understand that either route I take, I'll end up (likely) commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps. I am trying weigh the pros and cons of both schools, and am looking for others' inputs on what to consider before committing to either. I am currently leaning towards the Naval Academy, and I was recruited to run track at the Naval Academy but not at BU.

BU Pros:
Typical "college life" (something I prefer just a little bit over 24/7 military lifestyle for four years before commissioning)
-more freedom in lifestyle
-more lively and connected (many close friends and connections in Boston area)
Able to enjoy my life/freedom in living a little bit more before I fully commit to the Marine Corps

BU Cons:
Less "prestige" (something my parents and I care a bit about to an extent)
Won't be able to run track but it is something I am willing to give up to focus on my classes and NROTC duties.

USNA Pros:
Better connections/jobs for post-undergraduate and post-military service if I 5 and dive
-more likely to earn a job with higher pay
Higher quality and better preparation in becoming a leader in the Marine Corps through being around highly experienced staff
Ability to balance track and field, military obligations, and studying all at once

USNA Cons:
less of a typical "college life"
-less freedom in lifestyle
-less time to spend outside of school with family or friends in different cities/countries
High stress in balancing many obligations
Possibility of not receiving a Marine Corps commission, and ending up in the Navy (I am 100% committed to becoming a Marine)
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My caveman lawyer brain hurts … I can’t handle this much information …

If you have what it takes to graduate from the Academy, you will Never regret joining the Brigade of Midshipmen …

Go Naval Academy … problem solved
.
 
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If you go to USNA, you may commission in the Navy. Are you okay with having a career in the Navy? If not, then I suggest you go with NROTC MO and enjoy college life at BU.
 
I agree with Wahoo Fan. If the idea of commissioning into the Navy instead of the Marines is a no go, then it seems like your decision is not that difficult.
 
blinkus said:
Reminder, USNA gives you opportunities that NROTC at BU might not. I read somewhere that Mids are given amazing opportunities to explore and experience both the Navy and Marine Corp career paths. Idk if NROTC has the same thing though!
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They have somewhat the same. Summer trainings provide you with a lot of experience for NROTC
 
I had 5 USAFA cadets at my place this week for Spring Break, they went down to ASU twice and talked about the pro/cons of a civilian campus. Nobody regretted going to USAFA.
 
mols.cast8 said:
They have somewhat the same. Summer trainings provide you with a lot of experience for NROTC
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Do they really? How many summer trainings have you gotten as a NROTC MO?
USNA Mids typically get 2 per summer and could get 3 if they forego leave.
Has your experience been different and you've gotten more training opportunities?
.
Most NROTC units have 1 officer and 1 enlisted assigned and their MOSs and experiences will vary.
USNA has dozens and dozens with pretty much the full gamut of MOSs/experiences. What's more,
it is very common for USMC units to visit and display helicopters and/or other equipment throughout the year.
Have you seen that happen at your NROTC unit?
 
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