College Advice

[Malst0rme]

Hey all. First time making a post but I'm in a difficult situation and would like some feedback. I have applied to USAFA and the Naval Academy, and additionally have nominations to both from my district representative. I have been offered the AFROTC commander scholarship to a decent school in my home state, but have not heard news back from USAFA. Ultimately, USAFA is my goal, and USNA I applied to but honestly am not interested in going if I have the option.

My predicament is that my Commander scholarship goes off the table on the 15th of March, when the national AFROTC scholarship decision is released. If I do not clear their board, I can no longer be offered the commander-in-chief scholarship for the school. If I do clear it, I can take that scholarship to any of the schools I applied to (with AFROTC detachments of course).

Not sure if it would help but my stats are: 4.5 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. 1320 w/ 640 math 680 reading SAT score. 30 ACT. Got accepted into Aim High Flight Academy this summer, and have been to both a state and national leadership program (1 of 62 students nationwide for the national one, rigorous application process, and was chosen as one of 2 representatives for my state out of a group of 27 applicants.). I have played soccer for 3 years and was captain this year. National Honor Society president this year, treasurer last year, and have held numerous leadership positions in my scout troop. For what it's worth my AFROTC interview went great (I think at least, considering they offered me the commander scholarship). The fitness score was solid as well. Put my desired majors as aeronautical engineering and mathematics.

Concerned about my SAT, but I at least hit the benchmark. Anyone knowledgeable on the AFROTC scholarship, or USAFA admissions would be a significant help. Thank you.

 

[jbm2m]

Take the scholarship. You should be able to decline/withdraw if USAFA comes through. Pretty sure you’re not the first they’ve had in this situation!

 

[unkown1961]

In your first paragraph, it sounds like you have the AFROTC scholarship in hand. But the second paragraph sounds like you're waiting for board results. Do you have an AFROTC scholarship right now or are you waiting for board results?

 

[Malst0rme]

In your first paragraph, it sounds like you have the AFROTC scholarship in hand. But the second paragraph sounds like you're waiting for board results. Do you have an AFROTC scholarship right now or are you waiting for board results?

Sorry for the confusion. I have the commander scholarship in hand. If a detachment head at a school likes an applicant, they can opt to offer them a type 1 AFROTC scholarship exclusive to their school. However, accepting that removes them from the national running, and is given regardless if the board deems me qualified. Well, the last part is true if I call and accept the scholarship before any disqualification/rejection decision.

 

[Malst0rme]

Take the scholarship. You should be able to decline/withdraw if USAFA comes through. Pretty sure you’re not the first they’ve had in this situation!

Taking the scholarship would result in me not being able to compete for the scholarship I can take to any school. The one I was offered is exclusive to one school, while the national one would allow me to apply to any.

 

[Academician]

If USAFA is your ultimate goal, then taking the current scholarship can be part of a plan to re-apply next year. I have several students who now have their unit's ROTC nomination from to the associated Academy (AFA and USNA). I have had four students who won a scholarship or simply joined ROTC on campus and then won an appointment (4 of 4) the following year. I'm confident (fingers crossed!) that the same will be true for the two candidates I noted previously. Remember that 25 - 30% of all cadets at USAFA (and the other SAs) did not come directly out of high school as many attended a prep school, or a year or two of college, prior to becoming cadets. Good luck!