Do You Think I Would Be Able to Get into the ROTC?

[superjames1992]

Hello, all.

I'm a high school senior and my dad mentioned the USAF ROTC as an opportunity a couple weeks ago (My dad was an officer in the U.S. Air Force in the 80s and early 90s). Anyways, I'm looking to major in meteorology or engineering at N.C. State and the ROTC looks like it could be an interesting and exciting approach to this.

I have a 4.625 GPA and am ranked 19th in my class of 309 heading into my senior year.

I am in the Chess Club, the Red Cross Club, the Beta Club, and the National Honors Society. I played basketball at the YMCA the last two years, but I think I may not do it this year (I sucked at it, LOL).

I also have volunteered at Jericho Road Ministries in Florida for a few weeks every summer since 6th grade.

I took three AP classes last year and am taking four this year. I got a 3 in AP Psychology, a 4 in AP English 11, and a 5 in AP Government.

I lack on leadership positions, though, as I've yet to really achieve any sort of leadership position in a club (These always seem to go to the popular kids, anyways, so I doubt I'd have a shot if I tried).

As far as being in shape, I could definitely pass the USAF fitness exam you have to pass. I'm 5-11, 170, so I would pass the BMI standards. I would probably try to get in better shape before next year, though, as I'm admittedly not in superb shape. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get in better shape, regardless of whether I'm going into the ROTC or not.

Anyways, do you think someone like me would be able to get into the ROTC program? I haven't contacted the recruiting office yet, but I figure I had better do that soon if I'm going to do it. I hear that they're short of people these days as compared to several years ago, so I probably have a better chance at getting now than I would have 10 years ago?

Thanks.

 

[singaporemom]

You won't know if you can get in unless you apply! Go online to www.afrotc.com and start your application. Put a 1 pg resume together divided into caegories: Academics, Leadership and Extracurricular, Awards and Accomplishments, Community Involvement, Employment

Go talk to a local school AFROTC unit and see if it all makes sense for you.

Your academics and activities look great, a little lacking on leadership and athletics...but you did play basketball! That's good. You should get the process officially started right away. You've got a fitness test to pass by January. Then a DoDMERB physical exam and a AF Officer Exam (kida like the SAT...don't remember the exact name) to pass before the scholarship will activate in tjhe fall. Good Luck!!!

 

[flieger83]

I think some clarification is needed.

Are you asking whether anyone thinks you can achieve a SCHOLARSHIP or just "get in" to the ROTC program. Because I'll tell you now, virtually anyone can get into ROTC: go to college, sign up for the AF100 class, and you're in ROTC.

Now...taking it further than that...this is where it gets to be fun!

IF you're after a scholarship, then it's time to get busy with the online application (that's the ONLY kind they now have) as well as getting prepared for the fitness test, and maintaining excellent physical conditioning overall.

Etc...etc...etc...

That's my REALLY SHORT version of an answer!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
(ALO's also work for AFROTC)

 

[superjames1992]

Yes, I was referring to the scholarship for the ROTC, not simply getting into the program.

I just filled out the preliminary application and will have to start getting my transcripts and such ready soon. It'll probably be a month or so before I can get it all ready with the transcripts and the PFA (My school takes forever to do anything), which will give me time to prepare for the PFA. I'll have to ask my counselor about who should administer the PFA to me.

I can do about 50 crunches in one minute, so that's pretty deccent, I guess. Just five more and I can get 10 points, though, so that is my goal.

I'm not nearly as good at push-ups and that will probably be my weakness.

I'm going to go to my local trail after school tomorrow and run, I think. I need to start preparing for the running portion of the PFA, which is the most important part.

You technically don't have the pass the PFA before you start the ROTC, but I'm sure it looks a lot better on your resume if you score well on it.

Anyways, thanks for the help!

 

[singaporemom]

Get the paperwork to your school ASAP, like today...especially since they are slow. Then they should have time to get moving on it before the crush of seniors asking for transcripts sent. They really shouldn't be that slow with only 309 in your class. Son's school transcripts are sent out within 24 hrs with a class of 650. The counselor info is what might take awhile. Get the papers to her/him and give a 2 week deadline.

Coach or teacher can administer the fitness test. Ask PE dept because someone has probably done it before.

 

[Pima]

Coming from NC only a yr ago, NCST will take you and they have a great ROTC program. Our friend graduated from NCST and is a full bird col.

I will also tell you with that GPA, don't be surprise if UNCCH ROTC contacts you. They did for our DS, and he never applied, but they said if you want to come we can get you in.

Finally, since NCST is an engineering school, and you are IS you have a great chance to take a tech scholarship to do a full ride.

Have you met with the ALO yet? EVEN for ROTC you will meet with them. Coming from NC, you are already back in school, but sing is right get the recs and transcripts done before they have to do ED/EA