Hi, I am currently applying to the USNA, the USCGA, and for the NROTC Scholarship. I just got off the phone with my NROTC scholarship coordinator because I had a question on when it was going to become board ready. She told me that she is holding onto the application because I am in the running for an ISR.
Can anyone tell me what an ISR is?
I have heard that it is like an early decision? If I get the ISR, and get accepted to the USNA or the USCGA, will an academy appointment supersede the ISR?
Also, if I don't get an ISR, does that mean though I am likely to get the regular scholarship since I was recommended for an ISR?
Thanks to whoever knows the answers.
Hey there. Congrats first of all.
I can speak with some intelligence about the ISR since my son has received one this year. If you do a search of recent posts using "Immediate Scholarship Reservation", you will find alot of data about it.
Not sure whey they are "holding" on to your application as they say, because in order to be selected for the ISR, you will have to have an interview with the Commanding Officer of the Recruiting District your application goes to. Once he/she signs off on it, the packet is sent first to his superior, and then to Pensacola. As a formality, the packet is reviewed by the Board, but only to insure your are qualified to receive the NROTC scholarship. Perhaps that are holding it because you are in the running against some other candidates. We were told that only three are selected from our recruiting district which comprises of many states.
Once the Board says your are qualified, than the packet goes to a person who does the school assignments. They look at your first choice, and if there are still openings, you get it, then to second choice, and so on. The Board didnt meet in August, so they are meeting for the first time next week I believe.
Our son made it very clear that he was a candidate for the USNA and USCGA, and they had no problem with that. In fact the CO that signed of on his ISR Contract told him he should take either Academy Appointment if he is offered over the ISR. From all I've read, when you receive the official approval that you have been awarded the scholarship (After it is reviewed by the Board), you will have thirty days to accept. You should ACCEPT, and then wait to see what happens with your academy applications. You have until contracting date (when school starts next Summer/Fall) to decline. Actually anytime past your first year. However, from what I understand, once you swear in at I-Day or R-Day, the Scholarship has to be declined. Many have posted that they prepare a declination letter that is sent right after I-Day or R-Day for Coast Guard. That way, God forbid, if you get hurt on I-day or before, you still have a shot at the scholarship....possibly.
As far as getting the regular scholarship if you don't get the ISR....that is anyone's guess. Not necessarily would by my answer. You see, the local CO has the authority to give you the ISR. If you go through the normal Board, you may be competing against many others from all over that may be more qualified than you. That is why they say that you have the best chances of getting the NROTC scholarship by getting your application in as soon as possible. My son submitted his the same week it opened up last Spring. He was the first in our recruiting district, which impressed the local NROTC Scholarship Coordinator and the CO. I would say that if he waited, there may have been others more qualified.
If anyone else has anything to add, chime in, but we've done alot of research on this, and this is the best explanation I've been able to come up with.
Best of luck to you and Congrats!
