Just a Word of Encouragement

[cacandidate2015]

Around this time a year, a lot of people will be getting that TWE, and last year I was one of those people. A lot of you guys, like myself, have backup schools lined up. Do not rule out reapplying! I'm a Cadet at the Virginia Military Institute and I found myself receiving that TWE and choosing to attend VMI with intentions on reapplying. Pick a technical major, if possible enroll in an NROTC Unit (adds another nomination source) and work on PT. I am a Civil Engineering Major, and I got a 3.81 last semester and I am an appointee to 2016, and it's been the best year of my life! Don't be feeling down on yourself at all if ya don't get in, as another door to making a year of great memories before reapplying has just opened itself up.

 

[mfinlon]

My son got his TWE envelope last month. We always thought the USNA was a stretch. He had good test scores and lost of extra-curricular stuff but his GPA wasn't great. He also is going to VMI (all the way from Washington state!) and is excited about going. I told him he could re-apply but his feeling is he is going to commit to VMI. He wants to be a Marine aviator and I let him know that VMI has an excellent rep in the Marines (I'm a retired Marine). Good luck at the USNA. It takes a lot to be willing to go thru Plebe year after being a Rat.

 

[cacandidate2015]

Oh wow, it's kind of surprising on how similar our situation is. I came from the state of California and am desiring to become a Marine Aviator. VMI has a great NROTC Marine Program and has a really good repertoire with the local OSO (PLC is the best way in if he does not pick up a scholarship...I had a PLC Aviator slot). After going through the VMI Ratline, I am looking forward to Plebe year in order to see the similarities and differences.

 

[rkrosnar]

Just a work of Encouragement

cacandidate2015,

I would like to echo your words. There are a lot of of young men and women who tried to earn these appointments or ROTC scholarships and did not get them. It is not for a lack of trying either. You have all worked extremely hard and had to use a plan B or even a plan C, at times. My DS had opportunities, in which he could have attended an SA or done ROTC. But he made a choice, he is going to graduate from Penn State University Park, with a dual major of physics/astrophysics with a math minor. Now, he is searching for a teaching job in the south, with a debt of over $100,000. So to all of you, who applied for appointments or ROTC. I say thanks for trying and what serve the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.

RGK

 

[cpdibari]

cacandidate2015, congratulations to you, and kudos to you for going through rat year and plebe year!

I want to caution the other way as well! Candidates should pick a place they would truly be happy at if they do not get into USNA a second try. This was my problem. I hate the school I'm at, and I picked it mainly for financial reasons. I received great grades (3.95) and still no appointment. Luckily, I was accepted to CGA instead, but I would probably pursue a Marine path if not at my current school.

Don't get me wrong, I am EXTREMELY proud to be going to CGA (my father and uncles are grads), but I might have entertained the idea of PLC more if I was at a school I was happy about.

In short, make sure you make the best choice for you!!