So, I am pretty confident that I can get a NROTC scholarship, but I don't know about an appointment to USNA. If I don't get it/NAPS, I will do NROTC for a year and reapply. Then if I don't get it that year, I will reapply again. What is the most times someone has had to reapply that you guys know of? And when can you no longer reapply? When you are 22, or.....?
Just curious, but reapplying?
- Thread starter ESLGuy
- Start date
I'm not sure why you would think you can get a scholarship with NROTC if you don't think you qualify for USNA. NROTC is pretty stiff competition as well. If you pop over to the ROTC board, you'll see that a number of people who were turned down for ROTC scholarships did receive appointments at one of the service academies.
I'm not saying don't apply for it... if your goal is to serve this country and lead our young men and women in service as an officer, by all means apply to every option you're able. I'm just letting you know that some very well qualified applicants for NROTC did not get the scholarship this year (we're still anxiously waiting to hear if DS gets one), so NROTC shouldn't be considered easier to obtain vs USNA.
I'm not saying don't apply for it... if your goal is to serve this country and lead our young men and women in service as an officer, by all means apply to every option you're able. I'm just letting you know that some very well qualified applicants for NROTC did not get the scholarship this year (we're still anxiously waiting to hear if DS gets one), so NROTC shouldn't be considered easier to obtain vs USNA.
usna1985
15-Year Member
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- Jun 9, 2006
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You can continue to apply until you would be over the age 23 on July 1 on the year you would enter USNA. There are some who have entered USNA with a degree from another college.
However, IMO, at some point you have to weigh the cost/benefit of earning a commission through another route (e.g., NROTC, OCS) vs. "starting over" at USNA. Also, if you continue to be turned down by USNA, you need to consider what you can do do "change" your package. Continuing to reapply with essentially the same "qualifications" is unlikely to result in a different outcome.
As a general rule (as noted, there are exceptions), it's unusual for someone with more than two full years of college to start at USNA. However, you are certainly able to keep trying if it's your goal.
NROTC is definitely not easier than ROTC and could be harder. Part of it depends on the college to which you are applying, the number of NROTC slots there, and thus the competition. Just like it can be easier to obtain a nom (and thus an appointment) to USNA if you live in North Dakota vs. Maryland. It's NOT that certain folks are less qualified than their peers only there are fewer of them per geographic area or college and thus the sheer numbers game makes it "easier" -- although both USNA and NROTC are never "easy."
However, IMO, at some point you have to weigh the cost/benefit of earning a commission through another route (e.g., NROTC, OCS) vs. "starting over" at USNA. Also, if you continue to be turned down by USNA, you need to consider what you can do do "change" your package. Continuing to reapply with essentially the same "qualifications" is unlikely to result in a different outcome.
As a general rule (as noted, there are exceptions), it's unusual for someone with more than two full years of college to start at USNA. However, you are certainly able to keep trying if it's your goal.
NROTC is definitely not easier than ROTC and could be harder. Part of it depends on the college to which you are applying, the number of NROTC slots there, and thus the competition. Just like it can be easier to obtain a nom (and thus an appointment) to USNA if you live in North Dakota vs. Maryland. It's NOT that certain folks are less qualified than their peers only there are fewer of them per geographic area or college and thus the sheer numbers game makes it "easier" -- although both USNA and NROTC are never "easy."
AcademyHopeful_50
5-Year Member
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I know a girl who just received a TWE for the third time. She is a sophomore at a community college. She is going to reapply again and I will be replying if I don't get in, as well. You really have to perform well in 1st semester college courses.
NROTCHOPEFULDAD
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NROTC competition vary from year to year. This year is way more competitive than the last couple of years. Have seen many applicants on forum that had stats well above last years average that have been denied.
Matas, in the coming years budget cuts will be more severe, which means not as many scholarships. NROTC competition is pretty stiff anyhow, let alone with the cuts.
Plus, grades aren't the only factor, the NROTC recipients you speak of probably had outstanding extracurriculars as well (plus test scores, etc.).
IMO (Note: my opinion, others may feel differently) if I got a ROTC scholarship but not an appointment to USNA, I'd take the scholarship, and if I really felt like I wanted to go to USNA still, maybe reapply after seeing how ROTC worked out. If I ended up really liking ROTC, then I'd just keep going with that. If I didn't get in after reapplying, I'd just stick with my scholarship, because in the end it really doesn't matter, and I'd be blessed enough to get a ROTC scholarship.
But hey, don't let me keep you from hoping, I'm just more of a "don't assume or you'll get your hopes up only to have them possibly crash down" type of person.
Plus, grades aren't the only factor, the NROTC recipients you speak of probably had outstanding extracurriculars as well (plus test scores, etc.).
IMO (Note: my opinion, others may feel differently) if I got a ROTC scholarship but not an appointment to USNA, I'd take the scholarship, and if I really felt like I wanted to go to USNA still, maybe reapply after seeing how ROTC worked out. If I ended up really liking ROTC, then I'd just keep going with that. If I didn't get in after reapplying, I'd just stick with my scholarship, because in the end it really doesn't matter, and I'd be blessed enough to get a ROTC scholarship.
But hey, don't let me keep you from hoping, I'm just more of a "don't assume or you'll get your hopes up only to have them possibly crash down" type of person.
Whistle Pig
Banned
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Recognizing the uniqueness and "sex appeal" of a USNA experience, it is easy to grasp how young persons can become enamoured with becoming a "ring-knocker." Truly, nothing like it.
And the lustre of this "sizzle" and seductive aroma can overwhelm the real steak ... serving as a commissioned officer in the USN or USMC. That's the end-game that comes in the seeming wink of an eye for USNA and NROTC Mids as well as OCS candidates. Were I a USNA admissions officer, not sure I'd ever appoint an ROTC Mid already underway in his program. I'm not.
Confounding for those who tread water hoping for an appointment next year, or the next, or the next is the failure to recognize the opportunity cost those years carry.
What's the point? USNA can be intoxicating. Time is precious. Life is short. Keep an eye on the prize. Get to the Fleet or the Corp. Eat meat.
And the lustre of this "sizzle" and seductive aroma can overwhelm the real steak ... serving as a commissioned officer in the USN or USMC. That's the end-game that comes in the seeming wink of an eye for USNA and NROTC Mids as well as OCS candidates. Were I a USNA admissions officer, not sure I'd ever appoint an ROTC Mid already underway in his program. I'm not.
Confounding for those who tread water hoping for an appointment next year, or the next, or the next is the failure to recognize the opportunity cost those years carry.
What's the point? USNA can be intoxicating. Time is precious. Life is short. Keep an eye on the prize. Get to the Fleet or the Corp. Eat meat.
rreadi32651
5-Year Member
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- Feb 10, 2013
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I talked to a Firstie when I was there in January and he said that someone in his company didn't get in 4 years in a row, but then got accepted the 5th time.
Thanks. That's what I needed to hear. In my mind, I can't lose now... It just might take a few tries.