So i was just awarded an ROTC scholarship and for that am very grateful and happy. But i am pretty confused and have some questions. I was awarded an offer to UNC on a 4 year scholarship, but I didn't get into UNC and the other offer i have is a 3 year scholarship to ECU, which i have gotten into, but I dont really want to do to that school as it was my back up to to her schools i got into. So a couple questions. Why did i get an offer for a 4 year and a 3 year? How do I go about transferring it to another school, if that is even possible. I just dont understand the logic in granting me a 4 year to a more expensive school, but a 3 year to a cheaper school. Please someone explain. Thanks!
My son's PMS explained to me this way. When an applicant fills out the application they list the schools, usually in order of preference. The PMS will get a list of all the applicant that listed their school, they review the applications in which they see the order you placed the schools. If you did not list their school and have made little contact with their battalion they sometimes assume that there is not a high level of interest it their school. The PMS then puts a check mark next to the names of the applicants they would like to have and they also designate a 3 or 4 year scholarship. They will sometimes offer a 3 year to an applicant that has not shown a strong interest in the school so as not to lock up a 4 year that could go to an applicant that is very motivated to attend their school.
Cadte command has no idea if you have been accepted to the schools on your list, that's why they urge that applicants list schools they feel they can gain acceptance. Getting accepted is the responsibility of the applicant.
As far as getting a transfer, if the school you would like to attend is cheaper and in the same Brigade you may have chance, not a big chance, but a chance to be granted a transfer providing the school's battalion is willing to accept you or if they have the room for you. If the school you want to transfer to is more expensive or is not in the same Brigade the chance are much slimmer you will be granted a transfer.
You should call the battalion at UNC and talk to the ROO. The ROO's sometimes, and only sometimes, have a good relationship with admissions and they may be able to get them to take a second look at you since you will have a scholarship to the school, don't count on this but it is worth a try and it should be your first phone call. After that call the ROO at the school you would like to attend and ask them how to proceed with a transfer request.
In past years applicants were given many more choices, they were usually offered more then 2 schools. My son last year was offered 5 schools on the first board, that changed during the second and third board and now they seem to offering mainly 1 school, sometimes 2, it does make it a lot tougher.
For future applicants reading this, make sure you only list schools you want to attend and you feel you have a good chance of being admitted. There is no rhyme or reason sometimes as to how Cadet Command makes the school offers and it is quite likely you will get a school you didn't really want if you put it on your list.