Just Wondering

[patentesq]

Patentesq: Yes, it would only benefit you to retest if you score higher. But I don't think it could hurt you if you score lower. Worth investigating to know for sure.

Here's how I understand how it works for ACT (or SAT):

Test 1 Score: Math 32, Verbal 28
Test 2 Score: Math 28, Verbal 32

NROTC then takes highest of both tests, so you would have the following scores presented to the NROTC board:

NROTC Board Score: Math 32, Verbal 32 (highest scores in each category used), yielding an overall composite of 32.

 

[Pima]

it is important to note that staying clear of any misdemeanors or other infractions of the law is critical at this time.

If I could stress this any harder I would! Not only during this time, but their entire military career. TS clearance is done prior to commissioning. As a parent of an AFROTC 12 cadet, I can tell you it is @50 pages long and they interview people in your life, credit check, and they go back to the day you were born. It is not a joke. You can try to hide it, but like DoDMERB, it will eventually show up.

Additionally, kids like to do stupid things like jumping off of something that was never meant to be a springboard for anything. They than injure their body, and place their scholarship in jeopardy because of DoDMERB. Not saying don't play sports, saying, don't go off taking unnecessary risks because everybody else is doing it.

This is why you will read CONGRATS now wrap them up in bubble wrap. A broken bone that requires a pin 2 weeks before contracting can cause big issues.

 

[dunninla]

OP --

I was told last year that if an NROTC applicant wants any of the more popular Units -- e.g. Private schools in interesting areas like University of San Diego (Pacific Fleet), Tulane (New Orleans), George Washington (nation's capital), Boston U (Boston), Fordham (NYC), etc., that the application really should be in and complete by early July, well before the cutoff for the first Board.

I was told it really is first come, first served, and that these Units and other very popular Units tend to fill up, if not entirely, at least 80-90%, out of first couple of Boards (out of around 7-9 Boards, depending on year). Those first couple of Boards are reviewing files send in in May, June, early July mostly.

Once your son's applications is complete and in to NETC, I would find a live person there (last year is was P-Flying17, not sure who is there this year that posts on this Board) and ask about the then current situation at any popular schools your son has listed on the app... and change the schools and or order of school accordingly. Of course if your son wants to do ROTC at ONLY some specific schools, that's a different situation and you may just want to take the postion that he'll do NROTC at x,y,z school, but won't if it's any other school. Every applicant has their own prioroties.

One other issue -- 85% of NROTC Scholarships are mandated to go to STEM (Science, Technology, Math) majors, with a preference toward Engineering over Science and Math -- see section 2 c of this link: http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/nstc...gement Strategy for Academic Yr 2011-2012.pdf In another publication: http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/scholarship_criteria.aspx Tier 1 is defined as Engineering, Tier II Science and Math, and Tier III other majors. Since your son in intending to major in Mechanical Engineering (Tier I), his odds are better than Tier II majors, and much, much better than Tier II.

Best of success to your son and you during this process.

 

[Blacklab]

WOW!!! This is great feedback...

How do I even begin to say thank you... WOW!! There is a wealth of information that I will put into my parental toolbox. There is also an equal amount of research on the links that will take time to research. I know what I'll be doing tomorrow, the grass can wait.

I did call one of the schools that my son wants to attend and found out that all is good. It's not a bad thing that his name was on the visit list for this past summer. I guess everything counts! The phone call did not hurt either, I was told that if he does get the first okay to call back ASAP to let them know. I guess one thing that does help is if he gets the okay from the first review. So in advance if your one that gets that first call congrats!!!

I forgot one other thing from my original post. He is in the top 16% of his class. I found in some research they look at the top 20% and not just the top 10%. Either way I can only assume being top 16% and wanting the ME degree is not bad company.

 

[Pima]

Just advice, throw it in the circular filing cabinet when you are done. You need him to take control of the reigns, that includes contacting schools and ROTC reps. Once he turns 18 they will lock you out. Trust me this is even true for college students who are not ROTC. ROTC is even more so.

I don't know if this is your 1st or 5th child entering college, but I can tell you for both of ours I land up going through a maze and still get the same answer...unless you are on their paperwork signed by them, we will not release anything, including how much you owe! My answer always has been are you kidding me, I am paying the bill for my DD, but you can't tell me the pmt without her telling me?

 

[kinnem]

My answer always has been are you kidding me, I am paying the bill for my DD, but you can't tell me the pmt without her telling me?

I whholeheartedly agree. He or she whose name is one the chack out to be able to get any info they want. schools!

 

[Pima]

It is insane isn't it? You are on their contact info, their medical insurance is on your policy, they can see it is your account that is paying the tuition, and they still say:

You must have them allow you to view the account.

What drove me insane was when DD went to the Bursars in person, and called me to allow me to speak, they told her they needed it in writing and that they couldn't be sure it was me. Huh? Who else would she call to pay the bill?

Common sense did not exist there. Of course, I being a Mom, went into Mom mode...please get me a supervisor. He got on and said no problem, I will add you to the account right now, here's your password.

Back on track.

Another reason to not be the Helo parent and contact ROTC HQ on behalf of your child is if you do, they will not know who to call, and when to call. By forcing them to take control of this process it will help them when they get to college and you are not there to direct them. It will make them more comfortable regarding how to converse with them.

Yes, I had called for DS a couple of times, but that was because it was time sensitive and he would go straight to work after school, not returning until 9 p.m. which was passed the drop dead time. Otherwise, it was up to him, and even when I did the call, I had him tell me to call, and explain why I was calling. Most times than naught, they said, no problem, have him email us XYZ info when he gets home. He would than call the next day to guarantee they received whatever they needed.

IMPO, the sooner you cut an apron string the easier it will be for them to transition into this new life. Notice I said an and not both apron strings. I still have the other string to grab at a moments notice.

 

[kinnem]

LOL! I'm about the same now... with respect to apron strings. I give guidance sometimes but all the "doing" is up to him. I just knudge well ahead of time to keep him on track. When its time to pay the bill we sit down together and do it.... and then I wave the check in his face!

Too early to have issues with grades yet, so things remain to be seen on that front... but I think NROTC is developiong a focus and determination in him that I have not seen before so I'm hopeful.

 

[paradoxer]

20 seconds

It is insane isn't it? You are on their contact info, their medical insurance is on your policy, they can see it is your account that is paying the tuition, and they still say:

You must have them allow you to view the account.

What drove me insane was when DD went to the Bursars in person, and called me to allow me to speak, they told her they needed it in writing and that they couldn't be sure it was me. Huh? Who else would she call to pay the bill?

Common sense did not exist there. Of course, I being a Mom, went into Mom mode...please get me a supervisor. He got on and said no problem, I will add you to the account right now, here's your password.

It's actually a federal law, that being said, at the university I'm familiar with it takes the student 20 seconds to complete the electronic release information to add the parent to an account. That's a pretty quick fix to be compliant and still be able to share information.

 

[Pima]

Getting the thread back on track.

All anyone can say to you is that you have 0% chance of getting a scholarship if you don't apply.

Not one poster here sits on the board, and that means none of us can tell you if your are competitive.

Your stats are strong, but you now are joining the elite club of OMG can we just know already?

We all have walked this path, and it is hard for ROTC candidates because you are waiting not only for school acceptances, but the scholarship too. The avg 17 yo only is looking at the school for how it matches their personal desires, ROTC candidates are looking at professional too.

We are here for you. Trust me, you will VENT sometime during this yr due to frustration. We get it when your BFF thinks you are insane. We will be the ones to understand your heart sinking when you find out you are being re-boarded and not awarded. We will be the ones to get the significance of winning a scholarship, while the outside world looks down thinking it is for those who can't get merit at their school and now OMG they will be forced to pay off their education in the military.

That is the true beauty of this site. We get it, and we are like AD military members. We train, explain and guide posters. We get behind the person that has fallen and force them to get up. We cheer them on and rejoice in their success. We are a family.

PS paradoxer, I am not ignoring your post, but I felt it is best we get back on track instead of discussing any further the school system for each college.