Marine Option NROTC

[pilot2b]

Ok, another chances post.

I'm most of the way done with my online application for Marine Option NROTC. I'm wondering what the chances are of my getting a scholarship. I enter my senior year of high school this fall.

SAT: 1st time taking it: 590 math, 590 writing, 680 reading. 2nd time taking it: 610 math, 610 writing, 620 reading.

ACT: 29 composite, 34 reading, 27 math, 23 science (ouch...I know), and 30 english/writing.

I have a 3.6 cumulative gpa unweighted with nearly all AP and honors courses at my school. I'm a cadet 2nd Lt. in Civil Air Patrol, the commander of my squadron, and do many community service hours through that.

I'm also a varsity swimmer, though I haven't earned a letter.

I live in Oregon, but my top choice of college is Texas A&M.

Thanks... Any advice or comment is appreciated.

 

[gojack]

ACT/GPA is good

Extracurricular activities ???
leadership / team captain?
leadership in a school club or student government?
participation in scouting?
involvement in church or community activities?
after-school job ?
class rank?

 

[USMCGrunt]

It seems darn near impossible to predict success in this process. If you study past posts, you will see "stronger" candidates who didn't get a scholarship and "weaker" on es who did.

Rather than looking backwards at grades, test scores, etc may I suggest some things to think about going forward?

1. Work hard on your application essays. Have others read them. Speak to veterans, read books about being a military leader. In my opinion, these essays need to convey the essence of why you want to be a Marine, why you will be a good leader, what you have to offer the USMC.

2. As part of the application process you will have an interview with a Marine Officer. Make it a good one. Good first impression. Answer questions with honesty and sincerity. Look to this forum for suggestions on what to expect. Have some questions prepared for the interviewer.

3. You will also have to take a PFT (physical fitness test). You want to do very well on all three events: 3-mile run, pull ups, sit ups. If you can't max the test, you should score within the first-class level.

I am sure others will have additional advice for you.

Good luck!

 

[pilot2b]

As far as extra-curricular activities, leadership, and community service goes, I already mentioned I'm the commander of my Civil Air Patrol squadron and get hundreds of hours of community service through that.

I also mentioned that I'm a varsity swimmer. I work out in the off-season doing calisthenics and running as well, so I'm ok there ( if I took the marine pft now I would score about a 260-270. A first-class pft is only 225, but I'm still working on maxing the test).

I am involved in church, advanced journalism thorough my school, and speech and debate. I do not have a job though.

My class rank is 91 out of 478 (that does not take into account the full load of honor/AP classes I have taken though).

 

[dunninla]

You seem like a strong candidate.

Your sport is swimming, so focus on the core muscles you don't normally develop swimming: upper body (pushups and pullups) and core (situps/tabata squats).

As far as academics, they look fine.

Leadership is an area that could use some help. YOu said "maybe" you could be elected captain of your swimming team. I suggest you start taking a leadership role now... not sure what that means at your school, but it would generally mean asking the coach what type of help he/she needs, leading the fundraiser if you have one, recruiting one or two new swimmers onto the team, etc., taking the lead on set-up before practice and meets, and break-down after practice and meets. I would think it would also mean encouraging your fellow swimmers when they are down, perhaps giving a ride to early am practice to a team member who has a hard time getting up early, and taking extra practice swims with team members who have been out sick or missed their scheduled swims because of some other reason.

Leading does not mean giving orders. It means finding what needs fixing, and getting a group together to fix it. Leading means sacrificing self for the group.