Need advice on army rotc

levi123

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Messages
8
Hello, I am here to ask a question that has been around for a while which is, How do my chances look?

I don't really do sports except some lacrosse as I train on free time...gym...run..etc and have gotten very fit as i am determined on this part.

my academics however...are a bit lacking...as:

gpa: Will most likely be a 3.35 in the end as it is now...even weighted won't be much difference, maybe 3.5
act: 22...im taking this weekend and if I dont get over a 25 well then ill try in December but I have studied very hard so lets go with each choice....

24...25...or 26

I can take in December to but wow would registration be late...get results January then what, have 2 days to apply?


extra: my school required 40 hours of Community service every year but i did lots of extra so I have about 220 racked up total

I have a job at our local Kroger

and honestly that's pretty much it for that part...as I really have no time for anything else.

Are my chances pretty slim? I really just want to shoot for an active slot but im not sure if i can even get in for ROTC.

Im new and am not sure if these are friendly boards but please try to explain briefly here if possible...opposed to spamming links to stickies.
 
i attend a private school....pretty prestigious..if that even matters...Im not boasting, just seeing if it weighs heavier...as academics are pretty strict and on point..
 
Your academics are a little on the low side, try to bring up your ACT score - there are plenty of study guides/books out there (Kaplan is a good one). If you haven't already, take a stab at SATs; some people score better on one than the other.

The biggest component you are lacking in, is in leadership. That is a big component. Since you said you don't play sports, at your job - do you have any leadership roles/exercise authority? In your community service, is this all organized by your self, or is it through a program (do you coordinate the volunteerism, or does someone else, ie your school)?

Just so you know, you can still apply - have all your paperwork in, and update your scores at a later date. Basically - what I'd recommend, is to fill everything out, become Board 2 Ready (which was/is on Jan 6 2014 - who knows since the 1st board was pushed back). Then, if you are not awarded a scholarship at that time - you still have the 3rd and final board for a chance at a scholarship (during which the time between, you can update your scores if you get anything higher).

Also, you don't have to have a scholarship to be in ROTC. You just need a contract to commission into the Army. So, if you don't get a scholarship, you can always get to your school and compete for an on-campus scholarship; or if need be get funding through the National Guard/Reserve via Simultaneously Membership Program (SMP).


**Here's a little tip when you go for your interview. Interview at your top choice school (make every possible attempt to interview here than anywhere else). Why? Well, one - you don't want to show up for an interview and have the interviewer ask why their school is not your #1 school. And two - in the case you don't get a scholarship, you'll have a slight advantage coming in, to compete for a scholarship.
 
Hi Levi123;

Good advice Thompson provided.

In addition, I would suggest researching and seeking out "lesser known" in-state universities with Army ROTC detachments. Avoid Big 10, Ivy League or otherwise extremely competitive schools.

You really need to knock the interview out of the park... this is critical. Call around to a few ROTC detachments at the small universities. Ask about on campus scholarships and unawarded scholarships that are given to the detachment from Cadet Command after the 3rd board. Ask how those are awarded.

Seek leadership opportunities at school now. Clubs, other extracurriculars and even community level organizations.

My DS (son) had a 3.37 GPA (private High School, 1 honors class), 24 ACT, Eagle Scout, part-time job, volunteer hours, varsity letter football (2), Cross-Country (1) and some stellar letters of recommendation.

Met all 3 boards, no scholarship.

After 3rd board, was contacted by #2 and #3 schools (in-state universities) and asked if he was still interested in being considered for Army ROTC scholarship. Was invited to interview with detachment at #2, phone interview with #3. Was awarded 4-year scholarship to BOTH schools and had to select one (all happened before July 4th). Ended up accepting to #2 school and was also awarded university funded Room & Board scholarship for freshman year.

Both schools had multiple 4 year (2 each I think) and at least 2 3-year scholarships that they awarded at the local detachment level.

Doing very well this freshman year, really likes ROTC and was recently appointed as squad leader (which I think is rare for a freshman / MSI).

It may take more work and effort on your part to investigate the smaller universities and detachments, but it may be worth it in the end.

Good luck to you! :smile:
 
+1 to TGun. You'll also need to hit the CFA out of the park given the relative lack of organized athletics (I can't tell if lacrosse is a school team or if you just play pickup). You really need to let them know you're in shape and ready to go. :thumb:
 
Both schools had multiple 4 year (2 each I think) and at least 2 3-year scholarships that they awarded at the local detachment level.
Are you talking about Army ROTC or Air Force ROTC? Reason I ask is that "detachment" seems to be an AFROTC term. Army uses Battalion or Unit, Navy also Detachment or Unit. I only see AFROTC posters using the word "Detachment"... which always makes me wonder... wouldn't a better word be "Attachment", since presumably they are "attached" to a larger unit? Another George Carlin moment, I guess.
 
Visit a college fair and meet with ROTC representatives, or even attend a service academy presentation if there is a ROTC contingent there. DS started talking to Norwich University alumni his sophomore year, and finalized his Army choice before junior year started.
 
To all;

Apologies, I meant Battalion (Army ROTC).

I am former Air Force... DS is Army ROTC, so I do inadvertently mis-state / combine AF / Army terminology occasionally. :redface:
 
Your academics are a little on the low side, try to bring up your ACT score - there are plenty of study guides/books out there (Kaplan is a good one). If you haven't already, take a stab at SATs; some people score better on one than the other.

The biggest component you are lacking in, is in leadership. That is a big component. Since you said you don't play sports, at your job - do you have any leadership roles/exercise authority? In your community service, is this all organized by your self, or is it through a program (do you coordinate the volunteerism, or does someone else, ie your school)?

Just so you know, you can still apply - have all your paperwork in, and update your scores at a later date. Basically - what I'd recommend, is to fill everything out, become Board 2 Ready (which was/is on Jan 6 2014 - who knows since the 1st board was pushed back). Then, if you are not awarded a scholarship at that time - you still have the 3rd and final board for a chance at a scholarship (during which the time between, you can update your scores if you get anything higher).

Also, you don't have to have a scholarship to be in ROTC. You just need a contract to commission into the Army. So, if you don't get a scholarship, you can always get to your school and compete for an on-campus scholarship; or if need be get funding through the National Guard/Reserve via Simultaneously Membership Program (SMP).


**Here's a little tip when you go for your interview. Interview at your top choice school (make every possible attempt to interview here than anywhere else). Why? Well, one - you don't want to show up for an interview and have the interviewer ask why their school is not your #1 school. And two - in the case you don't get a scholarship, you'll have a slight advantage coming in, to compete for a scholarship.



when you mean board...2...and 3...is that like deadlines?

so when people take act's and get scores later, still have a chance?

sorry, just never heard of it.
 
+1 to TGun. You'll also need to hit the CFA out of the park given the relative lack of organized athletics (I can't tell if lacrosse is a school team or if you just play pickup). You really need to let them know you're in shape and ready to go. :thumb:


yes, i have been going to the gym non stop and running when i can

I am beginning to practice with a printed off sheet, marking each time a i do it to compare to others.
 
Hi Levi123;

Good advice Thompson provided.

In addition, I would suggest researching and seeking out "lesser known" in-state universities with Army ROTC detachments. Avoid Big 10, Ivy League or otherwise extremely competitive schools.

You really need to knock the interview out of the park... this is critical. Call around to a few ROTC detachments at the small universities. Ask about on campus scholarships and unawarded scholarships that are given to the detachment from Cadet Command after the 3rd board. Ask how those are awarded.

Seek leadership opportunities at school now. Clubs, other extracurriculars and even community level organizations.

My DS (son) had a 3.37 GPA (private High School, 1 honors class), 24 ACT, Eagle Scout, part-time job, volunteer hours, varsity letter football (2), Cross-Country (1) and some stellar letters of recommendation.

Met all 3 boards, no scholarship.

After 3rd board, was contacted by #2 and #3 schools (in-state universities) and asked if he was still interested in being considered for Army ROTC scholarship. Was invited to interview with detachment at #2, phone interview with #3. Was awarded 4-year scholarship to BOTH schools and had to select one (all happened before July 4th). Ended up accepting to #2 school and was also awarded university funded Room & Board scholarship for freshman year.

Both schools had multiple 4 year (2 each I think) and at least 2 3-year scholarships that they awarded at the local detachment level.

Doing very well this freshman year, really likes ROTC and was recently appointed as squad leader (which I think is rare for a freshman / MSI).

It may take more work and effort on your part to investigate the smaller universities and detachments, but it may be worth it in the end.

Good luck to you! :smile:



say i dont get any form of scholarship to even local university, can i still go on with rotc or no?
 
say i dont get any form of scholarship to even local university, can i still go on with rotc or no?
yes, most ROTC cadets are not on scholarship. At the end of year 2 the cadre decide if you've met all the requirements to continue on to Advance Course, where you do get Stipend and Book money even if you are not on scholarship.
 
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