Nomination Interview

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FUTURENAVYMOM

5-Year Member
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Sep 6, 2012
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DS had his interview last week with a panel of 6. I am concerned about two of the questions he was asked.

1) Have you taken the SAT/ACT again since you submitted your application to try and raise your scores?

DS took the ACT and got a 36 English and 35 Math with 34 Composite. When these scores are converted to SAT scores, they equal 800/800 and a 2260. My DS didn't want to sound arrogant or disrespectful and point this out, so he just replied "no I haven't" to the question. Ugh, I'm sorry, just venting here... I am just a little surprised and frustrated. Shouldn't the people on the panel who are reviewing these applications know about how test scores work?

2) What "Level" NROTC scholarship were you awarded? DS replied a 4-year Tier 1 Scholarship. But then he was asked again, what level? DS said he wasn't aware of a level.

What level would they be referring to? When DS came home we looked at the website, letter and information that came in the mail regarding scholarship, and couldn't find mention of a level anywhere, besides 4-year scholarship, Tier 1.
:confused:
 
Your right. It should not be an unrealistic expectation that board members would be fluent in the language of candidate assessment. If you're confident in your knowledge base, I think it's OK to offer up what you know to be true in a respectful way.

Had I been faced with the same SAT question at my interview, I would have responded: "It is my understanding that many candidates only take the ACT, and that ACT scores are converted into their equivalent SAT scores. My ACT scores equate to 800's on the SAT scale, so no, I did not retake the SAT. There was no need."

With regard to the ROTC "level" question, I would have responded: "If by "level" you are referring to Tier 1, 2 or 3, then I am a Tier 1 technical major. I might also add that I was awarded the my ROTC board very early in the process."

Know the process and the vocabulary. When faced with unfamiliar terminology or a known in accuracy, pivot toward what you do know while allowing the interviewer room to save face.
 
Do any of the BGO's out there have any insight on this? I always appreciate reading your take on things. I am still concerned. :frown:
 
At this point, the interview has been completed, and you can't unring the bell. I consider myself extremely fluent in the language of NROTC scholarships, and have never heard of a "level" with respect to a NROTC scholarship. "Tier" yes, "Level" No.

Your sons' ACT scores are truly outstanding -- better than mine -- and I was awarded a NROTC scholarship at the first board. I was also honored with a LOA in late October. If your son is also a decent athlete with demonstrated leadership skills, he's simply done everything he could have done.
 
Not sure I have any great insight for you.

Certain standardized tests are more popular in certain areas of the country. In my area, people typically take the SAT and thus MOC committees may not "understand" ACT scores. Whether they should or not is somewhat irrelevant.

I don't know much about ROTC scholarships so I can't help you there.

I wouldn't fret about your DS's answers. I'm sure he did his best . . . that's all you can ever ask anyone to do.:thumb:
 
I know my DS did his best, but it is still quite frustrating. Fingers crossed!

I have another question regarding the nomination process. Is it true that for each vacant spot a district has at an academy, they send the names of 10 applicants? This is what we were told, but just want to make sure I understand.
 
MOCs can nominate up to 10 candidates for each vacancy they have at a SA each year. In some years, the MOC will have >1 vacancy.
 
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