That is very true especially for NROTC. Remember the bulk of their scholarships go to engineering/science majors. Traditionally, those are the candidates that are stronger in Math.
Also, it is important for other candidates to keep reminding yourself that there are more than just one factor placed into the equation when they award scholarships.
For all we know this student may attend TJJHS (the number 1 hs in the nation), thus, when they look at the rigor of his schedule he is going to come out with higher points, than the kid with the exact same schedule and gpa that goes to the worse ranked hs in the nation.
The gpa is one of those things that varies, and is usually the item that will be re-weighted by the board. The reason why is because your school may only award 4.5 for AP on a 7 pt scale, but the next candidate's school may award 6.0 on a 10 pt scale. They then combine this with the school profile.
For example the #53 at TJJHS is coming from a school where 75% of the students go private or Ivies, and 25% go IS. That will mean more than the number 53 that attends a school where 25% go Ivy and 50% go IS colleges, leaving the last 25% attending 2 yr or vocational.
For future candidates, when you request your sealed transcript, buy one for yourself --- I mean the sealed one. Sealed is the official transcript that the college receives. There are multitude of reasons to do so, but here are the top reasons:
1. Check your "official" grades. Clerical mistakes occur. If they put a S instead of an H or an H instead of AP/IB, it is going to hurt you in the re-weighting system.
2. Most schools will attach a school profile. This informs them of the % I mentioned earlier and their weighting system.
3. Check that they have included your ECs...for example NHS, FHS, sports, etc. Schools many times include that on the transcript, so if you see that they have you down for NHS 11 and 12, but you know you were inducted in 10th, take it to the gc.
4. It will also show your ACT/SAT dates and the scores, make sure they are correct.
This is true not only for ROTC, but college selection. Colleges look at you, but they also look at the school too when deciding, especially competitive schools.
In the military you will quickly learn that it is your responsibility to review your records, by not doing so you may lose an opportunity.
Again, for this OP, he may have a great shot, especially since NROTC is linked to the university. He may be the best candidate for that University. There is just not enough info to say, "he is living a pipe dream or he is living reality".
Good luck.