Today DS was awarded a navy option scholarship to Harvard. His journey is a little different than what is typical, but it's a lesson in perserverence and determination. He is currently a freshman college programmer in the Harvard/MIT/Tufts unit. During his senior year of high school, he applied to USNA. He received an LOA in October 2012 and an appointment in November 2012. He also applied for the NROTC scholarship that same Fall. With an appointment to USNA in hand, he applied early action to Harvard. He was accepted in December 2012. In February 2013 (his last semester of high school), he learned that he was not selected for an NROTC scholarship. After a great deal of thought and deliberation, he turned down the USNA appointment, and enrolled in Harvard as a college programmer. Under new rules in effect this year, he was allowed to apply for the national scholarship and still participate in NROTC as a college programmer. Needless to say, he is one happy midshipman, as are his parents! Thanks to all on this forum who have provided advice, inspiration, and counsel, especially Kinnem, Oldsalt and Marciemi!