NROTC re-applying questions

gonavy2015

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2010
Messages
95
Can anyone with experience clarify a few questions on the NROTC re-application process?

Is applying on the NROTC website for a three year scholarship the same thing as a "side load" scholarship? Are these terms used interchangeably?

If you join a unit as a college programmer, and re-apply, then is your application only tied to the college you are attending?

Is there a statistical benefit to joining a unit vs not joining and reapplying in terms of the number of scholarships that are granted?

Thanks in advance for any insight.
 
I was told by my school's CO that I'm more likely to receive a scholarship if I re-apply this summer the same way I did this year as opposed to trying as a college programmer. It might differ per unit. If you re-apply this summer, you are not allowed to participate in the unit in anything other than naval science classes until you receive the scholarship.
 
Thanks for your response. I guess this is what I am wondering if the odds are better choosing one path over the other? I realize it is not a guarantee either way.
 
I was told by my school's CO that I'm more likely to receive a scholarship if I re-apply this summer the same way I did this year as opposed to trying as a college programmer. It might differ per unit. If you re-apply this summer, you are not allowed to participate in the unit in anything other than naval science classes until you receive the scholarship.

I was a Nurse Corps applicant. Did you retake your SATs or ACTs? Mine were not great but my resume was very good. I'm pretty sure I was on the cusp for getting picked (not to sound cocky), but I just found out at the end of last week that I didn't get it. I'm wondering if I should reapply, or just do the college program.....
 
GoNavy2015/irish93

Below is a repost regarding side load scholarship goals as of Dec 16 2010. Refer to Naval Training Service Command web site (directives) for current NROTC Scholarship and Side Load Scholarship goals.

Side-load Scholarship goals per December 16, 2010 communication from Naval Training Service Command.

YG13 - 3yr (0), 2 1/2 and 2 yr (0), 2yr LREC* (4)
YG14 - 3yr (0), 3yr LREC (24), 2 1/2 yr (14), 2 yr LREC (0)
YG15 - 3 yr (70), 3 yr LREC (0), 2 1/2 yr (25), 2 yr (22), 2yr LREC (0)

LREC- Language Regional Expertise & Cultural Awareness.
 
I was told by my school's CO that I'm more likely to receive a scholarship if I re-apply this summer the same way I did this year as opposed to trying as a college programmer. It might differ per unit. If you re-apply this summer, you are not allowed to participate in the unit in anything other than naval science classes until you receive the scholarship.

This is pretty much what my son was told by a Lt. at his school's unit. He just learned that he did not receive a scholarship this year. So he just submitted his enrollment deposit hoping to join as a college programmer, work really hard in the unit and receive a 3 yr scholarship by the end of the Spring 2012 semester. I think they call that a "side load" scholarship. The Lt said that if he joins as a college programmer he disqualifies himself from receiving a scholarship. If he wants a 4 yr scholarship (he'll only want a 3 yr next yr since he'll be a sophomore) he needs to re-apply this coming fall and wait till sophomore year to train with the unit. That sounds contrary to what the Navy said in their letter to him. Can anyone shed any light on this.
 
We were told the same thing by the recruiter at CU-Boulder. He said if my son did not receive the 4 yr scholarship this time, he could reapply next year for a 3 year scholarship, but if he was already a member of the unit (non-scholarship) he would be ineligible. It doesn't make much sense to me, but that is what we were told. Thankfully, my son recieved the 4 yr scholarship so we didn't have to navigate that path!
 
GoNavy2015/irish93

Below is a repost regarding side load scholarship goals as of Dec 16 2010. Refer to Naval Training Service Command web site (directives) for current NROTC Scholarship and Side Load Scholarship goals.

Side-load Scholarship goals per December 16, 2010 communication from Naval Training Service Command.

YG13 - 3yr (0), 2 1/2 and 2 yr (0), 2yr LREC* (4)
YG14 - 3yr (0), 3yr LREC (24), 2 1/2 yr (14), 2 yr LREC (0)
YG15 - 3 yr (70), 3 yr LREC (0), 2 1/2 yr (25), 2 yr (22), 2yr LREC (0)

LREC- Language Regional Expertise & Cultural Awareness.


These stats are very meager. I imagine asking the CO at each specific school how many, if any, side load scholarships they have awarded over the past few years would be helpful in deciding which path to take.
 
This is pretty much what my son was told by a Lt. at his school's unit. He just learned that he did not receive a scholarship this year. So he just submitted his enrollment deposit hoping to join as a college programmer, work really hard in the unit and receive a 3 yr scholarship by the end of the Spring 2012 semester. I think they call that a "side load" scholarship. The Lt said that if he joins as a college programmer he disqualifies himself from receiving a scholarship. If he wants a 4 yr scholarship (he'll only want a 3 yr next yr since he'll be a sophomore) he needs to re-apply this coming fall and wait till sophomore year to train with the unit. That sounds contrary to what the Navy said in their letter to him. Can anyone shed any light on this.

A Lt. at my school told me quite the opposite... He said that I should join the unit as a College Programmer, but also reapply for a 3-yr scholarship this summer (the scholarship would start in the fall of 2012). He even offered to look over my application for me to raise my chances of receiving a 3-yr scholarship. This obviously sounds very different from what you heard. Unfortunately, I don't know which is the right answer in this situation.
 
A Lt. at my school told me quite the opposite... He said that I should join the unit as a College Programmer, but also reapply for a 3-yr scholarship this summer (the scholarship would start in the fall of 2012). He even offered to look over my application for me to raise my chances of receiving a 3-yr scholarship. This obviously sounds very different from what you heard. Unfortunately, I don't know which is the right answer in this situation.

The Lt at my son's school just replied again saying that if he joins as a college programmer, he cannot apply for the scholarship again, but that if he does re-apply without joining the college program, he can be awarded a 4 yr scholarship. This means that they will actually reimburse us for the tuition expense for his 1st yr, even though he did not train with them his 1st yr. I don't have any reason to doubt him, but it makes no sense to me. Why would the Navy prefer to give a 4 yr scholarship to a student they know only through a paper application rather than a less expensive 3 yr scholarship to a student who is recommended by a CO who has watched him perform for a full year? He did tell my son he might want to check with Pensacola to see if the same bias toward re-applying still stands. Perhaps a call or email to Melissa Parker inPensacola is in order. She's probably overwhelmed with transfers right now, but it's probably worth getting her opinion before submitting a re-application.
 
Trying again

DS received a call today and also was told a month ago by a Navy Rep that visited his HS that he should fill out the application again and submit it as he did last year even though he will be enrolled in NROTC at an SMC this fall. Not sure if he stands a better chance because he isn't retaking the SATS again. I guess all they can say is no...they did that once already so we are used to it. :shake: Not sure if it will be much different except that he is obviously committed by following through with his plans which will help with the interview. GPA went up a little and he gained a few awards this year but I don't know if his chances will be increased or not. Since 2 different people said to do it again, other than the possible waste of time, I don't know what it could hurt. I figure all the projects, finals etc are over now and he will be bored in about 2 weeks so it gives DS something to do before summer school starts besides jogging.
 
DS received a call today and also was told a month ago by a Navy Rep that visited his HS that he should fill out the application again and submit it as he did last year even though he will be enrolled in NROTC at an SMC this fall. Not sure if he stands a better chance because he isn't retaking the SATS again. I guess all they can say is no...they did that once already so we are used to it. :shake: Not sure if it will be much different except that he is obviously committed by following through with his plans which will help with the interview. GPA went up a little and he gained a few awards this year but I don't know if his chances will be increased or not. Since 2 different people said to do it again, other than the possible waste of time, I don't know what it could hurt. I figure all the projects, finals etc are over now and he will be bored in about 2 weeks so it gives DS something to do before summer school starts besides jogging.

BJKUDS
When you say your son will be enrolled in NROTC at an SMC this fall, do you mean he will be a college programmer? (I assume SMC stands for state military college). If so that is inconsistent with what my son was told - that if he participates in college program he is disqualified from applying for the scholarship again. Do you possibly have a contact number for this info?
 
My son attends VMI - since every cadet must participate in some ROTC - the cadets can choose NAVY and they will attend classes etc - all participating - from there they can elect to apply for contract program (whatever its called its when a cadet is there and IS NOT a 4 yr scholarship MIDN) and may get one. Since my son received a 4yr scholarship I really dont know exactly, but what I have learned reading this and heresay - I believe if one doesnt receive a 4yr scholarship - they would be trying for one of these contracted type things - then the cadet gets on board at some point - just like the 4yr guys - they get tutition, stipend, books, etc. I dont know what or how one would be looked at if they reapply via the website, as tho they want a 4yr scholarship - maybe it just gets their name up in front sooner or maybe they would be considered for a 4yr type. If my son hadnt received the 4yr scholarship, with his heart set on navy career, I would have counseled him to go to the Navy unit at VMI and follow their recommended path to scholarship for remaining years. I also believe that one could go thru college and apply for commission - but everything seems to be slightly different year to year. so I am NOT suggesting to forward my advice. just throwing out thoughts. My son is finishing his second year at VMI and can say that all involved at VMI and NAVY unit are helpful and available to answer questions and give guidance. I know that Gen Peay has goal of high commissioning rates from VMI so I continue think that any cadet at VMI with desire to commission would have the best shot to that goal. Antedotely, my son talks of efforts of staff to encourage, guide, cadets to contracting/scholarship during the year. larrys mom
 
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This is what I found out yesterday from the Navy ROTC dept at VMI. I sent them an email because of the confusion and I am glad that I did. This is the reply:

If a candidate has not received an NROTC 4-year National Scholarship to VMI, they will matriculate at VMI as a member of our College Program. As a college program student, they are a member of the NROTC Battalion, take our classes and work out with us. However, they do not receive tuition assistance nor are they on a commissioning track.



In the spring of their freshmen year, we submit “Sideload” scholarship applications for the freshmen and sophomores who meet the requirements and are interested. If they have not picked up a Sideload scholarship or College Program Advanced Standing (no tuition money, just a commission in the Navy) by the end of their sophomore year, they must move on to either the Air Force or Army ROTCs.



I hope that this info is of some help. Please feel free to call me with any further questions
So I guess we will have to wait until spring and hope that DS does well in the meantime. Its amazing that 2 different people encouraged him to re apply when it would be useless to do so:confused:.

This forum once again saved us a headache because it caused me to look into it a little deeper...Thanks :smile:
 
Is it easier for Tier 3 majors to apply for the 3 year NROTC scholarship?


I applied this year and was rejected for the scholarship. Got into my top choice school, but just couldn't afford it, so I'm staying in-state. I could transfer to my top choice school, if there is an opening, right?




Thanks
 
I encourage you to reapply. At VMI since it is a senior military school, it is one of those schools where you cannot participate with the unit as a civilian.

However at most schools you can participate as a civilian doing everything with the unit without specifically joining the college program. You are not eligible for a national scholarship through ROTC if you join the College Program. And sideload scholarships as of late are very limited.

The statements from VMI are true for VMI.


This is what I found out yesterday from the Navy ROTC dept at VMI. I sent them an email because of the confusion and I am glad that I did. This is the reply:

If a candidate has not received an NROTC 4-year National Scholarship to VMI, they will matriculate at VMI as a member of our College Program. As a college program student, they are a member of the NROTC Battalion, take our classes and work out with us. However, they do not receive tuition assistance nor are they on a commissioning track.



In the spring of their freshmen year, we submit “Sideload” scholarship applications for the freshmen and sophomores who meet the requirements and are interested. If they have not picked up a Sideload scholarship or College Program Advanced Standing (no tuition money, just a commission in the Navy) by the end of their sophomore year, they must move on to either the Air Force or Army ROTCs.



I hope that this info is of some help. Please feel free to call me with any further questions
So I guess we will have to wait until spring and hope that DS does well in the meantime. Its amazing that 2 different people encouraged him to re apply when it would be useless to do so:confused:.

This forum once again saved us a headache because it caused me to look into it a little deeper...Thanks :smile:
 
Anyone have an update?

My son just returned from orientation and met a Lt at the school's unit. He went over the options including reapplying for a 3 yr scholarship and doing the college program. He was non-committal about which one to pursue, so I thought we should ask around on the forum again to see if anyone has any new info about scholarships. The last advise we got was that the best option is to try for the 3 yr scholarship because the side loads have largely dried up. Does anyone know if there have been any changes in the last few months?
Also, does anyone know whether 3 yr scholarships are a category unto themselves, or does the applicant compete with all the 4 yr applicants again?
 
I'll be applying for a sideload since joining NROTC on the college program DQ's me from applying for the nat'l scholarship again. The outlook is grim but oh well, where there is a will there is a way.
 
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