Penn State NROTC Scholarship Wait List

[PSUMOM2013]

Our son was awarded a 4-year NROTC scholarship...but to his 2nd choice college...not to his 1st choice - PSU. He has submitted all the paperwork necessary to have it transferred, and has been told that he is "in the top 4" on the waiting list, but we still haven't heard anything. At PSU's NROTC luncheon for next year's students, several students that were in the same position last year told him that "he shouldn't worry - it will transfer." Needless to say, we're holding our breath at this point as he has already accepted admission to PSU. His 2nd choice school is a great university, but doesn't offer the major that he is pursuing, so we knew we may be paying for PSU, which is out of state for us, out of pocket. Does anybody have any information/experience in when these transfers work themselves out? Is there usually a flurry of activity once the USNA students start (which was today) since they tend to hold onto their NROTC scholarships until they actually start at the academy?

 

[PSUMOM33]

Our son accepted the scholarship last year mid-July. He was not on the wait list, but it wasn't until two weeks before NROTC orientation at PSU that we got the final word on the scholarship. In the meantime, the bursar's bill came out. Give it a couple of weeks then for the scholarship to appear on the bursar's bill.

We did NOT have to pay anything. Eventually, even after classes had started, the scholarship payment showed up on the statement. It was certainly a relief. But I have found that this is normal procedure. No need to hold your breath - it gets paid.

If your son is going to be among the Freshmen NROTC class this year, he will meet my son as he is on staff for the training at Indiantown Gap. The PSU NROTC program is top notch. I'd be happy to talk with you . . . good luck to him!

 

[katie's mom]

Hi - Last year we were in the same position. She did find out in June but it was tough waiting. Have you heard anything yet? If your son does end up at PSU he will have my daughter as one of the classroom instructors for GAP (orientation).

 

[vampsoul]

I have a friend in PSU NROTC. It's a great unit. Go Nittany Lions! (can you tell I'm from Pa?)

 

[PSUMOM2013]

Thanks for your replies. We still haven't heard anything...just that he is "in the top 4" on the waiting list. We did hear that PSU's NROTC unit's numbers are "tight" this year (not a lot of wiggle room with scholarships), and that none of their college program freshman received 3 or 3 1/2 year scholarships this year. So...we are not feeling very reassured, at this point, that the scholarship will transfer over from Ohio State. It looks like we'll be funding his freshman year on our own, but he will be in the college program and is going to Indiantown GAP. He is really looking forward to it and we are excited for him. Can't imagine him at any other college or university at this point! We're keeping our fingers crossed. He is a great kid, has worked hard to earn a scholarship, and is certainly dedicated to both PSU's NROTC and the Navy. If anybody hears anything or has any suggestions, let us know!