So now that DS received the TWE from USNA he is looking at plan B's. One of his choices only has ROTC, not NROTC. Can anyone shed some light on how ROTC is? Liked? Good? Happy in it? Any info would be valuable!
Have to say I agree with Pima and ERAUMattmom.
I presume there is something about the college that just has AROTC that makes it attractive to your DS. If it's just something marginal then I would think the NROTC program would be more attractive. If it's a big deal thing then I could see where the AROTC program school could be more attractive. Question is, is it worth "stepping down" from NROTC and 5 years AD in Navy.
Of course it could also be a financial reason. There are more in-school scholarships available through AROTC. But again he will have to ask himself the same question but with respect to debt load etc.
Finally, in AROTC there is no guarantee of Active Duty. A large percentage each year goes Reserve/National Guard and not AD. Navy always goes AD. I wouldn't expect this to be an issue for your son either way but it's something he should be aware of. I suspect he hasn't explored the detailed in's and out's of AROTC.
My own gut feel is he will be far happier in NROTC. And being happy in his program will go far in making him successful in college and in his unit. My son's academic major is History, but really his major is NROTC. That's what his life and passion revolves around. And while he was a B student in high school, he's been on the Dean's list in college all but one semester. I have no doubt it was his passion and focus on being successful in NROTC that also lead to his academic success and happiness in college. YMMV.
Bottom line though is it needs to be affordable, regardless of which program it is. If one or the other is a real financial stretch, including whatever debit load he might need to take on, then I'd be looking hard at the less financially demanding school/program.
Of course I know i'm speaking to the choir and that you've already thought of all that... but wanted to point out some of the things to think about just in case. It's an emotional time and sometimes rationality gets left behind.
Good luck prepswimmom.
Perhaps if you and DS can think of more specific questions we might be able to be more helpful.