Hey all. It seems as though my DS has not received an AROTC so we are looking at applying for a side load scholarship. He is a rising freshman, so when would he apply for one. After 1st semester or end of freshman year. Also, are they as selective as the 4 yr scholarships? Thank you!
side load scholarship
- Thread starter faithwalk
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My understanding for AROTC is that there is no application process and its entirely at the discretion of, and awarded by, the PMS. I believe only NROTC actually has an application process for sideload scholarships.
EDIT: If you son is NROTC, then he can apply for a sideload scholarship the spring semester of his freshman year. He needs to make sure he knows the due date as they (evidently) will not spoon feed him. My son's initial sideload application was not forwarded because he (unknowingly) submitted it a day late. These scholarships are at least as competitive as a 4 year high school NROTC scholarship and some would say they are as competitive as a USNA appointment minus the nomination. In the recent past, stats of scholarship winners were comparable or a bit higher than USNA appointees. During the Iraq war years just about anyone who applied got a scholarship (at least that's my understanding).
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Kinnem is correct, there is no application process for a "Campus Based AROTC Scholarship"
Every cadet will be placed on a Battalion OML (Order of Merit List) for their class. For Freshmen this will be mainly their College GPA and APFT score.
The best way to make a good first impression is to pass the first APFT of the year with a high score, try and get 90 points or better in each of the three categories to start out. Have a good first Semester GPA, these two things will go a long way in being toward the top of the OML. The battalion will give scholarships, if available based on the OML.
Several cadets received Campus Schorships at my son's battalion this year, these cadets had high APFT scores and good GPA's. One freshman cadet had a 300+ APFT along with a good GPA and was offered a 4yr scholarship.
Every battalion is different, some will have a few scholarships to give and some may have only one or maybe none, it all depends on what is available and how many National scholarships were awarded to the battalion.
Your son needs to make sure he fully participates in ROCT, don't miss any classes or labs, when something states "Required for contracted cadets or those looking to contract" make sure he attends. Sign up for the EC's such as Ranger Challenge, Color Guard, etc.
To start out and make the best first impression, do very well on the APFT, try and have the top APFT score in his class, that will push him to the top right away.
Best of luck to your son.
