The Citadel...Class of 2021

Swag

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This afternoon my DS received his acceptance letter for Fall 2017! He's beyond excited since this was his only choice for a SMC. Now praying for the Marine Option NROTC scholarship! Thank you Glen for all the advice!
 
Congrats to your DS, DD received her acceptance about a month ago and also #1 on list for Marine Option ROTC. Did he get in application for first boards?
 
My son just received his acceptance letter too yesterday!! Congratulations!
Congratulations! Is he planning on going to one of the Pre-Knob visits? He toured and interviewed with an admissions officer in April but thought it would be a good idea to stay a night.
 
Congrats to your DS, DD received her acceptance about a month ago and also #1 on list for Marine Option ROTC. Did he get in application for first boards?
Congratulations! My DS had his interview and PFT on Saturday and just submitted a few last items. I'm not sure when the first board is...this is all very new to me. If it wasn't for this forum I would be completely lost.
 
First board is November 2nd I believe (or there abouts) so sounds like your DS will make it. Good luck!
 
Congratulations! Is he planning on going to one of the Pre-Knob visits? He toured and interviewed with an admissions officer in April but thought it would be a good idea to stay a night.
Yes. He plays football so right now we are signed up for the pre-knob event on Nov 10-11. If his team makes the playoffs though , We'll have to switch to the January date. We're in Augusta GA so The Citadel is about 3 hours away. We've visited twice but, I think the overnight visit will be great !
 
Having done the preknob visit, I can assure you it will definitely give him a good idea if it is what he wants. If you have any questions about the Marine Contingent, feel free to ask me.
 
Having done the preknob visit, I can assure you it will definitely give him a good idea if it is what he wants. If you have any questions about the Marine Contingent, feel free to ask me.
My DS would love to hear about your experience. Unfortunately he did not get the NROTC MO this time around. He's going to sign up for the March Pre knob. I wish he could go sooner however, my daughter cheers competitively and it's the only time that works. Please let us know about your experience. Feel free to Message me as well.
 
My DS would love to hear about your experience. Unfortunately he did not get the NROTC MO this time around. He's going to sign up for the March Pre knob. I wish he could go sooner however, my daughter cheers competitively and it's the only time that works. Please let us know about your experience. Feel free to Message me as well.

I'm sorry to hear he didn't get it this time around. He can also apply first semester freshman year if he come in with under 30 credits and joins the unit after taking the initial PFT to get into the unit. I applied last year and didn't get it my first time around. After he in ineligible for the 4 year, he can apply second semester freshman year, and the both semesters sophomore year for the side load scholarship (which is 2-3 years) if he has under 60 credits when he applies. There is also the PLC option, which has had much success at the Del, and while still competitive, grades are not as weighted as the scholarship (given, you want to be above a 3.0). The PLC contracts are more than welcomed into the Marine unit. As a reference, all this years seniors who did not give up in applying got a contract one way or another, some with a scholarship, some without.
 
My DS would love to hear about your experience. Unfortunately he did not get the NROTC MO this time around. He's going to sign up for the March Pre knob. I wish he could go sooner however, my daughter cheers competitively and it's the only time that works. Please let us know about your experience. Feel free to Message me as well.

Swag: I am reposting a comment by a current member of a Navy ROTC unit at another college who explained the Navy is significantly reducing the number of 3 and 4 year Scholarships in favor of issuing more 2 year campus based scholarships. Apparently, they believe it is important that the PNS have the ability to evaluate candidates vs accepting students based on national exams and competition. Sad for kids looking at fronting the first one or two years, but good for the Navy. I assume but do not know if the Marine Corps is following the Navy. I do know that 4 year Army ROTC scholarships are also harder to achieve this year in favor of 3 year. I paste the comment here from the ROTC forum:
From the ROTC Forum:
"The CO said there were about 13000 applications last year and 900 scholarships awarded(700 accepted).
NavyNOLA: The program being referred to is known as Precision Loading. It aims to decrease the number of Navy National recipients to achieve a total enrolling class of 712 across all NROTC units. In the past, attrition was accounted for by bringing in larger numbers of freshmen than were actually needed on the output side. Now, the idea is to balance out attrition with significantly increased Side Load scholarships, therefore saving the enterprise money/time/effort/etc. So, the goal is 712 in freshman year, and 712 out as Ensigns four years later, with attrition balanced by 2-year/3-year scholarships. This program really started last year, when the total number of awarded Navy National scholarships went from about 1400 in FY15 to about 1100 in FY16. For this year's boards (FY17), total scholarships awarded will be based on predicted yield, but it will likely be below 1000 (900 or so would be a good guess).What's all this mean? It's getting harder to get a 4-year Navy National scholarship. Average SAT/ACT scores from the FY16 boards were 1396 SAT/31-32 ACT. Compare this to 1369 SAT/30-31 ACT in FY15. You'll likely see the average over 1400 SAT for FY17 (the current boards taking place for 2016-2017). College Program will be the new norm for many more prospective students, but there ARE going to be significant increases in Side Load offers; projections for next summer's 2-year scholarship board have available quotas increasing FOUR fold.... (from 19 to 80). ����'
 
Doing the pre-Knob experience at The Citadel is essential. It's not like the majority of colleges in the world and it's not for everyone. My class had an almost 50% attrition rate from freshmen to senior year. The cadre motto was 'Attrition is our mission". That was many moons ago and things have changed a lot from the Cold War mentality.
 
Swag: I am reposting a comment by a current member of a Navy ROTC unit at another college who explained the Navy is significantly reducing the number of 3 and 4 year Scholarships in favor of issuing more 2 year campus based scholarships. Apparently, they believe it is important that the PNS have the ability to evaluate candidates vs accepting students based on national exams and competition. Sad for kids looking at fronting the first one or two years, but good for the Navy. I assume but do not know if the Marine Corps is following the Navy. I do know that 4 year Army ROTC scholarships are also harder to achieve this year in favor of 3 year. I paste the comment here from the ROTC forum:
From the ROTC Forum:
"The CO said there were about 13000 applications last year and 900 scholarships awarded(700 accepted).
NavyNOLA: The program being referred to is known as Precision Loading. It aims to decrease the number of Navy National recipients to achieve a total enrolling class of 712 across all NROTC units. In the past, attrition was accounted for by bringing in larger numbers of freshmen than were actually needed on the output side. Now, the idea is to balance out attrition with significantly increased Side Load scholarships, therefore saving the enterprise money/time/effort/etc. So, the goal is 712 in freshman year, and 712 out as Ensigns four years later, with attrition balanced by 2-year/3-year scholarships. This program really started last year, when the total number of awarded Navy National scholarships went from about 1400 in FY15 to about 1100 in FY16. For this year's boards (FY17), total scholarships awarded will be based on predicted yield, but it will likely be below 1000 (900 or so would be a good guess).What's all this mean? It's getting harder to get a 4-year Navy National scholarship. Average SAT/ACT scores from the FY16 boards were 1396 SAT/31-32 ACT. Compare this to 1369 SAT/30-31 ACT in FY15. You'll likely see the average over 1400 SAT for FY17 (the current boards taking place for 2016-2017). College Program will be the new norm for many more prospective students, but there ARE going to be significant increases in Side Load offers; projections for next summer's 2-year scholarship board have available quotas increasing FOUR fold.... (from 19 to 80). ����'

Thanks so much for the information! Although he (and we $) are still hoping for a scholarship we are looking at it from a standpoint and preparing for the fact that he may not receive it. That's where the Pre-Knob visit will be essential. We do have a Florida Pre-paid college plan, however, I know that he would thrive in the Citadel environment. That's where the tough financial decisions come into play...not fun!
 
Doing the pre-Knob experience at The Citadel is essential. It's not like the majority of colleges in the world and it's not for everyone. My class had an almost 50% attrition rate from freshmen to senior year. The cadre motto was 'Attrition is our mission". That was many moons ago and things have changed a lot from the Cold War mentality.

I agree 100%! He did a CVW at USNA and it was a great experience. He's going to register for the Pre-Knob in March tonight if he hasn't already.
 
This afternoon my DS received his acceptance letter for Fall 2017! He's beyond excited since this was his only choice for a SMC. Now praying for the Marine Option NROTC scholarship! Thank you Glen for all the advice!
Congrats - and remember a good first year may make the cadet eligible for a 3 or 2 year ROTC scholarship. The average 4th Class GPA at The Citadel is 3.0 - average for the entire class, so a cadets who applies him or herself can do much better. The good news - every 4th Class cadet is doing the same thing at evening study periods - meaning 0 peer pressure to go out and do dumb things. For a parent, this is a calming thought!! Best of luck.
 
Congrats - and remember a good first year may make the cadet eligible for a 3 or 2 year ROTC scholarship. The average 4th Class GPA at The Citadel is 3.0 - average for the entire class, so a cadets who applies him or herself can do much better. The good news - every 4th Class cadet is doing the same thing at evening study periods - meaning 0 peer pressure to go out and do dumb things. For a parent, this is a calming thought!! Best of luck.
You got that right! I would be lying if I didn't admit that was one of our thoughts (peaceful sleep for mom)! Thanks so much, I always appreciate your insight. We've thought about "biting the bullet" with the first year tuition and have him reapply for scholarships immediately. He still in the running for NROTC MO so we have our fingers crossed!
 
Congrats - and remember a good first year may make the cadet eligible for a 3 or 2 year ROTC scholarship. The average 4th Class GPA at The Citadel is 3.0 - average for the entire class, so a cadets who applies him or herself can do much better. The good news - every 4th Class cadet is doing the same thing at evening study periods - meaning 0 peer pressure to go out and do dumb things. For a parent, this is a calming thought!! Best of luck.

Hi Glen - my DS was accepted to The Citadel in November. He was recently invited to the Scholar Pre-Knob program next month. He just found out he has received the NROTC 4 year scholarship placed at George Washington U. The Citadel is one of his top 3 Navy ROTC choices. Should I have him notify the Citadel financial aid office he received the NROTC Scholarship? Or can the Citadel Scholarship be used for his room & board since the NROTC only covers tuition & fees? We are not SC residents (NY Long Island). He was not accepted to the USCGA and did not receive a nomination for the USNA but after visits to both he prefers the military college experience. He is still very much interested in The Citadel. Should I have him call the Navy ROTC office at the Citadel? Is there any advantage of attending Navy ROTC at a SMC over a unit at a civilian college? He plans to major in electrical engineering but is also interested in cybersecurity/intelligence. Wants to SWO. Any advice?
 
Hi Glen - my DS was accepted to The Citadel in November. He was recently invited to the Scholar Pre-Knob program next month. He just found out he has received the NROTC 4 year scholarship placed at George Washington U. The Citadel is one of his top 3 Navy ROTC choices. Should I have him notify the Citadel financial aid office he received the NROTC Scholarship? Or can the Citadel Scholarship be used for his room & board since the NROTC only covers tuition & fees? We are not SC residents (NY Long Island). He was not accepted to the USCGA and did not receive a nomination for the USNA but after visits to both he prefers the military college experience. He is still very much interested in The Citadel. Should I have him call the Navy ROTC office at the Citadel? Is there any advantage of attending Navy ROTC at a SMC over a unit at a civilian college? He plans to major in electrical engineering but is also interested in cybersecurity/intelligence. Wants to SWO. Any advice?

Anchor - let me connect with the school and some folks who can provide you a better answer than I can re the NROTC 4 yr scholarship assigned to GWU. The 4 yr NROTC scholarship is getting pretty rare, and there may be caps on how many a particular NROTC unit can have. But it would not hurt to connect with Col. Neil Scholarship
Hi Glen - my DS was accepted to The Citadel in November. He was recently invited to the Scholar Pre-Knob program next month. He just found out he has received the NROTC 4 year scholarship placed at George Washington U. The Citadel is one of his top 3 Navy ROTC choices. Should I have him notify the Citadel financial aid office he received the NROTC Scholarship? Or can the Citadel Scholarship be used for his room & board since the NROTC only covers tuition & fees? We are not SC residents (NY Long Island). He was not accepted to the USCGA and did not receive a nomination for the USNA but after visits to both he prefers the military college experience. He is still very much interested in The Citadel. Should I have him call the Navy ROTC office at the Citadel? Is there any advantage of attending Navy ROTC at a SMC over a unit at a civilian college? He plans to major in electrical engineering but is also interested in cybersecurity/intelligence. Wants to SWO. Any advice?

Anchor7: I spoke to a recent graduate who is now teaching at the USNA who was a scholarship awardee, and is teaching and involved in Naval officer accession. He said your best bet is to call The Citadel NROTC - Senior Naval Instructor and explain your interest. The Senior Naval Instructor is Navy Lt. Ryan Zeiler. I will post his coordinates in a private message as the Forum does not like personal info on the public pages. The Department of Naval Science at The Citadel number is 843-953-5193. He said you should also contact the officer who was involved in your scholarship process in the NY area. As for how the 4 and 3 year scholarships work with academic scholarships, in the past if an awardee had both ROTC and College academic grants, the two could be used up to the cost of attendance. Any additional amount of academic grant was returned to the college for use with other cadets. So for the NROTC scholarship, this goes to tuition, and the academic scholarship can be used for Room & Board and other fees. Don't know if this is in effect for Fall 2017 or not. Also, in the past, ROTC 3 and 4 year scholarship awardees who achieve a certain minimum SAT and GPA, received a stipend they could use on top of their ROTC scholarship grant - but not to exceed actual cost of attendance. Again, this may change from year to year, and the minimum SAT/GPA many also change.

Your question regarding whether there is any advantage in attending NROTC at an SMC versus a civilian college is of course subjective and personal. GWU is a good school and as a 4 year scholarship awardee, the Navy will invest significant resources in DS training him as a mid-shipman. All mid-shipmen enrolled in NROTC will receive the same training opportunities. His Navy assignment on graduation will be based on his performance - academic grades, physical fitness and his performance in training - not on what university or college he attended. That said, the SMC experience for someone who is willing to accept the challenge on top of academics and ROTC training provides a learning experience that is unlike any civilian college - in which your DS will be around other men and women who are similarly focused on a military commission 24/7. He will perhaps have more chances to meet and discuss Naval opportunities. He certainly will be more likely to be physically fit as all the SMCs I am familiar with place a great deal of emphasis on this - which is an important metric for a commission. Your DS should focus first and foremost on where he feels most comfortable academically. The Citadel's Engineering School is annually ranked by US News among the top 20 undergraduate programs in the nation with up to a masters degree. I believe this is due to it's small classes, all courses are taught by professors with their terminal degrees - no teaching assistants like at large universities, and the reputation of it's engineering programs. As for Cyber Security - The Citadel is one of the few colleges in the nation to be certified by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
 
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