Where to Interview?

hen111

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2012
Messages
16
I have 5 schools on my list for ROTC, but have found it more difficult to get an appointment at my top school.

How important is it to interview at your #1 school?

I know they say you can interview anywhere, but i've also heard it might make a difference to go directly to your first choice.
 
Absolutely interview at you top choice. Just went thru this with DS. He did not get his first choice on first round of arotc. Talked to recruiting officer at first choice and was informed that he wasn't even looked at. If you are applying to a competitive ROTC program they have to have a way to differentiate between those that are serious and those that are not.
 
If it is at all possible, you should interview with your first choice school. If it is a competitive program you need every edge you can get. If it is not possible to interview at your first choice school, you still need to be talking to them. You want them to know who you are.
 
My DS interviewed with 4th choice PMS, who gave him highest possible points. He was awarded AROTC 4 yr at his #1.

We'd heard both opinions as well.
 
For me it was physically impossible to interview at my number one, it was across the country. My other schools were 8 hours+ away. I ended up interviewing at a school that I wasn't even applying too. There were draw backs, such as the PMS popping the question why arn't you applying here, or if it was on my list, what is your number one. That was something I did prepare for. In the end I think it was all about communication. I made it clear to my number one I was applying and sent a resume over to their recruiting officer. I kept in contact with him to update him on my interview and application. I ended up at my number one with a scholarship. Good luck to current and future xROTC cadets. It's a great time.
 
Absolutely interview at you top choice. Just went thru this with DS. He did not get his first choice on first round of arotc. Talked to recruiting officer at first choice and was informed that he wasn't even looked at. If you are applying to a competitive ROTC program they have to have a way to differentiate between those that are serious and those that are not.

You are right in that it is always better to interview wiyth your top choice school whenever possible. This will allow the applicant to start a relationship with the program, that relationship can help the applicant if they do not receive a scholarship but still decides to attend the school.

The one difference is that the PMS at any school can only check a box yes or no for all the applicants that list their school. Other then that the PMS has no influence with the board. The PMS could absolutly be excited about the applicant but other then the comments he makes, which any PMS doing the interview can make, the only thing they can do is check the box yes or no.

A great interview from any PMS will still give the applicant the points they need and help their application.

Still I agree that it is best to interview with your #1 choice school, the relationship you build can be a big help in the future.
 
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