When is the best time to submit my application for the NROTC Scholarship?

MarkABautista

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2013
Messages
9
I have no started on anything for my scholarship yet. I am currently a junior and I was wondering that when I finish my application, when is the best time to submit it? My dad says to submit during April but my 3 of my friends, seniors, submitted theirs during their senior year and all 3 got accepted. Any thoughts? Greatly appreciated.
 
I have no started on anything for my scholarship yet. I am currently a junior and I was wondering that when I finish my application, when is the best time to submit it? My dad says to submit during April but my 3 of my friends, seniors, submitted theirs during their senior year and all 3 got accepted. Any thoughts? Greatly appreciated.

August would be a good target. First boards are generally late August or September and ideally you want your application submitted for the first board. Start taking the SAT this spring. You can start the application (probably) in April which will leave you plenty of time to complete it. It's lengthy.
 
only speaking from personal experience, both the NROTC recruiter, and an officer at the U. of San Diego Unit told us that before end of June is optimal.
 
only speaking from personal experience, both the NROTC recruiter, and an officer at the U. of San Diego Unit told us that before end of June is optimal.

Just curious dunninla. Did they expand on why? Just trying to understand. If it were me I'd knock it out as soon as possible anyway while making sure its both complete and the best application I can submit. Of course you can always update the SAT scores anyway so sooner is always better. The key seems to be to have it ready for the first board and perhaps that takes longer than I imagined?
 
only speaking from personal experience, both the NROTC recruiter, and an officer at the U. of San Diego Unit told us that before end of June is optimal.

I was surprised at this also. Wonder why?

Perhaps they literally stack them in order they come in? Wouldn't think so as the board participants must each get a stack to review and present to the board (just my take on what goes on behind closed doors - no knowledge whatsoever)

Applicants should know that after the application goes in they must meet with a Naval Officer for an interview and then the complete package is submitted so this entire process must take place before the board sees it.

When working back the timeline, you have to account for the interview also.
 
I was surprised at this also. Wonder why?

Perhaps they literally stack them in order they come in? Wouldn't think so as the board participants must each get a stack to review and present to the board (just my take on what goes on behind closed doors - no knowledge whatsoever)

Applicants should know that after the application goes in they must meet with a Naval Officer for an interview and then the complete package is submitted so this entire process must take place before the board sees it.

When working back the timeline, you have to account for the interview also.

And if applying Marine Option that would also include the PFT, normally given immediately following the interview, which you better be in shape for.

Actually your point about stacking them in order makes sense. I've read that by the first board they usually have 2000 - 3000 applications and they probably only get through about 500 of them at that board. So working to get to the head of the line could be important, especially in order to get your top choice schools. I understand they award the top choice if a slot is still available there. Then they try the second choice, etc. etc. So end of June could make sense for a variety of reasons I guess. Gee, I'm kicking myself in the butt because I should know this!!! :eek:
 
And if applying Marine Option that would also include the PFT, normally given immediately following the interview, which you better be in shape for.

In my case, the PFT was conducted first, and the interview about a week later. For Marine-Option applications, the PFT is important (according to my recruiters)- if you're within striking distance of a perfect 300, do anything in your power to get it. In my case, I think the added confidence helped me with the interview, and the officer conducting it had already formed a positive impression.
 
When I was a freshman in high school I visited Embry Riddle and talked to an NROTC Officer there. He said that Embry Riddle and other top notch schools fill up after the first boards. Your best bet if you want your first choice school is to submit the best quality application you can at the earliest you can.
 
Just curious dunninla. Did they expand on why? Just trying to understand. If it were me I'd knock it out as soon as possible anyway while making sure its both complete and the best application I can submit. Of course you can always update the SAT scores anyway so sooner is always better. The key seems to be to have it ready for the first board and perhaps that takes longer than I imagined?

You want to have it in before summer. I'm in e exact same boat as you, Junior applying in April. Looks like we'll be competing! But I hear early applicants get first school choice, which is a retry big deal if you are applying for major universities. Also it gives you time to compete the app before the first scholarship board.
 
Back
Top