ROTC Scholarship PFT question

SGTLee

5-Year Member
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Jan 12, 2014
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Hi - been awhile since I've posted but been "chin deep" in my DS's school visits and AROTC / NROTC scholarship app's. Question....we seem to be getting conflicting information from multiple sources so here it goes. My DS has solid GPA/SAT's but not to the level that he's a slam-dunk. He also has very strong leadership experience for multiple years (Sea Cadets, class officer, team captain - wrestling, volunteerism, etc). On that note - he was taking the PFT for his NROTC scholarship and was given a form to have his school official administer the test (Strength Coach @ his HS). In all of my DS's prior PFT's at his Sea Cadet unit, he hit Presidential Fitness levels and I expected him to score well on this test given his prior scores, 8 years a wrestler, track and field, etc. He did well and scored a 289 out of 300. However, after reviewing the form that was used I noted that the only category he was "light" on were push-ups (surprising). I also noted that he finished the PFT 10 minutes earlier than the allotted time which meant less recovery time. Long story short, it appears my "gung ho" DS powered through the PFT as fast as possible and the faculty member administering the test didn't read the form with time allowances. So my question is...is it better to use the time to score a bit higher (although I suspect a 289 is good) and re-take the PFT, or just submit it with a few less push-ups but a much shorter test period? Sorry...this may be obvious but we're new to this process. Appreciate any guidance as I really want my DS to demonstrate his physical "readiness" especially since his other scores could use a boost. Thank you.
 
SGTLee: does your DS believe he can do better?

I think you can always submit updated scores after the application is sent in but I would think a 289/300 is pretty solid and scoring higher may not do much to up the "whole candidate" aspect of his application. In other words. I am not sure a 300/300 ups his potential if his other scores "could use a boost" (your words)

Has he had an interview for NROTC yet? He could always address any perceived shortcomings with his interviewing officer. But I wouldn't think a 289 would be looked at with anything but a positive light.
 
USMCGrunt - Thank you for the feedback. He had his interview last week and really went in strong dressed sharply, letters of recommendation all in a presentation folder, practiced all types of questions, and said it was a relatively short/low key interview. He seemed a bit disappointed that the officer didn't ask more in-depth questions (DS said the officer just read from a form and the questions were more factual inquiries re-affirming his background). To your point and the million-dollar question, it may be too late to explain his PFT score and I did mention that he may wish to re-test but don't now if it's that meaningful to re-arrange the school staff etc. for a small uptick. Didn't know if they looked at the cumulative time as well (with favor possibly given his fast completion)?
 
My son never took the PFT for his NROTC scholarship. He did do the CFA for USNA but I didn't think that transferred. He is on an NROTC 4 year starting this fall.....is your son's marine option?
 
My son never took the PFT for his NROTC scholarship. He did do the CFA for USNA but I didn't think that transferred. He is on an NROTC 4 year starting this fall.....is your son's marine option?

Perhaps this is new with the NROTC? Here is a link to the additional forms that must be submitted with an application. http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/pdfs/Navy_Option_NROTC_Supplemental_Application_Forms_June_2014.pdf

Speaking from experience, I know that Marine Options do require a PFT administered by an active duty officer (or SNCO?) as part of the application. Not sure if the Navy has just added this but it sounds like it since your DS did not do one.
 
Interesting. I am looking at his forms on my desk here and there is a Navy ROTC PFT test/form given to him by the assigned Petty Officer who assisted my son in completing his general scholarship application. It has the scoring/timing guide etc with the standard sit-ups, push-ups, and 1 mile run. Just thinking out loud but it seems that they'd have a PFT as part of the scholarship process regardless of the branch (but I could be wrong). What's even more "interesting" is the PO and 0-3 who interviewed him stated that a school official could administer it (and he had the director of conditioning do so - who cut him no slack). My DS did not specify the Marine Option but has expressed some general interest in considering. Still, after scouring the PFT packet, it is definitely NROTC and looks legit. Thoughts? Anyone else have to take a PFT for the NROTC scholarship?
 
My DS had one submitted along with his application. But he was a marine option sideload applicant. He joined the program as a college programmer and was not required to take one before he was accepted into that. When the time came for his application package to be submitted, he had to score 285 minimum. I do remember reading somewhere however, that the PFT scores are initially not as important as we might think. The staff know they have a few years to work with the students to get them better.
 
grunt,

It is new. My son breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't have to do one last year! He's spending his summer prepping for it but he would not have enjoyed a PFT last summer during football camp (where he puts on 20+ lbs. for his lineman duties)

Best of luck Sgt Lee to you and your son. His score sounds impressive to me!
 
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