Ok now I'm confused...ROO Help!

Ok, I am hoping someone here has been thru this before so here goes. My DS received a 3 year army rotc scholarship for The University of Tampa. Just recently we got back his AP scores and he received 4's all around. Today we received the financial aid package from the university, having completed so many AP tests he is considered a sophomore in their system. How will this affect the ROTC scholarship and what if anything should we do? With the inclusion of these credits does that make the 3 year scholarship effective this year, or does it change it to a 2 year scholarship? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

ChildeRoland76 said:

Ok, I am hoping someone here has been thru this before so here goes. My DS received a 3 year army rotc scholarship for The University of Tampa. Just recently we got back his AP scores and he received 4's all around. Today we received the financial aid package from the university, having completed so many AP tests he is considered a sophomore in their system. How will this affect the ROTC scholarship and what if anything should we do? With the inclusion of these credits does that make the 3 year scholarship effective this year, or does it change it to a 2 year scholarship? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

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I'll let Clarkson answer if he see's this in regard to the nuts and bolts of how this may work. I do know that his first advice would be to have your son get in touch with the ROO at UofT to discuss this with them.

If he were to start as a sophomore he would be missing one year of ROTC, this would mean he would have to double up on the ROTC classes, taking both the MS1 and MS2 classes at the same time. Some cadets do start their junior year but they are required to attend LTC the prior summer to catch them up. The ROTC Battalion may not even allow doubling up on classes, that is something he would need to find out.

AROTC is changing....a lot next year, there is going to be a learning curve for both the cadets and the cadre. Starting out trying to double up on classes right now may not be a good idea. With the new added testing and accession process, missing one year may hinder him, he will have less opportunity for leadership positions and less EC's he can add to his cadet profile.

Having those credits in hand can give him some opportunities, he could do a double major, add an extra minor, or just have a lighter load through college which could allow him the chance to be more involved in school leadership.

Just my opinion, if skipping a year is not a financial need it may be a good idea to plan for the full 4 years. With all the changes in ROTC still coming, getting the most out of the program may be the best idea.

Jcleppe thanks for the reply. Yeah thats a pretty valid point I don't want him to play catch up if I can help it. Thanks!!

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+1 Jcleppe
My DS was in the same boat, but since his University still requires 120 of their credits, he started as a freshman, with all his gen. ed. requirements met.

My DD is in AFROTC and has a similar issue. AFROTC wants you in the program for 4 years. Her degree path is meteorology - a tough major that requires a heavy dose of higher math and physics - so testing out of her freshman year actually allows her to take a little lighter class load. She will likely add a minor in math and perhaps another subject to balance things out.

Ok, so I just talked to the roo. Basically he will still do 4 years but will have a lighter schedule than most will. He will also only be considered a sophomore on paper and for some perks like parking. Course load will be 15hrs a semester vs 18hrs. So if anyone is in this situation. Thanks to all that responded and gave their views. My biggest worry was that he would not meet the required hours for the scholarship, but after talking to the roo this shouldn't impact the scholarship.

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I believe that as long as you are considered a full time student (i.e. 12 hours) then all is fine. I would be glad for DS to only have 12-15 hours. He should consider himself blessed! Best of luck.

There you go...you didn't need my help...Your son will do an academic plan (a form 104r). It will roughly plan out his college courses over the next X years. As long as you give Cadet Command 8 semesters and remain a full time student all is good. Kind of funny how kids work so hard in high school to get "college credits" that really aren't going to help them as much as they think.
Another crisis averted by the collective wisdom of the SAF

clarksonarmy said:

Kind of funny how kids work so hard in high school to get "college credits" that really aren't going to help them as much as they think.

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Probably a scam to sucker people in to take these tests and spend $$$.

Actually, it helped my son out quite a bit. He started with 29 hours of AP credit, which eliminated all but two of his required core courses. As such, he began taking classes in his major immediately.

Midway through his sophomore year, when he'd had a change of heart and wanted to change his major, he was able to do so without negatively impacting his 104r, or causing him to overload any semesters.

I think he's only had two semesters so far over 13-14 hours. It's been very nice for him, as active as he is in outside sports and in the battalion.

Have to agree with Jcc123. DS also started freshman year as an on-paper sophomore with most of his core classes done. Definitely not a scam, and definitely worth the study time and expense to take the exams. Credit hours cost more than those exams did, so we are saving money.

I did AP classes and took the tests. In my opinion, actually plugging through the on campus college courses is much more beneficial and more rigorous than the AP tests. Just my opinion. Plus 104rs are a pain when you don't have enough credits...