NROTC - Marine option application References

gurban

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2014
Messages
16
I have two questions. From the App checklist:

REFERENCES Provide the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for
three required references: 1) a guidance counselor/school administrator; 2) a math, science, or English
teacher
(depending on program option), and 3) another teacher, counselor, coach, or employer. For
teachers, please provide the mailing address for the school instead of a home address.

Note: A Physics teacher cannot be used to complete the Math teacher evaluation

These individuals will be provided instructions on how to complete the necessary forms. We will ask
these individuals to evaluate you in several areas and to compare you to your peers; they will also have
space to provide written remarks. You should select these individuals carefully as weight will be given
to their comments.

First, for reference #2, how do we know which teachers are acceptable for which options? My son's preference would be to use his Math teacher and he is applying for Marine option. Is a Math teacher OK for this option?

Second, I find it extremely odd that my son's USNSCC (Sea Cadet) CO cannot be used as a reference. Or can he? Would he qualify as reference #3 as a 'coach'? If not, he can use his Varsity Football coach but I assume that his Sea Cadet CO would be a better option if allowed.

These are the final two items before submitting the App. Thanks.
 
The "depending on program option" is more about the Navy NROTC side.

For USMC option, I'm not sure they're concerned about which teacher...I don't know for fact, but would assume they'd rather have an honest evaluation from a teacher...not as concerned about whether that's an English teacher or a Math teacher.

As for the "coach", the Sea Cadet coach should be a good option. My son used his NJROTC PNS and then had a supplemental letter of recommendation from his Boy Scout Scoutmaster.

Generally, the Marines are looking for: smart (enough), physically fit and demonstrated Leadership (with potential for future growth). Emphasis of the latter part of that sequence.

If in doubt, have your son contact the recruiting officer that he's working with already.
 
If in doubt, have your son contact the recruiting officer that he's working with already.

I agree.

My memory is foggy on this but four years ago my son used his English teacher - I checked his application and it was the only option given for Marine Options at the time. So if it is not specifically spelled out in the application this year it may be best to check with his OSO.

Regarding the second recommendation, I have seen Boy Scout Leaders and many other roles suggested under the "counselor" or "coach" heading.

Finally, since the application is done on line and the references are contacted electronically afterwards, I am not sure how you would input another recommendation unless it was handed to the interviewing officer. Our OSO advised that no additional recommendation letters were needed or wanted.

Best advice - speak with the OSO for clarity.
 
Thanks, guys. The application question changes when you toggle the 'option' on the first screen. I was afraid to let him do that for fear of losing work in case other pages/questions changed as well. When you select Navy it asks for a Math teacher. When you select Marine it asks for an English teacher.

Thanks for info on #2. I did do a search here and saw a similar question regarding a scout leader but there was conflicting feedback in that one so thought I would ask again.

I think (hope) my son falls into the smart (enough) category.
SATs English 610, Math 720
ACT English 29, Math 31

GPA - 3.7. All As and Bs with a single C+ on his transcript in AP Chem.

11 Honors and AP classes including
Honors Engineering
Honors Calc
AP Computer Science
AP PHysics
AP Chemistry
Honors Trig
Honors Analysis
Honors Chemistry
Honors Geometry
Honors Algebra
Honors Biology

All As this semester including Honors Engineering and Honors Calc with one B in AP Physics.


I can post sports, extra curriculars, and volunteer hours if needed as well.
 
Awesome info. Thanks. That post could have been written for my son. UVA is his first choice but I think it is a 40/60 shot he is admitted. His second choice is VT where his mother is an alumnae. He's already been accepted to Rutgers which is required to be in his top 3 as the in-state option. So what I gathered from the article is its better to list VT first, UVA second, and keep (required) Rutgers 3rd instead of UVA first even though it is his first choice.
 
Here's a good article that gives insight on what they look for in the board. It was written by a Marine Officer acquaintance of mine that used to sit on the boards.

http://www.thesandgram.com/2011/01/18/nrotc-marine-option-scholarships/

Thanks for posting this rocatlin. I have never seen it before. The author gives a "behind the curtain" view of how the board looks at candidates which is very interesting. I never sat on a selection board but the comments ring true in my personal experiences and those of my son who is a current NROTC MO midshipman.

Great article.
 
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