I have just graduated from high school in June. I begin college in September. Since I am not yet technically matriculated, I am technically within the bounds of applying for a 4 year ROTC scholarship. That 4 year scholarship would only begin in 2017-18 (my sophomore year), as I would be awarded the scholarship during this academic year. My question is, since that 4 year scholarship only begins paying my tuition as a sophomore (2017-18), can I use it all the way to my 5th year in college (2020-21) without my commitment being extended or needing to go through any additional process? Effectively, can I use all 4 years of the 4 year scholarship, though beginning to use it as a sophomore?
I have never heard of this before, and I might be wrong, but I think you are mistaken on the interpretation of the High School scholarship. Even though you have not started yet, you are still attending a year of college in 2016-2017, correct?
I think you are seeing a loop hole where there isn't one. Maybe
@clarksonarmy or
@BAMA ROTC can chime in and correct me if I am wrong? It is like the question, if a tree falls in the forest and no one heard it, does it make a sound....? In this case, yes it does. Just because you are filling out your application now, when it is reviewed by the board, you will have matriculated, does that make sense. Just because you are not turning in your freshman year now, you are still a freshman in 2016=2017. My understanding, and there have been many threads about it on this board, is that when you begin and contract for your scholarship, you need to be a freshman in college at that time. If you were to take a gap year this year, then yes you could apply for 2017-2018, however, since you are going to complete your freshman year this year, you are not eligible for a high school scholarship. Just like the high school applicants that start their senior year in September, they are Seniors, not Juniors, even if they apply before school starts.. If you apply for a campus scholarship, you would be eligible for a 3 year.
Your best bet is to contact the ROO at the school you will be attending in September and talk this through and see what your campus based options are. In some cases you may be eligible for a 3.5 year, however, you would still be class of 2020.