Question about NROTC scholarship Tier 3

lumpcrab

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Aug 18, 2016
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Hi everyone,

Please forgive me if this question makes limited sense.. I am a Mom who knows little about anything military related and am trying hard to learn things as my son goes through the different application processes.

My son is first and foremost interested in the service academies. However, he was asked about NROTC and NROTC scholarships and so we started to learn about that as well. He is interested in studying History/PolySci/Intl Relations. Obviously he would fall into Tier 3 (liberal arts) but it appears the choices are to choose to major in a Region or a Language.

Beyond that, I can't seem to find any information about what that actually means.

Can anyone clarify further what that would look like or mean, in terms of classes etc? He would likely choose a region of those two choices. But what does that mean in relation to what he actually wants to study?

Thanks in advance for your input!
 
Thank you, that is helpful. But I am still confused!

If he applies for Tier 3, he has to choose a Region. What does that mean? Like, he can still major in Political Science and Government or History according to that, but then I see this: http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/scholarship_criteria.html. So does that mean, then, that he can choose to major in PS or History but then ALSO is required to choose a Region and take classes related to that Region additionally?

Thanks for your further input, if you know!
 
I believe your son is only required to choose a region or language if he is pursuing LREC. If he is a regular U.S. History or Poli Sci major he would be "regular" Tier 3. If he is a language major focused on a strategic region, he would be encouraged to apply for LREC. (hopefully @NavyNOLA will chime in here :help:)

The link you posted on the NROTC website has the following statement:

Tier 3 Academic Majors
Students interested in pursuing Tier 3 academic majors (all other academic majors not listed in Tier 1 or Tier 2) should examine the opportunities available in the Navy’s Language Skills, Regional Expertise, and Cultural Awareness (LREC) Program. Annually, the Navy will offer this program to 20 - 30 students. Attainment of a specific level of language proficiency is not required by the NROTC LREC program.

Here is a link with more info about LREC.
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/navy-rotc-lrec.26128/

Again I emphasize that he should have a solid backup plan (consider Marines or Army) as STEM majors are the focus for the Navy (and Air Force) scholarships.

Another resource would be to contact the PNS (professor of naval science) at the NROTC college nearest your home and ask for guidance.

Good luck!
 
He can apply for a Tier 3 scholarship in any subject he chooses. His odds of a scholarship are better if he is a Tier I or Tier II engineering, science, or math major as they account for 85% of the scholarships. If he is a Tier 3 major, his chances may be better if he is an LREC major, meaning that he majors in a region (i.e. Middle Eastern Studies, Eastern Asia Studies, etc.) and minors in a related language, or majors in a language and minors in the related region. But that being said, if he rates high, he may be able to major in Political Science and still get a scholarship, there are just fewer of those to go around.,
 
OP,

You are confusing a couple of different paths.....a student can apply for an NROTC Tier 3 scholarship and plan to major in History, Poli Sci, IR, etc. The LREC program is a subset within the Tier 3 category that allows students interested in languages or world cultures to pursue majors to that effect. For example, if a student wanted to study Latin American Studies, the LREC program is right up their alley. You can apply for Tier 3 and NOT apply for LREC. To apply for LREC, you simply check the box on the scholarship application that asks if you are interested. If you're not interested, don't check it.

The LREC program requires students to either major in a language or cultural region of interest to the Navy. Possible languages/regions can be found here:

http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/scholarship_criteria.html

As mentioned above, only 15% of NROTC scholarships are awarded to Tier 3 applicants, meaning that an applicant needs to particularly well qualified in order have a shot. I generally recommend checking the LREC box if a student is at all interested in that path, as it increases the odds of selection (there are about 40-50 or so LREC scholarships given out each year).
 
OH!! NOW I get it! I didn't realize they are two completely separate things. Thank you for clarifying that for me (and for him.)

This is definitely an area that he will need to give a lot of thought to. He is definitely gunning for one of the Academies, preferably USNA or CGA, and has been passionate about History and Politics for a long time. He does fine in both math and sciences (taking AP Calc, Physics and AP Bio this year- 660 math SAT) but his heart is more in the Liberal Arts arena (790 SAT.)

Looks like Tier 3 is super competitive, LREC or not. :(
 
I hope you don't mind some unsolicited advice, which perhaps will be of no interest to your son but is of general relevance to all NROTC scholarship applicants. As you already know, the odds of being awarded a non-technical scholarship are considerably less than those for candidates who are willing to pursue a technical major. More significantly, the Navy strongly prefers technical degrees because the duties of a junior officer typically involve the management of sailors who perform work on sophisticated equipment. On the other hand (and unlike the other services), it will usually take at least four years before a junior naval officer can hope to transition to a position where a poli sci or international relations degree will be relevant - and he or she will not necessarily have a leg up on those few slots.

Under the circumstances, I think that any candidate who possesses the aptitude to be successful (which your son obviously does) should apply with a declared technical major. Engineering is not for everyone, but at most colleges it is possible to major in math, physics, or chemistry and still have room to minor or even double-major in another liberal arts discipline - which is essentially the equivalent of a liberal arts major at the service academies, considering all of the science, math, and engineering courses that are built into their core curriculums. The advantage of this route is that it gives you a realistic shot at an NROTC scholarship, and the flexibility to pursue your interests in the longer term. After the first four years in the fleet (for Surface Warfare Officers - the timeline will vary for the aviation and submarine communities), it is time for a three-year shore tour - which is often served at an NROTC unit, and which gives officers the opportunity to pick up a masters degree at that university in whatever field they choose. At that point, if your son wanted to pursue a poli sci masters degree, he could - mostly on the Navy's dime - without incurring any additional commitment; and it would come at a time when it would be relevant to his career options in or out of the Navy.
 
You've gotten good advice, I'm guessing you already know how rare these tier III's are. My DS was in the same boat (ha ha). He would not budge on his major, so when the navy said no he went AROTC. I think you should follow your passion and study what you want. I bet it'll work itself out, Navy or not.
 
Under the circumstances, I think that any candidate who possesses the aptitude to be successful (which your son obviously does) should apply with a declared technical major. Engineering is not for everyone, but at most colleges it is possible to major in math, physics, or chemistry and still have room to minor or even double-major in another liberal arts discipline - which is essentially the equivalent of a liberal arts major at the service academies, considering all of the science, math, and engineering courses that are built into their core curriculums. The advantage of this route is that it gives you a realistic shot at an NROTC scholarship, and the flexibility to pursue your interests in the longer term. After the first four years in the fleet (for Surface Warfare Officers - the timeline will vary for the aviation and submarine communities), it is time for a three-year shore tour - which is often served at an NROTC unit, and which gives officers the opportunity to pick up a masters degree at that university in whatever field they choose. At that point, if your son wanted to pursue a poli sci masters degree, he could - mostly on the Navy's dime - without incurring any additional commitment; and it would come at a time when it would be relevant to his career options in or out of the Navy.

There is some real truth to this, and I hadn't considered it.. and I'm not sure he has either. If he is lucky enough to go to USNA, he would essentially have to get a minor in Engineering.. so I can see how your logic makes sense. I will have to show him this and see what he thinks.

Ok, so one more question, if you all would be so kind..

Let's say he doesn't get a nomination for USNA this year. Let's say he DOES score an NROTC Level 2 scholarship(for kicks!) Can he then choose to reapply to the USNA again while attending that year on the NROTC scholarship? And if he were to get in then, what happens? I know he would start as a plebe and go the four years at the Academy. Do they add a year of service for the year of college he did at NROTC? Is he in violation of the NROTC scholarship if he re-applies to USNA?

Thanks! Still trying to wrap my head around all this.
 
Can he reapply? Yes.
Does he start over at USNA? Yes.
Does he do a full 4 years at USNA? Yes.
Is he violating his NROTC contract by reapplying? No, NROTC will release him to USNA.
 
Is he violating his NROTC contract by reapplying? No, NROTC will release him to USNA.

And then, since he had that first year of college through NROTC on scholarship, how does that year of college get paid back? Like, does it accumulate to his five years of service post-USNA graduation or does it just disappear, or what?

And thank you.
 
And then, since he had that first year of college through NROTC on scholarship, how does that year of college get paid back? Like, does it accumulate to his five years of service post-USNA graduation or does it just disappear, or what?

And thank you.

He keeps the credits, but there is no payback of the NROTC scholarship money after receiving an Academy appointment. I do not believe there is any credit toward service.

In 2015, my DS did not receive an Academy appointment but did earn a Army ROTC scholarship. I asked him if he wanted to apply again.

He simply said, "My goal is to serve as a military officer. If I get into Annapolis next year, I will be one year behind on my objective."
 
If a student transfers to USNA after their frehmen year in NROTC, their is no scholarship payback required. There is no effect on service obligation. There is no credit for time spent in NROTC. They simply start at USNA as a plebe.

In my experience, the overwhelming majority of USNA wannabees do not end up re-applying to USNA during their freshman year of NROTC, assuming the college they end up is even remotely fun. College life and NROTC constitute a pretty sweet gig, and new mids realize that quickly. After a year, most students realize they aren't willing to start at the bottom again at Annapolis State Penitenitary!
 
Thanks for sharing all this information with me and helping to clarify the process for parents, so we can help our kids. Ultimately, of course, it is up to him and we will support whatever path he decides to take, but it certainly helps me to be able to clear things up for him so that he can make the best decisions he can (at the ripe old age of nearly 18!)
 
If a student transfers to USNA after their frehmen year in NROTC, their is no scholarship payback required. There is no effect on service obligation. There is no credit for time spent in NROTC. They simply start at USNA as a plebe.

In my experience, the overwhelming majority of USNA wannabees do not end up re-applying to USNA during their freshman year of NROTC, assuming the college they end up is even remotely fun. College life and NROTC constitute a pretty sweet gig, and new mids realize that quickly. After a year, most students realize they aren't willing to start at the bottom again at Annapolis State Penitenitary!

Agree with NavyNOLA

That was the case with my son.

The main goal is a commission and not the path taken. Yes, I get that it's more of a "full ride", and perceived as more "prestigious", but why delay your commission?
 
Agree with NavyNOLA

That was the case with my son.

The main goal is a commission and not the path taken. Yes, I get that it's more of a "full ride", and perceived as more "prestigious", but why delay your commission?

+1 rocatlin. Candidates tend to have one overarching objective. Either: 1. become an officer or 2. graduate from a SA.
While I know some folks who have the SA as primary, like NOLA has stated, after experiencing the balanced life of ROTC and college, it is hard to start over at an academy.
 
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