NROTC and congressional nom for USAFA

My DD had two noms to USNA for this last round and zero to USAFA; she applied to both but wasn't t accepted to either. We're from CO. We're going to reapply to both academies for 2022. She's got a NROTC scholarship for college in the fall. Does showing up to interviews in a Navy uniform hurt her for receiving a congressional nom to USAFA or does the branch have no affect, whereby they look favorably at her generic service? Moreover, is it difficult to receive a ROTC nom if you receive straight As in the recommended classes, perform well in ROTC, etc? I'm attempting to gauge the likelihood of a ROTC nom.

Personally, I wouldn't show up to a MOC interview in uniform. They'll know from her application/resume that she's doing NROTC. While some folks might be impressed, other folks might consider it arrogant or presumptuous.

What you mention regarding a ROTC nom will help but there is no guarantee. Much will depend on the PNS' recommendation. I know of kids who did very well academically and in NROTC, who did not receive the PNS' endorsement. And only a max of 20 folks a year get in on a ROTC nom, usually less. In any case she should once again pursue every nomination for which she's eligible, including ROTC.

Wishing your DD every success. Be prepared for her to like her NROTC unit and college so much, that she decides not to re-apply. It's been known to happen in many cases.

My DD had two noms to USNA for this last round and zero to USAFA; she applied to both but wasn't t accepted to either. We're from CO. We're going to reapply to both academies for 2022. She's got a NROTC scholarship for college in the fall. Does showing up to interviews in a Navy uniform hurt her for receiving a congressional nom to USAFA or does the branch have no effect, whereby they look favorably at her generic service? Moreover, is it difficult to receive a ROTC nom if you receive straight As in the recommended classes, perform well in ROTC, etc? I'm attempting to gauge the likelihood of a ROTC nom. (I'm aware that it would go to USNA)

kinnem said:

Personally, I wouldn't show up to a MOC interview in uniform. They'll know from her application/resume that she's doing NROTC. While some folks might be impressed, other folks might consider it arrogant or presumptuous.

What you mention regarding a ROTC nom will help but there is no guarantee. Much will depend on the PNS' recommendation. I know of kids who did very well academically and in NROTC, who did not receive the PNS' endorsement. And only a max of 20 folks a year get in on a ROTC nom, usually less. In any case she should once again pursue every nomination for which she's eligible, including ROTC.

Wishing your DD every success. Be prepared for her to like her NROTC unit and college so much, that she decides not to re-apply. It's been known to happen in many cases.

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Thank you so much for replying! We recall from our first attempt at MOC noms that the MOCs told the kids to show up to the interviews in uniform (if applicable) or at least a nice suit. We saw quite a few uniforms because of that. Was that not your experience?
I so hope you're right about her liking NROTC! I'm happy if she's happy.

LOL.... well, if the MOC suggests you show up in uniform then who am I to object? I pass along my opinion only, in part based on many posts over the years on this forum... but to each their own. She can certainly wear her uniform, just not something I would do, unless suggested by the MOC. Just too chancy to me.

One point of clarification; nominations under College ROTC are basically unlimited. Appointments in this category are capped at 20.

Kinnem is correct as it is dependent on the PMS of the ROTC unit. Best advice is to show up in great shape, max the PT test and do well in ROTC. My DD's PMS was a USMA grad and was happy to support her reapplying. He did tell her that he noticed that she was one of the few female cadets that could carry her ruck sack the entire march during the FTX. She is only 5'3" and 130 pounds but is in incredible shape. We could argue if that's right or wrong but do not underestimate how important physical fitness is especially for a women. I would imagine that most PMSs are but there is no way to be sure.

Most of the college students applying for ROTC nominations are also applying to their MOC. The ROTC nomination gives you another chance to compete on a slate.

My question about ROTC and re-applying is this: If re-applying for both USAFA and USNA, could it hurt you with one of the SAs, as you will either join NROTC which could hurt you with USAFA (getting MoC noms, etc.) or you will join AFROTC which could hurt you with USNA noms. Does joining ROTC for one service have a negative effect on the re-application process of another service's SA?

hopefulmom182 said:

My question about ROTC and re-applying is this: If re-applying for both USAFA and USNA, could it hurt you with one of the SAs, as you will either join NROTC which could hurt you with USAFA (getting MoC noms, etc.) or you will join AFROTC which could hurt you with USNA noms. Does joining ROTC for one service have a negative effect on the re-application process of another service's SA?

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This is precisely what I'm wondering, too. While NROTC takes you out for a ROTC nom to USAFA and vice-versa, I'm only guessing that the MOCs wouldn't hold it against you for the opposite SA's nom. But I don't know!

The admission process will not have a problem with the different ROTC service. I am not 100% but I think the ROTC nom is only available for the same service.

Each MOC is different so there is no way to tell.