NROTC Scholarship Chances

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Sandmanx83

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Hey all,

(First-time poster, hope I'm doing this right.)

I am a Midshipman 3/c at my university and am currently a college programmer. I applied for the 4 year scholarship my senior year of high school, after my first semester of freshmen year, and this past summer. unfortunately, I haven't gotten anything yet. As many people in this forum probably know, this upcoming summer is my last chance to stick around and earn a commission through NROTC. When I applied in the summer, I had a 3.57-semester GPA, 3.44 overall GPA, excellent medium pt score and good aptitude. I didn't have any billets though and I think that might've had some effect.

Currently nearing the end of my first sophomore semester, it is looking like I will finish with a 3.3 overall GPA, excellent high PRT score, b- in both calculus 1 & 2 and a B or B+ in calculus 3, a hopefully C+ or B- physics 1 grade (I will most likely do way better in physics 2, but my physics 1 teacher has the most difficult tests I've ever taken), a squad leader billet, a created billet for my second semester, good aptitude, and my tier 1 major.

I've been stressing out and having minor anxiety attacks over the past couple of weeks because I don't know if I'll be in NRTOC my junior year. My academic advisor has been telling me about a nuclear program through NROTC that would let me interview for a nuke spot and if I pass, I would be on scholarship from there. That is my main goal and I know what I have to do to get there. Long story short, I'm simply asking for others' opinions on if I can actually pick up a side load scholarship or advanced standing. I've explained my predicament to almost all of my other mids and they all believe that I'll easily get it and that I am the most qualified out of the other 3/c applying for the same thing.

If anyone has any feedback for me or any tips that can help me cross the bridge and eventually fulfill my goal, it would be much appreciated. Thank you
 
My son didn't receive a Marine Option scholarship out of high school and had to earn one that kicked in the middle of sophomore year. So, anecdotally, it's possible. You should have an opportunity to apply for a sideload this fall semester (if you haven't already) and again next semester. Also next semester, if scholarship apps are not selected, then you'll be considered for advanced standing. So you have 3 more opportunities to win the right to continue in the program. That's good.

It sounds like they created a billet for you for next semester. That's a good sign, but make sure you execute successfully. Even if they created the billet for other reasons, the fact they selected you to fill it is also a good sign. In many units, freshman, or at least some freshman, do not get the opportunity to hold a billet. There just aren't enough to go around. I wouldn't worry about not having a billet freshman year. And for goodness sake, don't bother stressing. Instead focus your energy and direction on showing them (the bastards :D) that you can do the job. That worked for DS whenever he got knocked down.

Going Nuke is often a good route if it's something you enjoy. Work on those physics grades. I wouldn't count on the tests being any easier next semester. I'm sure tutoring is available, so seek it out... and/or spend more time prepping for the tests.

I think you have a good shot.
 
@Sandmanx83
Good on you applying for these scholarships, Im a 1/C MIDN Marine Option at FAMU NROTC, remember that there is always a chance to get advanced standing, its not as good as a scholarship but if your goal is truly to commission as a navy ensign, then it will be worth the work. The nuclear program is an option, you'll have to do a lot of interviews and pass tests and if all that goes well, you'll interview with the navy admiral in charge of nuclear submarines, it is an option, but VERY difficult. However before you get that, you'll have to make advanced standing, I don't know how your unit is set up, my unit has a Marine Col CO and a Navy COM XO. you'll want to talk to the LT's at your unit and see where they suggest improvement is needed, and if necessary, write a MEMO and speak with your highest Navy officer stationed at the Unit, ask him/her what you need to do, (after all, they are the ones who grant you the 2 and 3 year scholarships.) Additionally, as a 3/C you should push to get a leadership billet this semester, recommendations are coming up and your performance could make or break your chances, especially since you haven't been in a leadership billet before. You also need to remember that your unit may not have any scholarships to give out, but based on your grades, your just under the mark, at least for my unit. The best way to get a scholarship would be to get at least an A preferably an A+ in physics II, even if it means letting other grades fall a LITTLE bit. That is what the Navy is looking for. Finally, Being in Tallahassee there are a lot of parties and clubs to get distracted at, if this is anything like your are heres what you need to do..... STAY HOME. don't go to any parties next semester, don't go out with friends on the weekends, study study study It gonna suck, but as i'm sure you've heard before, embrace the suck, if you grind through this semester, the rest of your life will be better, so you need to decide what you truly want. Stay motivated, its possible
 
nrotc2022 said:
and speak with your highest Navy officer stationed at the Unit, ask him/her what you need to do, (after all, they are the ones who grant you the 2 and 3 year scholarships.)
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Uhhhhh..... no! All Navy scholarships for any option are awarded by national boards. The PNS has significant input but the final decisions are made by a national board. You're competing against all the other midshipmen in the nation.
 
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