Improving Chances for ROTC scholarship though Self-Prep

Osprey

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My DS is class of 2020 and interested in applying to USAFA as plan A. Plan B is to get AFROTC scholarship and maybe go to Norwich or another University. If neither of those happen we are looking at Northwestern Prep as self Prep followed by USAFA or ROTC (Plan C). Any info on how successful Northwestern prep is (or other prep schools) at getting 3 or 4 year ROTC scholarships for self preppers? (I mean for those that don’t get an appointment of course). Seems like a reasonable investment given the potential for significant savings on tuition and room and board (potentially saving 100k for instance at Norwich which offers free room and board to ROTC scholarship winners). In case it helps, DS is good student 3.7 GPA, no ACT yet, 2 sport athlete, With lots of other extracurriculars.
 
I've personally never heard of anybody self-prepping for ROTC. In my book, self-prepping for ROTC is being a non-scholarship cadet/mid at a unit where they can more actively work to achieve a scholarship. Others may disagree with me. I would personally argue that this is also a better plan for those who are hoping for a SA.
 
Thanks for the feedback ekb. I’m suggesting self-prep for USAFA appointment as the primary reason, but have heard that Northwestern Prep also works with students on filling out ROTC scholarship applications as well as upping act scores (maybe opening up other schools to attend) and improving study habits. Just wondering whether most of the self preppers end up receiving a 3/4 year scholarship if they don’t get an appointment.
 
Just wondering whether most of the self preppers end up receiving a 3/4 year scholarship if they don’t get an appointment.

That's really hard to say since I would say most if not all that receive a ROTC scholarship from the National Board do so as a high school applicant.
 
I have to ask 1 question before I respond.

You stated improving study habits. Is that a concern for you regarding your child?
 
It isn’t a major concern of mine at the moment, but I do think a more structured environment could help and make his studying even more effective. There are definitely times when his time management skills are not effectively deployed.
 
@Osprey, strong time-management skills are indeed vital, whether at USAFA or in AFROTC. At USAFA because you constantly have 30+ hours of stuff to do for every 24 hours. In AFROTC because you have tons to do but without the regimentation of USAFA. So yes, make sure those skills are well developed.
 
I do think a more structured environment could help and make his studying even more effective.

The problem is not everyone is built for that type of structured environment at 18.

The only way to commission is to graduate. Prep or USAFA is not meant for everyone.
 
Definitely agree with the posts regarding need for good time management skills and that the structured environment is not for everyone. For arguments sake, let’s set that aside and get back to the heart of my question. And I’ll try to refine it a little.

Do self preppers that don’t get an appointment usually end up getting an rotc scholarship straight out of prep school? I would assume many do but Sounds like @Jcleppe is saying this would be very unusual. Has anyone had this experience themselves? Thanks.
 
The only way I would go to NWP was if I had a Falcon scholarship to USAFA. We looked into it for my DS. In the end he went to community college and earned a three year NROTC scholarship at the state flagship university and a appointment to the USCGA. He also significantly improved his ACT scores by retaking the test after participating in an ACT prep course.
 
@davejean90 thanks, very helpful. Hadn’t thought about community college and act prep class. That would be cheaper than nwp. And he would have a whole year of credits. Smart. If he chose state school or other normal university he could then just do rotc for 3 years and commission, correct? Or did he do rotc at community college? Thanks.
 
Do self preppers that don’t get an appointment usually end up getting an rotc scholarship straight out of prep school?

No, they would apply like every other ROTC Scholarship applicant, whether or not being a "self prepper", (I must not be running in the same circles, I've never heard of Self Preppers), will help depends on the quality of the applicant pool.
 
If he chose state school or other normal university he could then just do rotc for 3 years and commission, correct?
Perhaps. Some of it depends on how many credits carry over. Presumably with a state school they all would. However they like to have you in the ROTC program for 4 years. That matches the ROTC academic work and would also provides an additional year of leadership opportunities in the unit. That being said, I'm sure there are folks who do it in 3 or 3.5 years. Folks who study abroad have to essentially accomplish the same thing.
 
@Osprey, with all due respect, “self-prepping” seems like a waste of time. Why not just go straight into a four-year college, take a plebe-like schedule, and participate in ROTC (whether on scholarship or not)?

This way, your DS can show USAFA that he’s capable of academy life. He gets college credit, should he remain there. And he’s that much closer to commissioning should he remain in ROTC. Certainly wouldn’t turn down USAFA prep school if offered, but wouldn’t go out of my way to do “self-prep” either.
 
I don’t have experience with the academies or AF but my daughter is AROTC. Leadership is what they are looking for. captain of teams, president of student council, attend Boy State. Of course GPA is top but they are looking for leaders. If not already get some leadership rolls on his resume. It does sound like he’s well on his way to building a strong resume. Best of luck to him.
 
@Osprey, with all due respect, “self-prepping” seems like a waste of time. Why not just go straight into a four-year college, take a plebe-like schedule, and participate in ROTC (whether on scholarship or not)?

This way, your DS can show USAFA that he’s capable of academy life. He gets college credit, should he remain there. And he’s that much closer to commissioning should he remain in ROTC. Certainly wouldn’t turn down USAFA prep school if offered, but wouldn’t go out of my way to do “self-prep” either.

Great question. Let’s say the 4 year university he wants to attend (should he not receive an appointment) is USC at 50k+ a year. Instead he self preps at around 15k and gets a 4 year scholarship to USC to do ROTC. I know there will be some that say don’t go to a school you can’t afford on ROTC scholarship (I tend to agree by the way) but just trying to see the problem from all angles so I can help advise him.

Seems like most are advising to attend a 4 year or community college instead of self prep, join ROTC and do well in school, then reapply to USAFA and ROTC scholarship. Seems like sound advice. Thanks everyone.
 
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I don’t have experience with the academies or AF but my daughter is AROTC. Leadership is what they are looking for. captain of teams, president of student council, attend Boy State. Of course GPA is top but they are looking for leaders. If not already get some leadership rolls on his resume. It does sound like he’s well on his way to building a strong resume. Best of luck to him.
Thanks@armygal2018. Yes, hes working diligently on leadership rolls and comes pretty naturally to him. he’s captain of multiple sports teams, coaches youth lacrosse, peer tutor, etc. Also applying for summer seminar at USAFA (application portal opened yesterday!). He will apply for boys state when that portal opens.
 
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@davejean90 thanks, very helpful. Hadn’t thought about community college and act prep class. That would be cheaper than nwp. And he would have a whole year of credits. Smart. If he chose state school or other normal university he could then just do rotc for 3 years and commission, correct? Or did he do rotc at community college? Thanks.
Most Community Colleges do not have ROTC, so yes it would be a three year scholarship starting as a sophomore.
 
Community colleges are not host ROTC on campus. You join ROTC at the CC and do xtown as a cadet.
 
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