My DS received a 3 yr AROTC scholarship with the 2nd board and schools that my DS never even considered much less applied to are emailing him with all kinds of incentives if he chooses their school. It’s crazy.No - The schools are not supposed to reach out to the winners until after the portal is updated. With that being said, it is very common for schools to reach out. Remember - these scholarship recipients are highly coveted by the schools. There is tremendous competition to attract and land ROTC scholarship recipients.
I am sure this will come up, but in the event that you have not been admitted to your #1 choice - contact the PMS and see if they can help you with admissions. I know in the case of my DS that the scholarship in hand helped push the admission decision over the edge.
Guaranteed money definitely talks.