DS got the 4 year MO NROTC scholarship!
He doesn't know yet. The Marine officers are coming to his school tomorrow with "the Big Check".
Stats for those trying to read the tea leaves or looking to prepare themselves down the road:
I was worried because his SAT wasn't great (1180) but he was solid in every other way.
I think what was most important is he displays Presence, Confidence, and Character, and is 1,000% serious about becoming a Marine officer AND REALLY UNDERSTANDS WHAT THAT MEANS. He has an understanding of military history that I also think helped, particularly with the essays and interviews as he could apply his life experiences to real-world military/leadership problems.
He ranked 12 of 287 in his class with lots of AP and honors. 4.0 unweighted. 4.15 weighted. In context, last year's graduating class has 4 kids right now at West Point, USAFA, and USNA plus ROTC scholarships and Ivies.
PFT was 267: maxed plank, short two pull-ups, run 20-something.
Athletics: Was captain of the school's largest extra-curricular team (JROTC Raiders) with about 150 kids participating. This is basically a team ultimate-fitness challenge running through various obstacle courses with heavy weights until you puke. For an entire day. Most people have never heard of it but in this town, it's basically a cult. Took second at the national championship out of 161 teams. Played JV baseball 2 yrs and varsity wrestling for the next 2.
Student Council, Boys State, NHS VP, volunteers at church, worked some part-time jobs. Lots of awards.
He also demonstrates a good sense of humor and kind of like Ferris Buehler has friends in all of his high school's stereotypical groups. In other words, he's not 2-dimensional and doesn't limit himself to a single social group which is so easy for high school students to do.
If you are thinking of applying for a Marine Option NROTC scholarship this blog is a MUST READ
http://www.thesandgram.com/2011/01/18/nrotc-marine-option-scholarships/ (which I found on this site)
Just my thoughts.
Now that this is finished my 8th grader wants to go to USMA so on to the next project...