Army ROTC 2023-2024 3rd Board

gooseblitz said:
Looking at the stats of the 3 year winners I think there were quite a candidates that were very very similar statistically. I was prepared to be in the same situation...graciously deflated.
It is quite a process to go through. So is their first 2 years as a cadet. This forums is a very valuable resource. I know have 2 four year winners as sons. Not sure I would have been so well prepared to help my sons without this great group of contributors. I never served. I watched my sons battalion commissioning ceremony last year on a ship in San Diego harbor. It was moving and I can tell you I think the world of my sons coming out of HS but ROTC has already made an impact on my older son in a positive way. I am excited for the next 4 years for all these incoming cadets and the world of possibilities before them. I'll toast them and there parents all good luck tonight!
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I agree. And I think it's probably a blessing not to know exactly where anywhere sits on the OML. Imagine knowing you missed a scholarship by a point or something like that. Man, you just gotta believe everything happens for a reason and keep pushing forward.

While any parent in his or her right mind would LOVE a 4-year scholarship (I mean, that's A LOT of CA$H), I've seen many posts on this forum extolling the virtues of 3-year awards. I've seem ROOs and PMSs who claim to prefer 3-year cadets because they come in hungry and can be evaluated for a year before contracting. Same goes for the student; they get a full year to sort of "try out" ROTC before signing on the dotted line and committing. Plus, they can try and work their asses off first semester for the possibility of being upgraded to a 3.5-year scholarship after fall semester.

As a parent, I'll say it's kind of nice to know my kid doesn't have to come straight into school worrying about ACFT, weight, etc. Not that I think any of those things will be an issue; it's just maybe less pressure. And for kids who maybe take a long time to get DODMERB approval, it gives them some extra time to pursue those waivers or allow time to pass before meeting standards.

Anyway, as you can see, I'm already trying to "look on the bright side" of not getting the golden email today. But if one shows up tomorrow, I won't turn it down! LOL
 
My son was awarded a 3 year and we were hoping for a 4 year. Texas A&M will cost us 30k for the first year and that’s something I don’t have. We were not upgraded and now we are thinking plan C and maybe revisit this process next year.
 
jketron said:
My son was awarded a 3 year and we were hoping for a 4 year. Texas A&M will cost us 30k for the first year and that’s something I don’t have. We were not upgraded and now we are thinking plan C and maybe revisit this process next year.
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have you reached out to the school directly to ask for more assistance? Virginia Tech was offering cadets with a 3year additional money to offset the first year tuition. Sometimes schools have money set aside that you may not be aware of, it certainly can't hurt to ask. Best of luck.
 
Not this exact question, they do offer the cadets a scholarship to cover the out of state fee. That’s already factored into the 30k I mentioned, it’s much higher without it. 4.2 GPA, high SAT score, high interview score, zero medical issues, high cfa scores….Im not sure what they don’t like about him
 
jketron said:
Not this exact question, they do offer the cadets a scholarship to cover the out of state fee. That’s already factored into the 30k I mentioned, it’s much higher without it. 4.2 GPA, high SAT score, high interview score, zero medical issues, high cfa scores….Im not sure what they don’t like about him
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My understanding is the students are scored on different sections. Leadership and sports carry a lot of weight as well as grades etc. I know it’s disappointing I hope you can find additional money.🙏🏻
 
jketron said:
Not this exact question, they do offer the cadets a scholarship to cover the out of state fee. That’s already factored into the 30k I mentioned, it’s much higher without it. 4.2 GPA, high SAT score, high interview score, zero medical issues, high cfa scores….Im not sure what they don’t like about him
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With a 4.2 there are other schools that would be a better fit financially. DOes it have to be A&M?
 
sherheath said:
have you reached out to the school directly to ask for more assistance? Virginia Tech was offering cadets with a 3year additional money to offset the first year tuition. Sometimes schools have money set aside that you may not be aware of, it certainly can't hurt to ask. Best of luck.
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Was the financial package offered before or after they knew about the ROTC award? If they are joining the Corps of Cadets at A&M, there may be a special financial package offered for the Freshman year for 3-year scholarship winners which my son will be taking. Citadel offers such a thing like VT and other service academies...I would look into it if A&M is the #1 choice for college.
 
pa-outdoorsman said:
I can tell you that unfortunately, given the fact that so many winners were revealed yesterday, if you didn't get a scholarship award you probably won't. Can't say definitely, but probably. And I also remember in past boards that people just sat at "boarded/under consideration" for a while.

I do agree with you that it will likely be next week, or even longer, before everyone is moved to a "not selected" status. It could be that there will be a few more scholarships to hand out, so I wouldn't lose all hope just yet. However, I would start looking at Plan B in the forum of campus scholarships offered by the various schools you are interested in and/or the Minuteman Scholarship program through the National Guard/Army Reserve. The Minuteman is actually a fantastic program, and I can tell you I would have had my DS pursue that had he not gotten a scholarship award.

Here's a link for more information on the Minuteman program:

MINUTEMAN CAMPAIGN
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I agree on the Minuteman. My son was almost done with the process when he was notified of his 3-year national. It's a more involved process to get qualified...exactly what they would go through to become an enlisted soldier (without signing): taking the ASVAB, medical background search, military physical, passing the ACFT, passing the written psychological test, and a transcript or letter from their HS verifying inevitable graduation. It takes about 2 months to get through and it is all done through your local Army recruiter. The good news is that you have until August to complete it.
 
jketron said:
Not this exact question, they do offer the cadets a scholarship to cover the out of state fee. That’s already factored into the 30k I mentioned, it’s much higher without it. 4.2 GPA, high SAT score, high interview score, zero medical issues, high cfa scores….Im not sure what they don’t like about him
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First off, I want to say there probably is nothing they don't like about your son. He was chosen for a 3-Year scholarship! That's awesome, and remember there are a bunch of disappointed students and families in this thread who did not receive any scholarship offer. I am sure those are a bunch of great kids, too. So, while I understand your disappointment, please do not devalue the incredible opportunity your DS has in front of him.

As the parent of a fellow 3-Year AD winner, I will also say I feel your pain. Like you, we are now probably looking at an outlay of $20-$30K for freshman year. And yes, this is factoring in "special benefits" offered by schools to 3-Year ROTC winners. I think the schools try to make it sound like they are about giving the first year away, but in reality, that's not entirely true. For most families, covering even a single year of school at that amount is a major financial outlay. Then again, the final amount will depend on any additional merit scholarships or other aid that may materialize between now the fall. I am trying to remain hopeful that the final number will not end up being as large as I currently fear.

The other thing you have to weigh is the lost opportunity cost of not taking the 3-Year offer. You said you/DS may consider Plan C (community college?) and "re-visiting this next year." Just keep in mind that while you may indeed find a very affordable college option, you cannot re-apply for the national scholarship program next year. It's only for high school seniors. And while you could attend CC for a couple years and then join the ROTC unit at a 4-year school, there's no guarantee of getting another scholarship offer. Basically, you'd have to compete for it all over again there with all the other college programmers.

My DS is good with the 3-Year offer (I was hoping for the upgrade a lot harder than him) and he understands he will likely have to take some loans to help cover the first year. As a parent, I am OK with that too, because it's allowing him to place a bet on himself. I certainly don't want to see him graduate with a huge pile of debt, but some amount of debt isn't the end of the world. It should motivate him to make sure he performs well freshman year and is ready to contract prior to year two. And he should look forward to commissioning and those early years of his career as an opportunity to live frugally and sock as much money as possible toward paying off whatever loans he has.

At the end of the day, I can't help but think there are hundreds of thousands of college students out there who would love to know that 75 percent of school is paid for if they can demonstrate a solid commitment for the first year. I'm not here to talk you into or out of anything, but please explore all your options and think long and hard before encouraging your DS walk away from the opportunity on the table. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose!
 
Congrats to all who received a 4 or 3 year scholarship! If worried about the cost incurred for that first year if you got a 3 year, I'd ask that you consider the long game. Take a look at the pay scale for an O1 (2nd LT). Not bad for a guaranteed job after college that includes training.

If you or your DS/DD did not get a scholarship definitely look at some of the other venues to gain one while in school, or if service is something that you see in your future explore some of the options PA and a few others mentioned. I myself am a product of an enlisted to commissioning program and have loved each moment in uniform. If I can go from E-1 to O-5, I know anyone can! Plus, the GI bill you will pick up while serving can be used to further your education when you leave the service or transfer to your children. I transferred mine to my kids and the military still paid for two masters for me. The sky is the limit. So don't be discouraged if you didn't get the scholarship this time around or got a 3 year vice 4. There is always a way to make it work. Trust me, the long game is worth it.
 
Based on my research, VT doesn't help paying room and board at all and the citadel only helps room for all ROTC scholarship recipients, VMI provides scholarship covering for 4 years room and board but until funds still remain.
 
jketron said:
My son was awarded a 3 year and we were hoping for a 4 year. Texas A&M will cost us 30k for the first year and that’s something I don’t have. We were not upgraded and now we are thinking plan C and maybe revisit this process next year.
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I'm sorry to hear no upgrade. I'd definitely reach out to Mr. Manning in Corps recruiting and also the Corps scholarship office. That figure seems high to me...our son didn't have any ROTC type scholarships (non-military) and w/in state tuition living in The Commons (similar to Corps housing) with unlimited dining plan it did not cost 30K. What am I missing?
 
jketron said:
My son was awarded a 3 year and we were hoping for a 4 year. Texas A&M will cost us 30k for the first year and that’s something I don’t have. We were not upgraded and now we are thinking plan C and maybe revisit this process next year.
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Schools are clambering to get 3 year scholarships, especially if you son will be are part of the Corps of Cadets at A&M. Its far less money the school has to shell out in scholarships/grants later on. I can name quite a few schools that compete for kids with 3 years, by offering significant scholarships like paid tuition for their freshman year. We speak from experience, so talk to your schools Financial Aid team, and inform them that your son has a 3 year in hand.

It will greatly help having a competing second school or even a third school already accepted into that is offering something for Freshmen wit a 3 year. In our case, both military public schools our DS son was excepted to were offering tuition freshmen year then room and board soph - senior year. We took that to his third school and they trumped both schools, and was the right choice for him.

Its just business and negotiations. Schools want them, maybe even more, then they want to go.
 
SchweatyYeti said:
Schools are clambering to get 3 year scholarships, especially if you son will be are part of the Corps of Cadets at A&M. Its far less money the school has to shell out in scholarships/grants later on. I can name quite a few schools that compete for kids with 3 years, by offering significant scholarships like paid tuition for their freshman year. We speak from experience, so talk to your schools Financial Aid team, and inform them that your son has a 3 year in hand.

It will greatly help having a competing second school or even a third school already accepted into that is offering something for Freshmen wit a 3 year. In our case, both military public schools our DS son was excepted to were offering tuition freshmen year then room and board soph - senior year. We took that to his third school and they trumped both schools, and was the right choice for him.

Its just business and negotiations. Schools want them, maybe even more, then they want to go.
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If you don't mind mentioning the specific schools you used as bargaining chips, that would be great. Thank you!
 
airforce_brat said:
I'm sorry to hear no upgrade. I'd definitely reach out to Mr. Manning in Corps recruiting and also the Corps scholarship office. That figure seems high to me...our son didn't have any ROTC type scholarships (non-military) and w/in state tuition living in The Commons (similar to Corps housing) with unlimited dining plan it did not cost 30K. What am I missing?
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I was there recently on tour and for Corp students it’s 30k. It’s part of the presentation. Non residence it’s 60k, the corp offered scholarships reduce it to 30k
 
pa-outdoorsman said:
If you don't mind mentioning the specific schools you used as bargaining chips, that would be great. Thank you!
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In our case, SMCs in South Carolina and Virginia, both offered tuition freshmen year then room/board soph - senior year once the kids contracted soph year. It was publicly announced (not a special one-off deal) to get the 3 year ROTC kids.

It was offered for the Class of '26 and I think again for '27. Our son is a contracted MS3 (soph) AROTC. Regardless, just need to talk to your Financial Aid folks and negotiate the very best package you can. The 3-year gives you leverage. Hope that helps
 
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SchweatyYeti said:
In our case, SMCs in South Carolina and Virginia, both offered tuition freshmen year then room/board soph - senior year once the kids contracted soph year. It was publicly announced (not a special one-off deal) to get the 3 year ROTC kids.
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Well, are you specifically talking about The Citadel. That's where my DS wants to go, but being out of state, they do offer a scholarship to bring tuition down to the in-state level. But then even after all that, it looks like it still may approach $30K for freshman year when all is said and done.

Of course, this is without any additional merit or need-based aid. So, final tally could potentially be lower, but that's going to vary on a case by case basis.
 
pa-outdoorsman said:
First off, I want to say there probably is nothing they don't like about your son. He was chosen for a 3-Year scholarship! That's awesome, and remember there are a bunch of disappointed students and families in this thread who did not receive any scholarship offer. I am sure those are a bunch of great kids, too. So, while I understand your disappointment, please do not devalue the incredible opportunity your DS has in front of him.

As the parent of a fellow 3-Year AD winner, I will also say I feel your pain. Like you, we are now probably looking at an outlay of $20-$30K for freshman year. And yes, this is factoring in "special benefits" offered by schools to 3-Year ROTC winners. I think the schools try to make it sound like they are about giving the first year away, but in reality, that's not entirely true. For most families, covering even a single year of school at that amount is a major financial outlay. Then again, the final amount will depend on any additional merit scholarships or other aid that may materialize between now the fall. I am trying to remain hopeful that the final number will not end up being as large as I currently fear.

The other thing you have to weigh is the lost opportunity cost of not taking the 3-Year offer. You said you/DS may consider Plan C (community college?) and "re-visiting this next year." Just keep in mind that while you may indeed find a very affordable college option, you cannot re-apply for the national scholarship program next year. It's only for high school seniors. And while you could attend CC for a couple years and then join the ROTC unit at a 4-year school, there's no guarantee of getting another scholarship offer. Basically, you'd have to compete for it all over again there with all the other college programmers.

My DS is good with the 3-Year offer (I was hoping for the upgrade a lot harder than him) and he understands he will likely have to take some loans to help cover the first year. As a parent, I am OK with that too, because it's allowing him to place a bet on himself. I certainly don't want to see him graduate with a huge pile of debt, but some amount of debt isn't the end of the world. It should motivate him to make sure he performs well freshman year and is ready to contract prior to year two. And he should look forward to commissioning and those early years of his career as an opportunity to live frugally and sock as much money as possible toward paying off whatever loans he has.

At the end of the day, I can't help but think there are hundreds of thousands of college students out there who would love to know that 75 percent of school is paid for if they can demonstrate a solid commitment for the first year. I'm not here to talk you into or out of anything, but please explore all your options and think long and hard before encouraging your DS walk away from the opportunity on the table. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose!
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I’m not too sure on the details, but the SCRA does offer some stuff for loans, maybe even student loans, with people entering active duty service. It could be something to look at when he commissions if there are still outstanding balances
 
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