Timing for ROTC Service Connected Appointment to USMA

Pima said:

Additionally, I think you need to prove you can handle 18 credits. ROTC as a freshmen is not demanding, except the O'dark thirty PT. Compare that to what SA cadets/mids go through.

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Building on Pima’s Point, USMA favors reappliants who show they can handle a plebe-like schedule. A plebe carries 18-19 credits, plus military training plus mandatory athletics plus various mundane duties. How does your schedule stack up against that?

u4Army2k18 said:

College life is good so far, but I feel that at times, it feels un-motivating (especially on weekends) and I want to be in an environment where I'm always doing something 24/7.

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u4Army2k18 said:

I'm not going to stress myself to the point where I'm not going to do well (at least not until the next semester). I already did that with my first time doing AP during senior year at HS and I'm not going to have a repeat.

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@u4Army2k18, you’re sending mixed signals. On one hand, you seem bored. On another hand, you don’t seem to want to challenge yourself. With all due respect, if you didn’t like the AP workload your senior year, are you sure West Point is for you? Because the workload there will make senior year seem like child’s play.

Ultimately, your call on how to spend your time this year. But know that you’ll be up against reapplicants who are indeed matching the rigors of a plebe schedule.

I agree with MidCakePa

As I stated earlier, but a little less direct, USMA wants to see you carry their load. You state that you are un-motivated, especially on the weekends. Had you taken 18 credits, I bet you would feel more motivated because now you are either studying or writing more papers due next week.

You are also missing a point regarding SA appointments. You need a nom. Granted as an AROTC cadet you qualify for a ROTC nom. ROTC noms are like Presidential, they are limited in number per yr and they are not what posters would call competitive. IOWS, if you fulfill the requirements you get the nom. Unlike MoCs where posters here will call competitive.
~ In VA, the Sens. talk, so they can spread the wealth. They typically can have 600/700 candidates for 20 slots between the 2 of them. As I have stated before using the ROTC CoC as an example, why should an MoC place you on their slate over the other re-applicant within your state that is carrying 18 credits?

Just saying, you don't know your competition.

You have come here for guidance and opinions. I am sorry that I am being a Debbie Downer, but I feel the need to be direct and honest regarding where you have short comings as a re-applicant.

My best advice is simple. Set up an appointment to talk to your CoC regarding how to make you the most competitive re-applicant. If you are bored on weekends volunteer to do something or join clubs. What is the worst thing that can happen besides making friends, you get to add a new EC! .

MidCakePa said:

Pima said:

Additionally, I think you need to prove you can handle 18 credits. ROTC as a freshmen is not demanding, except the O'dark thirty PT. Compare that to what SA cadets/mids go through.

Click to expand...

Building on Pima’s Point, USMA favors reappliants who show they can handle a plebe-like schedule. A plebe carries 18-19 credits, plus military training plus mandatory athletics plus various mundane duties. How does your schedule stack up against that?

u4Army2k18 said:

College life is good so far, but I feel that at times, it feels un-motivating (especially on weekends) and I want to be in an environment where I'm always doing something 24/7.

Click to expand...

u4Army2k18 said:

I'm not going to stress myself to the point where I'm not going to do well (at least not until the next semester). I already did that with my first time doing AP during senior year at HS and I'm not going to have a repeat.

Click to expand...

@u4Army2k18, you’re sending mixed signals. On one hand, you seem bored. On another hand, you don’t seem to want to challenge yourself. With all due respect, if you didn’t like the AP workload your senior year, are you sure West Point is for you? Because the workload there will make senior year seem like child’s play.

Ultimately, your call on how to spend your time this year. But know that you’ll be up against reapplicants who are indeed matching the rigors of a plebe schedule.

Click to expand...

@MidCakePa I am sorry about the confusions. Let me explain...

Right now, I am not bored. Think that was a miscommunication because I do like challenging myself, especially with anything physical training related (currently working on maxing APFT, then CFA). I meant that I'm not into the whole college life where people party, relax, go out, etc. during the weekends.

Now with this whole AP stuff, I did not like it. I'll be honest, I felt I only learned so I can pass a test at the end of the school year. At least with college, I'm working towards a major (Computer Science). With my 15 credit hours this year, it is already challenging for me. I had guidance from multiple sources, including my guidance counselor, parents, and PMS and they all said 15 is a good workload. Included within my sources were two USXA grads, which I trust.

@Pima I understand I need a nomination. I am currently applying to the same congressman that I got a nomination from last year and will apply for ROTC nom. I am also in some clubs that mainly meet during the weekdays. I'll see if there are volunteering opportunities on weekends. That may help me with the OML as well.

I appreciate the responses, even if I don't agree 100%. I will do my best and see what happens.

@u4Army2k18: Thank you for clarifying your situation. That’s a mature and thoughtful act on this forum. You’ve considered your situation and solicited input from informed sources (beyond this forum). As long as you make decisions with your eyes wide open, understand the trade-offs, and are willing to accept the consequences, you’re well ahead of most of your peers. Best wishes to you.