Chances on AROTC

Hi there,
I am applied for Army ROTC. I was rejected in the first and second board and here are my qualifications.
SAT:1230
GPA: 3.63
My extracurriculars are attached below.

Fitness assesment: 6:28 min mile, 58 push ups, 60 sit ups.
Accepted to BGSU, MSU, EMU, CMU
How do you all think I stand for the final board/any advice?

No one will know. Someone might say they have similar stats and won a scholarship. Someone else might say they have similar stats and didn’t. Don’t look at it as being “rejected” from the first two boards. Look at it as being “deferred” to the third. Be patient and go enjoy your senior year.

9volt -- you know no one here can answer you definitively . . . Hang in there . . .

In your favor is that your stats seem pretty good, and that in the recent past the 3rd board had a large number of scholarships to give. What is not knowable is where you rack and stack against your peers . . .

Keep in mind that in the recent past, the overwhelming majority of the scholarships offered on 3rd board have been 3 year scholarships with a hand full of 4 year scholarships awarded. (the ROOs on line will correct me where I've erred.) Given that, make sure you figure out NOW how to get that first year of college paid for if you DO earn a 3 yr AROTC scholarship . . . Once that is done, If you DON'T get an AROTC 3yr scholarship, then your "Plan B" becomes your resolve to earn an "on campus" AROTC scholarship with your performance during your freshman year.

Best wishes and thanks for being willing to serve

I had extremely similar test scores and grades and PFA scores. That being said, I was awarded a 3YR AD scholarship in the final board. I would say you have a pretty good chance; but once again, it only matters how you stack up against every other applicant. Good luck though!

One more thing to think about is a lot of 4yr ROTC Scholarships are granted to candidates who also applied to one of the SA's. If that individual gets into the academy and accepts the appointment, that 4yr scholarship then becomes available again...at least this is how it was explained to me by our DS.

Impulsive said:

If that individual gets into the academy and accepts the appointment, that 4yr scholarship then becomes available again...

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Only if the applicant declines the offer. Many applicants that receive an appointment to a SA or get multiple offers from ROTC will accept all of then and hold them until they either make a decision or just before reporting to the SA.

@Jcleppe, I got hammered in the "Nominations" thread for asking questions about this, where candidates hold onto multiple appointments or scholarships until the last minute. I understand some of the reasons, and can sympathize, but the majority I think do it because their children are not prepared and don't know what they want to do...either they come from a military family, or they just want to serve but don't know how they want to serve. We have talked with both our twins and told them that if the particular academy did not offer them appointments by the end of April they needed to make a decision so as not to prevent someone else from getting the appointment or scholarship.

Hopefully as the process progresses, more and more appointees make their decisions and decide where they want to go and what they want to do. Our sons' ROO's told us both and if our sons notified the Cadre soon enough (NLT 15 May) that their scholarship can be used for someone else. If they have not heard from their prospective academy's by then, they need to make their decision as most if not all academy slots will be accounted for by then.

Good luck to you! My daughter (graduated HS 2016), had similar stats and got a 3 year AD on the 3rd board, she is now a MS3. That doesn't mean that you will, but you are definitely competitive, so keep the faith and it is time to do more waiting. My daughter was told at ROTC visits that she was competitive, but not 4 year scholarship competitive, most likely if she received one it would be a 3 year. That is what happened in her case, and it was on the 3rd board. Remember no one knows how the board scored your packet, how others stack up, or how well you did on your survey, so that is why you just have to wait. But definitely don't give up hope because you did your part and applied.

To echo Falcon A, figure out how you are going to pay for that first year given that it is true most 3rd board awardees are 3 year AD scholarships (not all). My daughter did get a 1/2 year upgrade her freshman year, but that is really brigade/school specific and depends on the year, so don't count on it. Even not knowing that, it was still the most economical for my daughter to choose the most expensive school, as they gave her room and board for all 4 years with a national scholarship. So if she had even chosen the state option that she was given, paying 100% the 1st year plus 3 years of room and board was more money than 1 year tuition (since she did get academic scholarships to use the 1st year) at the expensive private school. Also research which school would be your best no scholarship option so if you don't receive one you can still enroll in ROTC and compete for a campus based scholarship.

As far as the ethics discussion of holding on to multiple scholarships, I am with Jcleppe that people do hold onto scholarships and that is their right to do so. Also, based on past year conversations, I actually don't know that it goes back into the pool after the 3rd board convenes (talking about whether or not declining by end of April does anything). Basically that money would go to the brigades/schools with empty slots and they could offer it to one of their students.

Dckc88 said:

As far as the ethics discussion of holding on to multiple scholarships, I am with Jcleppe that people do hold onto scholarships and that is their right to do so. Also, based on past year conversations, I actually don't know that it goes back into the pool after the 3rd board convenes (talking about whether or not declining by end of April does anything). Basically that money would go to the brigades/schools with empty slots and they could offer it to one of their students.

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I think you're pretty much on the money with this opinion. Since the final board is in March there would be no pool for the scholarships that are declined after the final board has met. Cadet Command does a good job of anticipating the number of scholarships that will be declined and I'm sure they compensate for those numbers in the awards they offer. If the past is any indication the scholarships that are declined after the final board will make their way to the battalions to offer based on what's available to them. Trying to make sure an applicant declines by the end of April won't change the number of scholarships that may be available to the battalions in the coming year.

@Jcleppe..thanks again. I don't judge what others do, I just know that what we are discussing here happens often, and like many have said, they earned the appointment or scholarship and they have until I think the middle of May to accept and make the deposit. Our DS merely related what his ROO told him about the scholarship issue. In the case of our DS, they actually offered him a 3yr on campus with a first year academic tied together, before any of the Boards met... Haven't figured out yet how that was done, only that when we received the 4Yr Scholarship the ROO said good now he can offer the other academic 1yr/3yr Campus ROTC to another cadet.

Impulsive said:

@Jcleppe, I got hammered in the "Nominations" thread for asking questions about this, where candidates hold onto multiple appointments or scholarships until the last minute. I understand some of the reasons, and can sympathize, but the majority I think do it because their children are not prepared and don't know what they want to do...either they come from a military family, or they just want to serve but don't know how they want to serve. We have talked with both our twins and told them that if the particular academy did not offer them appointments by the end of April they needed to make a decision so as not to prevent someone else from getting the appointment or scholarship.

Hopefully as the process progresses, more and more appointees make their decisions and decide where they want to go and what they want to do. Our sons' ROO's told us both and if our sons notified the Cadre soon enough (NLT 15 May) that their scholarship can be used for someone else. If they have not heard from their prospective academy's by then, they need to make their decision as most if not all academy slots will be accounted for by then.

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Why do you think the 'majority do it bc their children are not prepared and don't know what they want to do..?' What is your source for this? If you have been here long enough (which you have been a member since February 4th according to your avatar), you will know there are MANY different reasons for not deciding right away. If you have read for years, you would know this to be true. And no one is 'hammering' you, posters are trying to explain to you, an admitted new member who doesn't understand the process since your son(s) did all the work. You are not seemingly open to any explanation other than what you believe. Which is fine, but you are not being open-minded. Or fair in your assessment about being 'hammered'. There are members of this forum who have been here a long time. There are admissions members, recruiters, BGO's, enlisted, plebes, parents who have been through it often several times (of all different branches of service), etc. Lots of people in the know. All trying to help people understand. I don't mean to come off harsh here, but a lot of people tried to help you understand, took time to do so, but you aren't listening. You weren't 'hammered'. You were 'helped'.

Regarding having to choose by some deadline you impose: it is your prerogative, but know that declining a scholarship or appointment does NOT mean it goes down the line to the next candidate or applicant. You are not opening an appointment for another candidate. That is not how it works. At all. ROTC scholarships and appointment offers are extended using a formula for attrition and declines, that accommodates and includes people declining both scholarships and appointments. The academies and scholarship authorities have done this for MANY years. That IS how it works. Your sons declining an offer of appointment, for example, does not mean the next in line candidate XXX will get an offer....

BTW, very cool to have twins applying. And thank you to them for their willingness to serve. Best wishes for their desired paths!

Impulsive said:

@Jcleppe, I got hammered in the "Nominations" thread for asking questions about this, where candidates hold onto multiple appointments or scholarships until the last minute. I understand some of the reasons, and can sympathize, but the majority I think do it because their children are not prepared and don't know what they want to do...either they come from a military family, or they just want to serve but don't know how they want to serve. We have talked with both our twins and told them that if the particular academy did not offer them appointments by the end of April they needed to make a decision so as not to prevent someone else from getting the appointment or scholarship.

Hopefully as the process progresses, more and more appointees make their decisions and decide where they want to go and what they want to do. Our sons' ROO's told us both and if our sons notified the Cadre soon enough (NLT 15 May) that their scholarship can be used for someone else. If they have not heard from their prospective academy's by then, they need to make their decision as most if not all academy slots will be accounted for by then.

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I am not talking about you specifically because I dont recall if I read your comments or those responding to you. What I do remember is that people either complaining or wanting those with mulitple scholarship and or acceptance to the academies to accept sooner or later so that the unaccepted scholarships be given out to the next people in line. There were many good reasons given why one shouldnt be rushed and why you should use all the time necessary to make a final decision. Those complaining about this were attacked and in many cases with good reason. These kids earned all of their scholarships and they should have the time to figure out where they want to go. I also know that many of those who get accepted to the acadamies also accept the scholarships as an insurance policy in case something happens between accceptance and first day at the academy. Again they earned it. Does it slow down the process for everyone else waiting, sure, but again, they earned the ability to do so.

@Humey, @justodit19 I will apologize again.....I guess this is the proverbial "third Rail" of questions. It started harmlessly enough with me posting a question regarding multiple nominations and the effect of holding them and why people do that. I have listened, tried to be open minded and participate, but as I said above I try not to judge ANYONE. After speaking with lots of other people I understand better now why it is done, and fully agree that it is their right. It seems like as if whenever I make a comment regarding nominations or scholarships I get some responses that attack me when I don't even realize I said something inappropriate. I thought everyone was entitled to their opinions and could make comments freely but apparently some thing I am attacking them....I am not, and I am sorry if it comes across that way.

@Impulsive I also want to say congrats that your twins are both applying and sounds like they have options, that is awesome! I will say I also have twins that went the same path as their twin(athletic scholarships and not ROTC that is a different child), and I think those of us with twins tend to be put in a position to figure stuff out earlier and be hyper sensitive about things like costs and opportunity, when thinking of paying for two at a time, things like college that has a multiple by 2 always attached seem to be an even bigger problem to solve so I get it. Also helping two kids at the same crossroads at a time is also a little overwhelming. I applaud you for seeking answers to help best guide your kids. And it sounds like you are learning a lot, definitely let them keep ALL their options open. Of my 3 college aged kids combined , there have been 6 major changes and one school change (one of the athletes) in last 3 years, and my ROTC kid changed her mind on school choice the end of April her senior year right before decision day, AFTER we had ready paid a deposit. That same kid also went through the difficult process of getting her nursing AROTC scholarship transferred to a line scholarship her sophomore year. All are in a balanced place now, but it has been a roller coaster ride for sure as they each have searched for the right path for them. I would say statistically this won’t be the only time in your twins’ academic careers where one of them questions their choices and has to make a difficult decision. Hopefully you will continue to see this as an environment you can get your/their questions answered.

Impulsive said:

It seems like as if whenever I make a comment regarding nominations or scholarships I get some responses that attack me when I don't even realize I said something inappropriate. I thought everyone was entitled to their opinions and could make comments freely but apparently some thing I am attacking them....I am not, and I am sorry if it comes across that way.

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Please don't take any comments I make on this issue as an attack, it is surely not intended as such. Typing a response doesn't have the same feeling that an in person conversation can have and can seen blunt and impersonal. You are right, everyone is entitled to an opinion and should be respected. I think some of the major push back comes right after scholarship results are posted and some young people start to jump on those that have received a scholarship and are still waiting for other offers.

We went through this process with two sons although they were three years apart, I can't imaging going through it with twins, you have my utmost respect. Our son's went through the scholarship application process back in 2007 and 2010, things have changed a lot since then. For my older son they didn't even have Boards, the individual Battalions offered the scholarships. My younger son went through the process when the three board system was still new. It's been interesting to watch how things have changed, you all have a totally different system to navigate.

Best of luck to both your sons.

Impulsive said:

@Humey, @justodit19 I will apologize again.....I guess this is the proverbial "third Rail" of questions. It started harmlessly enough with me posting a question regarding multiple nominations and the effect of holding them and why people do that. I have listened, tried to be open minded and participate, but as I said above I try not to judge ANYONE. After speaking with lots of other people I understand better now why it is done, and fully agree that it is their right. It seems like as if whenever I make a comment regarding nominations or scholarships I get some responses that attack me when I don't even realize I said something inappropriate. I thought everyone was entitled to their opinions and could make comments freely but apparently some thing I am attacking them....I am not, and I am sorry if it comes across that way.

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No need to apologize. Like I said, I have no idea what you said and for all i know it may have been a very reasonable question or comment. Of course everyone is entittled to their opinion although you know the saying about opinions and a certain body body, eveyone has one and they all stink. The problem you run into is that their is a perceived atttack on a person's child, and parents get senstive about this. The thing is that its no different than a person who applies and gets accepted into multiple academies or those who apply and get accepted into civilian colleges. If you apply and get accepted to 10 colleges and wait until the last day to accept, you also make those on the potential waitling list have to wait. The only difference is that civilian colleges give out more acceptances than seats as they know a good percentage will say no.

Thank you everyone....this is our first rodeo of this kind and while I am a Veteran, all this ROTC Scholarship and different types of Nominations and the number you can have I had absolutely no idea. I was Senior Enlisted and left to pursue a career in Federal Law Enforcement, so I am lacking in the up to date ways things are done (I left the military in 1988). So I thank you for understanding and please feel free to help me along or even pass on information in private if you want. I try very hard not to judge anyone, but I don't have a lot of the answers to the questions I and others ask and am trying to be polite and not upset or have someone feel I am attacking them or their children. I would be defensive if someone attacked my twins so I understand.