NROTC Marine Option Chances

KuzNROTC said:
Marine options don't get advanced standing, only Navy options.
The order would go...

1. Apply for the 4 year
2. Apply for the 4 year in college
3. Apply for the 3 year
4. Apply for the 2.5 year
5. Apply for the 2 year
6. You can't be in NROTC anymore... Get a contract through PLC
7. Get an OCS slot

This is what would happen if you want a commission as a marine corps officer.
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Thanks for the info. That's something new to me. Nevertheless those first two years of ROTC are invaluable. I think those first two years molded my DS into someone they would take because of his bearing, etc. I don't think he would have acquired that without the influence of NROTC.
 
kinnem said:
KuzNROTC said:
Marine options don't get advanced standing, only Navy options.
The order would go...

1. Apply for the 4 year
2. Apply for the 4 year in college
3. Apply for the 3 year
4. Apply for the 2.5 year
5. Apply for the 2 year
6. You can't be in NROTC anymore... Get a contract through PLC
7. Get an OCS slot

This is what would happen if you want a commission as a marine corps officer.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. That's something new to me. Nevertheless those first two years of ROTC are invaluable. I think those first two years molded my DS into someone they would take because of his bearing, etc. I don't think he would have acquired that without the influence of NROTC.
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So if I am not awarded a scholarship but I do the unfunded all four years I will not be commissioned after college?
 
Flaps said:
kinnem said:
KuzNROTC said:
Marine options don't get advanced standing, only Navy options.
The order would go...

1. Apply for the 4 year
2. Apply for the 4 year in college
3. Apply for the 3 year
4. Apply for the 2.5 year
5. Apply for the 2 year
6. You can't be in NROTC anymore... Get a contract through PLC
7. Get an OCS slot

This is what would happen if you want a commission as a marine corps officer.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. That's something new to me. Nevertheless those first two years of ROTC are invaluable. I think those first two years molded my DS into someone they would take because of his bearing, etc. I don't think he would have acquired that without the influence of NROTC.
Click to expand...
So if I am not awarded a scholarship but I do the unfunded all four years I will not be commissioned after college?
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Well, given the change, and I'm assuming it's accurate just for the sake of argument, then you would only do the first two years. You could not continue in the program for the final two years. That's when one would switch to PLC, between sophomore and junior years.
 
When does the 4 year Marine Corps Scholarship notification happen? I have a high school senior that has applied and awaiting word?

Thanks
 
SMI MCJROTC said:
When does the 4 year Marine Corps Scholarship notification happen? I have a high school senior that has applied and awaiting word?

Thanks
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DS didn't get a negative reply until mid-April.
 
SMI MCJROTC said:
When does the 4 year Marine Corps Scholarship notification happen? I have a high school senior that has applied and awaiting word?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Some of it based on how the particular region handles notifications and just how late the board for that region meets. For those that make it, they can get notified by email, phone, or person depending on the practice for that region that year. For those that don't, you can get notified the same way -- or sometimes not at all.

The first go around on the 4 year scholarship, my son didn't get a reply. He followed up--the officer handling his paperwork retired after the first board and his paperwork never got followed up on. His replacement ensured that wouldn't happen the next go around. When he was a freshman in college, he got selected on the first board. He was also fortunate enough that his MOI was on that board.

He got a call over Christmas break his freshman year that he received the 4 year scholarship -- although he obviously could only use 3 years of it.

Have you gotten positive confirmation from your RS that the board for you region has met? You can always ask your RS.

If you make it, a heartfelt congratulations. If you don't, an encouragement to not give up. My son didn't give up and he is set to graduate TBS in 7 weeks.
 
Flaps - please don't let all these folks advising you confuse you about The Citadel and NROTC. All Cadets at The Citadel must take an ROTC Program. If you choose the NROTC option, you will be in that Program whether you are on scholarship, or seek to commission through PLC. You will train and take classes via the NROTC Program instructors. If you don't receive a scholarship, you can apply through the PLC program. Being in the NROTC classes won't stop you from pursuing this option. By the way, The Citadel Marine Corps program is greatly assisted by having active duty non-commissioned officers on campus who are in the MECEP program - working to receive their commissions as Marine Corps officers



Flaps said:
Hello, I am an applicant for the 2019 NROTC scholarship and I was wondering if some insight could be given into my chances of receiving it; keep in mind this is for the Marine Option so the stats are different. I’ve been confused on what to believe about the accepted statistics, looking at the official Marine numbers I seem qualified, but looking at some people’s stats on here I feel outclassed to say the least. Anyways, here are my stats:

1. 3.5 unweighted GPA (9-12 cumulative)

2. All AP classes senior year, 4.3 GPA junior year, 4.4 GPA my senior year

3. 1320 SAT (average accepted according to Marines is around 1220)

4. Varsity letters in two sports, particated for all four years non-stop (Track and Cross Country)

5. Captain of both teams 2 years in a row (4 consecutive seasons of captaincy)

6. Entered into the DEP program

7. Roughly 200 hours of community service (local food bank, assisting mobility challenged veterans at appreciation events, restoring vintage aircraft at local air museum as part of school STEM field)

8. 92/99 on the ASVAB (I don’t know how much this plays in but I’ve read from the official Marine Corps stats that the average for accepted is 88)

9. I have two separate Congressional nominations to the Naval Academy which I have been told is equivalent to a recommendation by them. One from a member of the Senate and one from the House. I included this in my package.

10. A 272 on the PFT, again, the official Marine stats place this score above average (from the stats given directly to me by a Marine the average accepted for the west coast is around 267). I did 13 pull ups, 108/105 sit-ups, and an 18:14 run time for 3 miles.

11. Multiple accolades regarding my athletics and academics, specifically scholar athlete awards given by my league for a perfect GPA my junior year and a near perfect GPA my senior year (a dip due to the AP workload, still above 4.0) while participating in varsity sports. Earned “beat first year runner” as a freshman.

12. Junior year track team won league championship while I was the captain. Senior year cross country team went undefeated in league and won the championship.

Am I literally wasting my time even trying for this scholarship? If the official stats are to be trusted the only weak point I have is my GPA (average accepted according to the Marines is a 3.6 unweighted). Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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glen said:
The Citadel Marine Corps program is greatly assisted by having active duty non-commissioned officers on campus who are in the MECEP program - working to receive their commissions as Marine Corps officers
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Not to take away from the Citadel but I've yet to come across an NROTC program where this is not the case. The Citadel may very well have more MECEPs than the average, as I have no idea. MECEPs being around is certainly useful and important for training Marine Option midshipmen and even Navy Options. They make great role models too.
 
glen said:
Flaps - please don't let all these folks advising you confuse you about The Citadel and NROTC. All Cadets at The Citadel must take an ROTC Program. If you choose the NROTC option, you will be in that Program whether you are on scholarship, or seek to commission through PLC. You will train and take classes via the NROTC Program instructors. If you don't receive a scholarship, you can apply through the PLC program. Being in the NROTC classes won't stop you from pursuing this option. By the way, The Citadel Marine Corps program is greatly assisted by having active duty non-commissioned officers on campus who are in the MECEP program - working to receive their commissions as Marine Corps officers



Flaps said:
Hello, I am an applicant for the 2019 NROTC scholarship and I was wondering if some insight could be given into my chances of receiving it; keep in mind this is for the Marine Option so the stats are different. I’ve been confused on what to believe about the accepted statistics, looking at the official Marine numbers I seem qualified, but looking at some people’s stats on here I feel outclassed to say the least. Anyways, here are my stats:

1. 3.5 unweighted GPA (9-12 cumulative)

2. All AP classes senior year, 4.3 GPA junior year, 4.4 GPA my senior year

3. 1320 SAT (average accepted according to Marines is around 1220)

4. Varsity letters in two sports, particated for all four years non-stop (Track and Cross Country)

5. Captain of both teams 2 years in a row (4 consecutive seasons of captaincy)

6. Entered into the DEP program

7. Roughly 200 hours of community service (local food bank, assisting mobility challenged veterans at appreciation events, restoring vintage aircraft at local air museum as part of school STEM field)

8. 92/99 on the ASVAB (I don’t know how much this plays in but I’ve read from the official Marine Corps stats that the average for accepted is 88)

9. I have two separate Congressional nominations to the Naval Academy which I have been told is equivalent to a recommendation by them. One from a member of the Senate and one from the House. I included this in my package.

10. A 272 on the PFT, again, the official Marine stats place this score above average (from the stats given directly to me by a Marine the average accepted for the west coast is around 267). I did 13 pull ups, 108/105 sit-ups, and an 18:14 run time for 3 miles.

11. Multiple accolades regarding my athletics and academics, specifically scholar athlete awards given by my league for a perfect GPA my junior year and a near perfect GPA my senior year (a dip due to the AP workload, still above 4.0) while participating in varsity sports. Earned “beat first year runner” as a freshman.

12. Junior year track team won league championship while I was the captain. Senior year cross country team went undefeated in league and won the championship.

Am I literally wasting my time even trying for this scholarship? If the official stats are to be trusted the only weak point I have is my GPA (average accepted according to the Marines is a 3.6 unweighted). Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Thank you for this information, apologies for the delayed response as I’ve been busy with class and track practice; my main question and honestly a huge selling point for me is: does the Citadel have a PLC program?
 
Unless I misunderstand something, no college has a PLC program. PLC is run separately by the USMC. So you would participate in NROTC MO during your 4 years and if you were not awarded a scholarship by the end of your sophomore year, you would do PLC over your last one or two summers. You would need to apply and be accepted, of course. I'm sure @glen or some other Citadel knowledgeable person will chime in if I'm wrong. Alternatively you would do OCC after graduation from the Citadel.
 
Kinnem how I understand it also. I think the nuance is the SMCs have an ROTC requirement. I think they also vary amongst them in requirements. But with those agreements with the services and the SMCs a student can do 4 years of NROTC without necessarily commissioning via NROTC. If someone was to attend a non-SMC and were in PLC they would not be doing NROTC. As we know from years on this board, some schools have tighter relationships with NROTC and PLC than others. Some will allow PLC students to come PT with them and other items. Some there is no coordination.
 
kinnem said:
Unless I misunderstand something, no college has a PLC program. PLC is run separately by the USMC. So you would participate in NROTC MO during your 4 years and if you were not awarded a scholarship by the end of your sophomore year, you would do PLC over your last one or two summers. You would need to apply and be accepted, of course. I'm sure @glen or some other Citadel knowledgeable person will chime in if I'm wrong. Alternatively you would do OCC after graduation from the Citadel.
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I’ve been told... granted by a recruiter... but I’ve been told rather intensely and sincerely that basically if you “don’t do drugs or let yourself go you’ll get into PLC.” I was thinking this is just recruiters possibly saying something, but they were rather adamant that it’s the truth. Any insight regarding the competitiveness of PLC would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
@Flaps Well, let's think about that. The folks who would be interested in PLC will include folks like you who may not earn a scholarship along weith those for whom it's plan A. Do you think folks like you would make it competitive? Regardless of the caliber of the candidates there is the simple fact that there will only be a certain number of applicants that are accepted into PLC and that number will be determined by how many additional (over and above USNA and ROTC) Lts are needed for that particular class year to meet the needs of USMC. So some years it might be a large number; some years it might be a small number. In any case the need for new Lts any given year is not infinite and therefore it's by definition a competition.

Other than that background, I have no special awareness of the competitiveness and needs of PLC in general or for any given year. Do I think you probably have a fair chance? Yes. Is it guaranteed? No. Nothing in life is guaranteed.

Do you need to treat PLC like it's a big deal right now? If I understand, you seem to be planning on doing NROTC while in college in any case. If you attend the Citadel you will be doing it for all four years as I understand it. So, if you do end up going the PLC route it will be 4 years before you commission. Can you foresee what the needs for new Lts will be in 4 years? Neither can I. Can you foresee how many folks will be applying for PLC in order to commission four years from now? Neither can I. There are so many variables involved including the economy, the budget, whether or not we are involved in a war at that time, and other things.

I wouldn't worry too much about how competitive PLC is until it's time to cross that bridge. Simply know that it's there if Plan A (ROTC) doesn't work out the way you would hope. In the meantime work hard, volunteer where possible, develop excellent leadership skills in NROTC, make good use of those skills, get great grades, and you'll have an excellent shot at both Plans A & B. Besides, even if it's competitive and you need to, you'll apply anyway, right? Frankly, I'm at a loss to understand why you seem to be so intent on understanding the competitiveness for PLC at this time.

Just my 2 cents. BTW, I agree that what the recruiter said would be true about enlisting. I don't think it's true of officer programs if only because there is a numbers game involved. The numbers of enlisted needed are far larger than the number of officers needed, by definition.
 
kinnem said:
@Flaps Well, let's think about that. The folks who would be interested in PLC will include folks like you who may not earn a scholarship along weith those for whom it's plan A. Do you think folks like you would make it competitive? Regardless of the caliber of the candidates there is the simple fact that there will only be a certain number of applicants that are accepted into PLC and that number will be determined by how many additional (over and above USNA and ROTC) Lts are needed for that particular class year to meet the needs of USMC. So some years it might be a large number; some years it might be a small number. In any case the need for new Lts any given year is not infinite and therefore it's by definition a competition.

Other than that background, I have no special awareness of the competitiveness and needs of PLC in general or for any given year. Do I think you probably have a fair chance? Yes. Is it guaranteed? No. Nothing in life is guaranteed.

Do you need to treat PLC like it's a big deal right now? If I understand, you seem to be planning on doing NROTC while in college in any case. If you attend the Citadel you will be doing it for all four years as I understand it. So, if you do end up going the PLC route it will be 4 years before you commission. Can you foresee what the needs for new Lts will be in 4 years? Neither can I. Can you foresee how many folks will be applying for PLC in order to commission four years from now? Neither can I. There are so many variables involved including the economy, the budget, whether or not we are involved in a war at that time, and other things.

I wouldn't worry too much about how competitive PLC is until it's time to cross that bridge. Simply know that it's there if Plan A (ROTC) doesn't work out the way you would hope. In the meantime work hard, volunteer where possible, develop excellent leadership skills in NROTC, make good use of those skills, get great grades, and you'll have an excellent shot at both Plans A & B. Besides, even if it's competitive and you need to, you'll apply anyway, right? Frankly, I'm at a loss to understand why you seem to be so intent on understanding the competitiveness for PLC at this time.

Just my 2 cents. BTW, I agree that what the recruiter said would be true about enlisting. I don't think it's true of officer programs if only because there is a numbers game involved. The numbers of enlisted needed are far larger than the number of officers needed, by definition.
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Sorry to keep asking questions but for anyone who knows about this I would appreciate any information: does the Marine Corps have to award a certain amount of scholarships per region? Or if one state has twice as many qualified applicants, will one area “steal” scholarships from other parts of the nation? I ask this because one of the Marines at my recruiting station informed me I have one of the if not the highest PFT score in my region of applicants. Thank you.
 
Flaps said:
Sorry to keep asking questions but for anyone who knows about this I would appreciate any information: does the Marine Corps have to award a certain amount of scholarships per region? Or if one state has twice as many qualified applicants, will one area “steal” scholarships from other parts of the nation? I ask this because one of the Marines at my recruiting station informed me I have one of the if not the highest PFT score in my region of applicants. Thank you.
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They are awarded by region. I don't believe there is a cross over / swap / borrow.

Keep in mind, a high PFT score isn't nearly as important as a good interview with the Marine Officers that you go in front of. Stat are just stats. A personal evaluation by someone that is sizing you up to see if you "fit" the mold carries a lot of weight. If someone with a lower PFT score makes a more favorable impression than a PT stud, that person may very well get the scholarship. It's all about the overall person.

http://www.thesandgram.com/2011/01/18/nrotc-marine-option-scholarships/ is written by a Marine Officer friend I know that used to sit on the boards. It's a good read.

One thing to keep in mind -- you can't change anything now. Make sure you have backup plans in place and be grateful and excited if you do get the scholarship.
 
rocatlin said:
Flaps said:
Sorry to keep asking questions but for anyone who knows about this I would appreciate any information: does the Marine Corps have to award a certain amount of scholarships per region? Or if one state has twice as many qualified applicants, will one area “steal” scholarships from other parts of the nation? I ask this because one of the Marines at my recruiting station informed me I have one of the if not the highest PFT score in my region of applicants. Thank you.
Click to expand...

They are awarded by region. I don't believe there is a cross over / swap / borrow.

Keep in mind, a high PFT score isn't nearly as important as a good interview with the Marine Officers that you go in front of. Stat are just stats. A personal evaluation by someone that is sizing you up to see if you "fit" the mold carries a lot of weight. If someone with a lower PFT score makes a more favorable impression than a PT stud, that person may very well get the scholarship. It's all about the overall person.

http://www.thesandgram.com/2011/01/18/nrotc-marine-option-scholarships/ is written by a Marine Officer friend I know that used to sit on the boards. It's a good read.

One thing to keep in mind -- you can't change anything now. Make sure you have backup plans in place and be grateful and excited if you do get the scholarship.
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Thank you for this, yes I know I can’t change anything I just want it really badly. Thanks again sir.
 
In my opinion you are a competitive candidate for the scholarship! I'm a recipient of the four year NROTC Marine Option scholarship, I received it on the first board. Our stats are pretty similar and you actually have me beat on some aspects.
My stats are:
- 3.8 cumulative GPA (3.9 junior year and 4.10 senior year)

- Varsity letter in football and wrestling

- Enlisted in DEP before applying

- 70 hours of volunteering

- 90 on my ASVAB

- 29 ACT score

- 281 PFT score

- Class Vice President for two years

As others have said, you've done all you can do up to this point. Stay positive and stay patient!!
 
Lucas40 said:
In my opinion you are a competitive candidate for the scholarship! I'm a recipient of the four year NROTC Marine Option scholarship, I received it on the first board. Our stats are pretty similar and you actually have me beat on some aspects.
My stats are:
- 3.8 cumulative GPA (3.9 junior year and 4.10 senior year)

- Varsity letter in football and wrestling

- Enlisted in DEP before applying

- 70 hours of volunteering

- 90 on my ASVAB

- 29 ACT score

- 281 PFT score

- Class Vice President for two years

As others have said, you've done all you can do up to this point. Stay positive and stay patient!!
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Thank you for this info, I’m just worried because of my GPA, it seems rather low. I don’t know if my leadership is all there either, I’m the captain of two teams but no student government or anything.
 
Lucas40 said:
In my opinion you are a competitive candidate for the scholarship! I'm a recipient of the four year NROTC Marine Option scholarship, I received it on the first board. Our stats are pretty similar and you actually have me beat on some aspects.
My stats are:
- 3.8 cumulative GPA (3.9 junior year and 4.10 senior year)

- Varsity letter in football and wrestling

- Enlisted in DEP before applying

- 70 hours of volunteering

- 90 on my ASVAB

- 29 ACT score

- 281 PFT score

- Class Vice President for two years

As others have said, you've done all you can do up to this point. Stay positive and stay patient!![/QUOT
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Lucas40 said:
In my opinion you are a competitive candidate for the scholarship! I'm a recipient of the four year NROTC Marine Option scholarship, I received it on the first board. Our stats are pretty similar and you actually have me beat on some aspects.
My stats are:
- 3.8 cumulative GPA (3.9 junior year and 4.10 senior year)

- Varsity letter in football and wrestling

- Enlisted in DEP before applying

- 70 hours of volunteering

- 90 on my ASVAB

- 29 ACT score

- 281 PFT score

- Class Vice President for two years

As others have said, you've done all you can do up to this point. Stay positive and stay patient!!
Click to expand...
one question I do have is if that is your unweighted 9-12 GPA or weighted GPA, because I have a 3.5 unweighted 9-12, weighted it’s around a 3.7... I was a terrible student freshman year.
 
DS applied for the NROTC Scholarship Marine Option. Didn't do well on the PFT, but has many other pretty good stats and leadership experiences.

GPA weighted 4.0 (unweighted 3.8) with 7 AP courses and 7 Honors courses, SAT 1270
Varsity letter in Wrestling (3x) and Baseball (2x). 2x Wrestling captain, 3x district placer, 2x region placer and 2x state qualifier.
Commander of his AFJROTC unit. Chief Master Sergeant last year.
Attended Marine SLCDA, NJ Boys State, Leadership and Ethics seminar and Cadet Leadership Course last summer.
Various volunteer activities.

At the end of his 2 interviews this summer he was told he was one of the best candidates they've seen and the he had no worries about his PFT score. First board comes and goes and he does not receive the scholarship. We are anxiously awaiting to hear back about the second board review.

I guess my point is we have no idea what they are considering and the level of competition they are going up against. We just all wait, hope and pray the board sees in them what we know they (or you) are capable of based on their accomplishments and award them the much needed scholarships!
 
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