SA and ROTC - what do you say in interview?

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NJDadofDSUSMA2024Hopeful

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My DS is hoping for USMA but also applying for AROTC. Assuming he gets an AROTC interview, should he reveal that his first preference is USMA? I assume that will come up and I assume this is a pretty common situation.

Does AROTC ignore that preference and if it grants DS a scholarship and he then gets appointed to USMA, he turns down the AROTC scholarship and they just offer the scholarship to the next kid?
 
Many people apply to both USMA and AROTC, so this will be nothing new and nothing to worry about. If the question about preference between the two came up during the interview - which it probably shouldn't - a good answer would be: "Wouldn't that be a wonderful situation to be in!"
 
NJDadofDSUSMA2024Hopeful said:
My DS is hoping for USMA but also applying for AROTC. Assuming he gets an AROTC interview, should he reveal that his first preference is USMA? I assume that will come up and I assume this is a pretty common situation.

Does AROTC ignore that preference and if it grants DS a scholarship and he then gets appointed to USMA, he turns down the AROTC scholarship and they just offer the scholarship to the next kid?
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I was not asked this in my PMS interview.

If asked, i’d Just say what I thought the upsides to both were.
 
In my opinion, it would be wrong to be too cagey on the answer.

Be truthful, but don't "knock" either commissioning route.

Most PMS's have been around the block a few times, and will usually respect a no-nonsense answer. If ROTC is your plan B, then be up front about it. If your main goal is to commission through any means possible, then tell that story.

Just be yourself and be transparent.
 
This is the exact reply you want. 'Wouldn't that be a phenomenal opportunity.' My DS received USMC, AROTC offers and was asked by both PMS interview boards about SA attendance. He replied this exact way and the MC and AROTC boards smiled when he said that. The MC officers were both USNA graduates and tried to pivot him to attending the USNA but let him know commissioning is the end game and they are here to support you. Nothing but class and I can also attest these officers have still reached out to him to ensure he's 'good to go.' He's very thankful.
 
DS was asked this in all 4 of his interviews - "what's his top choice?" or "Where's he leaning?" He was honest in all interviews, telling the positives of both programs/SA's and why he's leaning one way or the other. He was sure to let them know he'd be honored to receive an appointment to either academy or an ROTC scholarship (one of his interviews was a phone/video interview, so I got to hear it and was impressed by how he answered the question). However, that did not stop any of the contacts at ROTC or the SA's from continuing to reach out to him to make sure he finished his apps and to answer any questions he had. He seemed to learn a lot in all the interviews, and is now leaning the other way than what he told all of them originally, lol.
 
NJDadofDSUSMA2024Hopeful said:
My DS is hoping for USMA but also applying for AROTC. Assuming he gets an AROTC interview, should he reveal that his first preference is USMA? I assume that will come up and I assume this is a pretty common situation.

Does AROTC ignore that preference and if it grants DS a scholarship and he then gets appointed to USMA, he turns down the AROTC scholarship and they just offer the scholarship to the next kid?
Click to expand...

My DD didn’t hesitate to tell the PMS her first choice was USMA when he asked.

He then said something along the lines of, “ Yeah, kids with stats like yours usually go to there.”


So I guess my point is it’s not shocking to a PMS that a kid’s #1 choice is USMA. He gave her high marks on the interview anyway and she got a 4-year on the first board.
 
If asked what their preference is, the candidate should be prepared to answer the question of. Whether or not they have a preference is not as important as knowing the differences between the commissioning paths. Being able to explain the differences (and similarities), will make the answer as to why a preference become much easier. The interviewer will be more impressed that the candidate has actually done research about commissioning sources as opposed to their preference of which path they prefer.
Also stating that both paths (ROTC and SA in this case) lead to the ultimate goal of commissioning. Which is the most important acknowledgment.
 
One of my sons was in this exact position. He always responded that his top priority was to commission as an officer in the Army, and that he would be thrilled to go through whichever door opened - USMA or AROTC. He received a 4 year AROTC scholarship early last Fall. He received a letter of assurance from USMA and a letter of acceptance to Princeton in December. Phenomenal opportunities and an agonizing choice for a teenage boy!
He ultimately chose AROTC and Princeton. AROTC began as his back up plan and became his top choice. Through all the high school years of going to Service Academy Forums, I never really understood that these were two different paths to the same goal, but now I sure do!
 
My son did both and why wouldn’t anyone try. Ultimately he went the AROTC route and frankly it’s been an incredible experience for him. Wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s been awesome watching him grow from his time as a MS1 to now MS3 and being chosen as a squad leader. Neither route is easy, neither is better than the other, but whatever route your child chooses they will become officers in the US Army. What they make of their careers is up to them from there!
 
After introductions, the first thing the PMS said to my DS was, “I have looked over your application, please tell me you have applied to USMA.” It’s easy to lose focus in the process. Remember the goal is to be a commissioned officer and lead soldiers. Interviewers want to see your desire and willingness to achieve this goal. My DS was awarded a 4 year AROTC scholarship and is currently a plebe at USMA.
 
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