3 year AROTC scholarship, the Citadel and DODMERB

[dumpyonion17]

Excuse me in advance for a lengthy post, but we aren't really sure what the next steps are.

My DS was awarded and accepted a 3 year scholarship to his top school, The Citadel. He had a principal nom to USMA but was DQ'd and waiver denied. That was very disappointing. But, he's resilient, changing gears and considering ROTC and the Citadel.

First consideration: We've heard nothing from the Citadel or ROTC. He accepted the scholarship weeks ago but since it is only 3 years, but does the Army not pay any attention before the start of his sophomore year? In other words, will we have any communication from the Army now and during his Freshman year?

Second consideration: Could he attend a local state college (to save money) and then transfer into the Citadel as a Sophomore next year? Further, he has earned a ton of dual credit and AP courses so he may already be a sophomore when he graduates in May. Could he enter the Citadel as a Sophomore, given these transfer credits? Would his 3 year ROTC scholarship kick in at that time?

Third consideration: Since he was DQ'd by USMA, his medical issue may or may not be waived by AROTC. Will AROTC made a decision on a likely waiver request before freshman year or will they hold off until the start of his sophomore year? If that is true, he could attend the Citadel for 1 year and then maybe be DQ'd by ROTC as he enters his Sophomore year. That's not ideal because he'd have a year in, get DQ'd and then have to transfer to local college to finish up his degree (no way we can afford the Citadel tuition on our own and we don't want loans).

I've read the scholarship acceptance instructions and it does not provide any insight on this. Additionally, he was awarded two scholarships at the Citadel to cover his Freshman year costs, but their financial aid package still shows he would have to come up with $12K for the first year. Any insight into how those scholarships at the Citadel work and why he might have a balance of $12K when the scholarships indicate they cover costs?

A lot of questions here, I know. But, we just are not getting any guidance from either the Citadel or ARTOC.

 

[EJF]

Congratulations to your son!
1. Has he reached out to the Recruiting Officer at the Citadel? Because he was a scholarship winner he should automatically be considered by AROTC for a Waiver. The Recruiting Officer should be able to check on the status of the waiver with AROTC. They might need to nudge it along if your son is hoping to have a decision sooner rather than later. Some schools are slower than other at reaching out to their scholarship recipients. My son heard right away last year from 2, and it was several weeks before he heard from the 3rd.
2. Does he have a local state college as one of his school choices? He could accept a scholarship there and then attempt a transfer next year to the Citadel, but there is no guarantee that will happen. I have read that it is easier to transfer after you are contracted (which won't happen until sophomore year), and it usually is easier if the schools are both in the same BDE. He would have to request the transfer from the school he is currently at, they would have to agree, and then the other school would have to accept. It can be done, but it's not always easy.
3. Once the waiver request has made it to Cadet Command it will be addressed, first in, first out, it won't be tabled until sophomore year. It seems like it should be there by now. The Citadel should be able to see something from their side. What does his DoDMERB portal say for AROTC? We went through some anxiety on this issue with our son this year. He is attending an out of state college on a 3 year scholarship. He was late getting started with his DoDMERB process last summer and his waiver was JUST granted a few days ago, 3 weeks before the end of his Freshman year. We were stressing about what he was going to do about school next yet if his waiver wasn't granted. Something to consider.
4. I'm not sure about the scholarship situation at the Citadel, so you may have to contact the financial aid department there. Perhaps it's room and board? Maybe it's the other expenses they say you should plan for like travel, personal items, books? It doesn't sound like this is money from AROTC?

 

[dumpyonion17]

Congratulations to your son!
1. Has he reached out to the Recruiting Officer at the Citadel? Because he was a scholarship winner he should automatically be considered by AROTC for a Waiver. The Recruiting Officer should be able to check on the status of the waiver with AROTC. They might need to nudge it along if your son is hoping to have a decision sooner rather than later. Some schools are slower than other at reaching out to their scholarship recipients. My son heard right away last year from 2, and it was several weeks before he heard from the 3rd.
2. Does he have a local state college as one of his school choices? He could accept a scholarship there and then attempt a transfer next year to the Citadel, but there is no guarantee that will happen. I have read that it is easier to transfer after you are contracted (which won't happen until sophomore year), and it usually is easier if the schools are both in the same BDE. He would have to request the transfer from the school he is currently at, they would have to agree, and then the other school would have to accept. It can be done, but it's not always easy.
3. Once the waiver request has made it to Cadet Command it will be addressed, first in, first out, it won't be tabled until sophomore year. It seems like it should be there by now. The Citadel should be able to see something from their side. What does his DoDMERB portal say for AROTC? We went through some anxiety on this issue with our son this year. He is attending an out of state college on a 3 year scholarship. He was late getting started with his DoDMERB process last summer and his waiver was JUST granted a few days ago, 3 weeks before the end of his Freshman year. We were stressing about what he was going to do about school next yet if his waiver wasn't granted. Something to consider.
4. I'm not sure about the scholarship situation at the Citadel, so you may have to contact the financial aid department there. Perhaps it's room and board? Maybe it's the other expenses they say you should plan for like travel, personal items, books? It doesn't sound like this is money from AROTC?

thank you. DODMERB says Under Waiver Review for the AROTC. There has been no movement on that for weeks. I'll have him reach out to the recruiting officer at the Citadel and go from there. Thanks.

 

[glen]

Excuse me in advance for a lengthy post, but we aren't really sure what the next steps are.

My DS was awarded and accepted a 3 year scholarship to his top school, The Citadel. He had a principal nom to USMA but was DQ'd and waiver denied. That was very disappointing. But, he's resilient, changing gears and considering ROTC and the Citadel.

First consideration: We've heard nothing from the Citadel or ROTC. He accepted the scholarship weeks ago but since it is only 3 years, but does the Army not pay any attention before the start of his sophomore year? In other words, will we have any communication from the Army now and during his Freshman year?

Second consideration: Could he attend a local state college (to save money) and then transfer into the Citadel as a Sophomore next year? Further, he has earned a ton of dual credit and AP courses so he may already be a sophomore when he graduates in May. Could he enter the Citadel as a Sophomore, given these transfer credits? Would his 3 year ROTC scholarship kick in at that time?

Third consideration: Since he was DQ'd by USMA, his medical issue may or may not be waived by AROTC. Will AROTC made a decision on a likely waiver request before freshman year or will they hold off until the start of his sophomore year? If that is true, he could attend the Citadel for 1 year and then maybe be DQ'd by ROTC as he enters his Sophomore year. That's not ideal because he'd have a year in, get DQ'd and then have to transfer to local college to finish up his degree (no way we can afford the Citadel tuition on our own and we don't want loans).

I've read the scholarship acceptance instructions and it does not provide any insight on this. Additionally, he was awarded two scholarships at the Citadel to cover his Freshman year costs, but their financial aid package still shows he would have to come up with $12K for the first year. Any insight into how those scholarships at the Citadel work and why he might have a balance of $12K when the scholarships indicate they cover costs?

A lot of questions here, I know. But, we just are not getting any guidance from either the Citadel or ARTOC.

First, Congratulations on your DS award of the ROTC scholarship and acceptance to The Citadel. Your DS should have an Admissions counselor assigned to him by region - he should call the Office and ask to discuss his questions with the counselor who should be able to direct him to the appropriate individuals in Financial Aid and the Army ROTC department. Financial Aid can explain the specifics of the aid letter. Realize they are dealing with over 4,000 applicants for this Fall’s class plus upper class issues too - so don’t rely on e-mail - call the office.

Same for the AROTC department, they are handling hundreds of issues right now and it’s best to call until you reach someone. The Admissions counselor may be able to help. Only the AROTC department can advise your DS on how medical DQ issues are dealt with during the freshmen year. Recognize a lot will depend on the nature of the DQ and whether a waiver is granted.

As to the specific costs mentioned in the financial aid letter, realize that in addition to what the college merit scholarships pay for, there are additional costs such as those included in the Quarter Master Account for uniforms, and estimated travel costs. Only the Financial Aid Office can give you answers to specific questions in your DS financial aid letter. Now is the time to ask those questions.

 

[RBI90VMI]

My answers pertain to VMI but I'm assuming the situation should be similar (maybe not, I'm sure someone will tell me).

My DS is finishing up his 4C year at VMI and was an AD 3yr AROTC scholarship awardee.

My son took AROTC classes along with all other AROTC cadets contracted or not. VMI requires that all cadets take ROTC classes. My son didn't receive any additional communication from the AROTC department at first. As far as the Army was concerned, he was just like any other AROTC student. Now, as we're approaching the end of his 4C year are they recognizing that he's a contracted student starting next year and starting the paperwork process (direct deposit, etc.)

My son also took many Dual Enrollment classes while in High School. He actually had earned his associates prior to graduation. That being said, the AROTC application requires that you be a freshman. We got clarification from VMI that he would be considered a freshman regardless of any credits he had already earned. Once in attendance, many credits did transfer over and academically he is way ahead BUT considered a freshman so his scholarship did not kick in.

As far as the medical waiver, wasn't your DS already cleared by DODMERB in order to be awarded the scholarship?

If the Citadel is like VMI, then as other AROTC students drop out, then funds become available. I know many who had 3 yr AROTC scholarships upgraded to a 3.5 or even retroactive to a 4 year by having stellar grades and excelling at the Army PFT. I knw that's not a guarantee, but for us VMI was where he wanted to be, so although we too didn't want loans, we figured 1 year of loans was better than 4 years.

Good luck to you and your DS!

Rah Virginia Mil!