Admitted to West Point - declining AROTC

[AspiringAcademyCandidate]

Greetings everyone; thanks in advance for any help! I recently received an appointment to USMA, and already won an AROTC scholarship on the October board. I want to decline my scholarship, hopefully they can give it to someone else who could use it. What's the best way to do that? My portal doesn't really say. And is it a good idea to decline this early?

 

[justdoit19]

Personal choice. Lots of debate about this on the forums if you care to read a ton about it.

A few things to consider: what if you change you mind? What happens if you receive an injury and cannot attend USMA (but can AROTC)? What if there is a life event that makes you want to change your plans?

Some things to consider. Both of my guys kept their ROTC scholarships until closer to report day.

 

[MidCakePa]

What @justdoit19 said. Why the rush? Let it all sit for a while to be sure that you’re sure. Not questioning your commitment, but each year we see here that people do change their mind for very good reasons. And yes, unfortunately, injuries and illness do happen that throw a wrench into SA plans.

Don’t worry — you are not unfairly holding someone’s else’s spot by not declining the scholarship immediately. The powers that be give out more offers than will be accepted, with a very good idea of what the yield will be. You’ve earned the scholarship, and with it, the right to use all the time allotted to ensure the best possible outcome for yourself. No one else is being cheated.

 

[Heatherg21]

I concur with both @justdoit19 and @MidCakePa . Last cycle our DS held his NROTC until the end just in case. You earned it keep your options open. Doesn't stop you from accepting West Point. Or sleeping on your options. Congratulations!

 

[Goat 965]

DD simply contacted the head of the ROTC at the school where she was going to go, and advised them that she had accepted an appointment to USMA. However, I agree with all of the above. Stay the course, for now.

 

[Fiona1124]

I concur with all the others above. My DD kept hers until closer to R day as well. What if you get hurt or change your mind about the academy. It is always better to keep all your options open.

 

[Bill P]

Taking the contrary view here. DS received a full-four year ROTC and placed at an Ivy. After getting into USMA, he knew that is the direction he was going. I get it about waiting to see if injury or keeping all options open. But, DS was of the same opinion as you and said "should go to someone else." At the end, you earned it. Your call.