AFROTC Contracted Cadet Switching Majors

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Akrogan

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Jan 29, 2013
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Hello all! Like the title says, I'm a contracted AFROTC cadet (Type 7 Technical), and well...after this semester, it appears being an engineer is not what I should be doing with my life. I took the scholarship because I thought I wanted to be one, but its just really not for me.

That being said, I passed this semester, but with rather low grades in math and I know this stuff only gets harder from here.

Anyhow I am going to talk to cadre tomorrow about switching to political science...I am a freshman. I am wondering if there is ANY chance of me keeping my scholarship or anything along those lines...

Its tough, but I know this is the right decision simply because engineering only gets harder and its best to get out early.

Thank you and a Happy Holiday season to all!
 
Well, I think you'll find out the best information straight from your Cadre, the best you'll get here is speculation.

You should have no issue staying in AFROTC, the only issue may be your scholarship.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes because this question comes up from time to time.

Oh....and Happy Holidays to you as well
 
I want to suggest that you consider staying with engineering for another semester. At the very least, discuss your situation with your academic advisor before deciding. It is not unusual even for excellent, highly motivated engineering students to struggle with first-year classes; and for students who are used to getting high grades in high school, and who have non-engineering college friends who are having an easier go of it, it can be a humbling experience.

Look at it this way - once you are commissioned as an Air Force officer, it will not be an option for you to switch your assignment if it seems to be too hard. You will have to suck it up and meet the challenge, no matter what it takes. Why not start now? You must know that plenty of students who are no better than you, and many who are probably worse, are going to stick it out and get their engineering degrees. Most of them don't have generous scholarships and the prospect of a commission to work toward. Unless you really cannot stand the coursework, you will be giving up an awful lot, not just monetarily but also in terms of career options, both military and civilian.

Of course, this presupposes that you are willing to put in the effort, but I am assuming that AFROTC scholarship recipients like yourself are highly motivated to succeed. Best of luck to you, whatever you decide.
 
My DS switched majors after Freshman year from Russian (AF desired) to communications. He checked with leadership of detachment prior to switching and was told it would not be a problem in regards to his scholarship. Unfortunately, it was not up to local command to make that call and he was given wrong information. Make sure you get official approval from higher up. My son gave up his scholarship in this fiasco and it was a valuable lesson for him. He continued with ROTC and commissioned but now has school debt he is paying for. Make sure to submit the required forms prior to making any decision...and wait for an official decision by AF as well.
 
You just need to ask and let the chips fall where they may.

Honestly, I doubt they are going to say that you can switch and keep it. The answer might be different if you were a 200 because at least by that time they will know you more as a cadet and they could fight HQ AFROTC for you.

Something to think about is you need to be selected for SFT next year. I think you are in a catch 22 position. Tech majors have a higher selection rate than nontech. The highest selection rate goes to tech/rated. I believe last year it was 63%. The lowest goes to nontech/nonrated with a 17% selection.

The catch 22 you are facing is that cgpa. The avg for tech was 3.0/3.1. Nontech it was 3.3/3.4. Will you be in those parameters? If you can pull a 3.0, I would say stick with it, especially if you want to go rated.

There are multiple reasons why I say this....on top of what others have said....the first year is a weeding out aspect at the college.
1. TBAS and AFOQT test will be part of your OML for rated. The AFOQT is like the ACT, and spatial awareness is part of the exam questions. Engineering/math/science will help you.
2. The academic pace at UPT/UNT moves at a much faster pace than college. The foundation will help you academically, hence why they want tech majors.
3. If you want to go to test pilot/nav school, they typically only accept members that have a degree in engineering. It means you could be closing a career opportunity door before you even enter the AF.

Just so you know, my DS was a govt major and he is a pilot, so it is possible to non tech and get your wings, but it is harder compared to the tech majors.

Xposted with MomWP. She is right this has to come down from HQ, as I also stated. The only way HQ doesn't need to approve from what I know is if this scholarship is an ICSP, your detachment gave the scholarship and not AFROTC board.
 
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Talked to my AS100 instructor today, yeah can't keep scholarship without tech.

Therefore assuming I got above a 2.5 this semester I'm going to stick with it! It's tough but I know it'll be worth it! (Not going rated)
 
Your ability to weigh in your thoughts on these forums and take counsel from those who have experience demonstrates good critical thinking and discernment skills. That will come in handy down the road.

Engineering will be the more difficult route, so kudos to you for hanging in there! Glad to hear that you will hang onto the scholarship.
 
I think in the end you will be happy you stuck with it.

JMPO as a Mom, and after you read it, throw it into the circular filing cabinet.

To feel safe for SFT selection you will need to carry at least a 3.2 for the next 2 semesters. Avg cgpa for tech majors is @3.0.

Use your winter break to get a jump on the courses you will be taking in the spring. You would be amazed how you can find tutorials on line. You can also purchase your books and start reading them. 18 credits, means 18 hours a week in a classroom. You can find 18 hours in a week over your winter break to just read the chapters, right?
~ Reading it prior will allow you to know weeks prior what you don't get and that means you can get assistance when you are in front of the 8 ball instead of behind it. Try to squeeze time with a tutor when in school, even if you are pulling a B, an hour a week may mean you can pull an A. Or maybe ask a cadet that has the same major for some help when you are hanging in the lounge between classes or at GMC nights ask to see if any of them want to create a study group for a class you might be struggling in.
~~ It will be a great way to bond and start feeling the whole brethren aspect of the AF. Trust me, they are just as nervous as you are regarding the same things you are feeling.
~~ Repeat with summer break regarding studying classes for the fall semester. My DS2 had real problems with his physics class, he was able to view/see exams from different colleges across the country and when it came to the exam he was prepared because he saw a ton of different questions from different profs. None of them were on his exam, but variations were.

I would buy used books if possible because the beauty of used is they highlighted and marked up the book already for you.

I would also study the AFOQT. It is a timed test and that messes with cadets. There are a lot of AFOQT study guides out there. The AFOQT is part of your score for selection. You being on scholarship is not.

Also try to max the PFT your fall semester as a 200. So if your at a 95 on average, than training during the summer might get you to a 97 or 98 or even higher.

Add these two components and even if your cgpa is slightly below the avg your chances increase if you hit those out of park.

Good luck.
 
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DS is an AS200 Engineering major. He went to the Detachment about 2 weeks into this semester and officially asked to go from a 4 year degree program to a 4.5 year program, the paperwork was submitted to the Air force who came back with a resounding yes and a BZ for being proactive before it became an issue. He was concerned about his ability to maintain his current 3.4 GPA through 4 years doing 19 credits per semester. 4.5 years got him down several credits a semester to a more manageable rate, the Air Force actually approved him for a total of 5 years but his current track will have him finish in 4.5. Stay focused, stay positive and use all available resources at your school and at your detachment. The Air Force is spending a lot of money on you and wants you to succeed, you just have to let them help.
 
Update:

Did better than expected and all is good in the world! Definitely the pick me up I needed; staying engineering and ready to work harder than ever!

Thank you all for encouraging me and not letting me close a huge door to my future!
 
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