Am I Competitive to Receive Marine-Option NROTC Scholarship

I agree with the comment that you won’t get an NROTC-MO scholarship with that PFT score. You need to aim for near perfect score, like aim at over 290. You could conceivably get a scholarship with a PFT score less than 290, but aim at over 290. Max out the pull-ups. You could try doing negatives to help you work up to increase your pull-ups.
Also I don’t see much leadership. I see that you are very smart, but I don’t see a lot of leadership experience. Maybe the track coach job could be a significant leadership experience if you reword that part. Maybe relook at your activities and cut out all the detail about how smart you are. They can tell that you are smart. Write more about your leadership experience. In my experience with this process, I get the impression that the Marines care more about physical fitness and leadership than other categories.
My son was awarded an NROTC-MO scholarship last year. He had a 292 on the PFT and a ton of leadership in Civil Air Patrol and NJROTC. Obviously I don’t know for sure, but I think those two things gave him the edge.
 
2022 Mom said:
Hello - thank you very much for the information you provided and shared. You mention the Plank as an alternative to the crunches and the link provided mentions it for the Marine PFT - just to clarify - does this also apply to the test for the scholarship applicants or just once already in the ROTC/Marines?

Also, is there a chart of times/scores for the plank as a reference? The article mentions 3 mins 45 seconds as the max - is that accurate?

Thank you for the clarification and guidance.
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Yes - My understanding is that the plank will be used for the PFT as an alternative to crunches for the NROTC-MO PFT. I would verify that with your coordinator to be on the safe side. In terms of the hold time for a max score - 4:20 is what I remember, but I would verify that with your coordinator. Good luck!
 
EEBTTF said:
Yes - My understanding is that the plank will be used for the PFT as an alternative to crunches for the NROTC-MO PFT. I would verify that with your coordinator to be on the safe side. In terms of the hold time for a max score - 4:20 is what I remember, but I would verify that with your coordinator. Good luck!
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Will do - thank you!
 
unchartedengineer said:
Intended Major: Electrical Engineering

Stats:
SAT- 1510
GPA- 5.4 weighted (3.9 unweighted)
10 APs (the rest were Honors Classes)
Gifted Program in School all 4 years
Rank-4/448

PFT: 246
-Pull-ups: 10 (advice on improving pull-ups)
-Sit-ups: 95
-3-Mile Run: 18:00

Extra-curricular:
-Started a nonprofit (10-12; Founder & President) on focusing on assisting those in need (made face-shields for hospitals during COVID when there was a face-shield shortage, donated hand sanitizer to orphanage during COVID)
-President and former Board-Member of Cultural Organization (10-12)
-Track and Field (11,12); made regionals my first year in 2 events (1 mile and 2 mile) and cut mile time by 1 minute to 4:58 and became fastest long distance runner on track team
-Electrical Engineering (11-12): I taught myself electrical engineering concepts, such as its fundamentals, network theorems, and electrical machine. I also built circuits on my own.
-Programming (10-12): I taught myself and am proficient in Python. One of my favorite projects was making a program that calculated investment growth.
-Mu Alpha Theta (9-12): I was a Math Tutor. One of my best experiences I had as a tutor was helping a student get from a B to A- in Algebra 2.
-Science National Honor Society (10-12): I was a Science Tutor. My experience taught me to stay on top of my studying because I would learn the material ahead of time and learn how to effectively teach it, which I would then teach it to my friends and classmates, helping all of us succeed on Bio tests.
-Volunteering at Hospital/Nursing Home (9,10,12) This was my first exposure to the healthcare system. Assisted recreational therapists and nurses in taking care of dementia patients. I helped feed, transport, and assisted in programs for the patients. I also had a lot of patient interaction, which helped improve my Spanish because the majority of the patients only spoke Spanish.
-Altar Serving (9-12): Altar Served at my school and parish (since I was 9 years old) all throughout high school. Helped bring the community of faith together and made my faith stronger.

-Cross-Country: 12th grade; I don’t know how it will turn out. Looking good so far.


Awards (So Far):
-Faith and Revelation Student of the Year Award (9th)
-AP World History Student of the Year Award (10th)
-Honors Dual Enrollment Spanish III Honors Student of the Year Award (10th)
-PSAT Commended Scholar (11th)
-2nd place in 1600m Districts Track and Field (11th)
-2nd place in 3200m Districts Track and Field (11th)
-Honors Dual Enrollment American History Student of the Year (11th)
-Instrument Ensemble Student of the Year (11th)
-AP Scholar (11th)

LOR:
-History Teacher (10/10): Taught me in 10th and 11th and awarded me Student of the Year for both years. I show a keen interest in class for history and learning. Has complimented me saying that I perform very well in class and facilitate a learning environment with my desire to learn and ask questions.

-Math Teacher (8/10): Calculus teacher for 11th and 12th. Originally doing bad in the class and barely finished the first semester with a B+. I improved my grades and participated more in the second semester, finishing off with A for the semester. Teacher said that I would get a 5 and I think I got a 5 on the AB Exam.

-Volunteer Supervisor (9/10): Personally commended for my volunteer work, saying that I come in early and stay late. I was able to adapt to the system very quickly and worked well with the other medical professionals and patients. I did her filing, research, and other admin work that made her job easier.
-Track coach (9/10): I went from one of the worst runners on my team to becoming the best mile and two-mile runner on a decently-competitive distance team by the end of my first year. Went to regionals and districts in my first year doing track. Personally knows me and recognizes that I’m a hard worker.

Essays:
-Improving my calculus grade in a semester and/or improving mile time within one season -> how I can break down barriers and difficulties relatively quickly, which will make me an effective Marine Officer.

-My experience as tutor, explaining difficult concepts effectively and efficiently, which helped me and my classmates succeed -> me being able to break down steps and processes and effectively explain them to ncos and younger enlisted personnel will make me an effective communicator and succeed in missions and thus a better Marine Officer.

-Studying Electrical Engineering: It’s a technical degree, thus giving me a technical way of thinking. Many of the world’s richest CEOs are engineers and it is largely because they focus on the product/project as opposed to the traditional MBA-method of business meetings and business-development. In a similar way, the technical mindset that an EE degree will provide will make me focus on the mission first and everything else second, making me and the rest of the platoon/command/battalion play a much more efficient role in missions, thus making me a better Marine Officer.

Thanks for reading this far. Please give me back honest feedback.
Click to expand...
Scholastically - You're academics are very impressive. You have a strong SAT score, and your GPA is impressive. Plus, you have taken challenging courses.

Athletics/Physical Fitness - You have a very competitive 3-mile time. You have varsity athletic experience, and you have placed at District meets. Your 3-mile run time is very competitive. However, you need to work on your strength. That means your pull-ups score is average. In order to be competitive, you need to be closer to 20 pull-ups. Ultimately, you want to have at least a 270 score to stand out above the rest of the applicants.

Leadership/Volunteer. I would work on articulating the positive impact that your volunteer experience has on the organizations and the individuals you are helping.

Essays - Have someone read your essay prior to submitting it to verify that you've addressed the prompt.

The NROTC - MO is regionally chosen by the recruiting district. Therefore, it really depends on how competitive your region is. Nationally, NROTC only selects a very small applicant pool. I wish you the best.
 
Wahoo Fan said:
Addendum—
One other thought—
Maybe others could comment, but I think your resume would give you a better shot at an NROTC rather than an NROTC-MO scholarship.
Click to expand...
Strongly agree. NROTC-NO or navy option might find your academic strengths acuity in advanced math, and technical degree of study attractive and give you the best chance for a scholarship. Play to your strengths.
This is like my 6’5” buddy who wrestled while the school begged him to play basketball since he was the tallest guy in my class. After freshman year he switched and they nearly threw him a parade. I think Navy option would throw you a parade and marine option without pull-up improvement or alternative would not be as excited. Great guidance from @Wahoo Fan
 
@unchartedengineer ,

I don't know why I didn't ask these questions before:

Do you want to be a Marine? Why a Marine? Have you even considered Army ROTC? The Army has the largest, most robust and broadest cyber capability in the Military. They also have the largest Reserve element, which would allow you (if successful) to pursue your EE dreams while fulfilling your commitment.

I ask because everything up to now seems to be focused on getting a scholarship and less on being a Marine. Furthermore, switching to NO because everyone is telling you that it's better suited to your academic bona fides sort of misses the mark as well. I can tell you that my Army Captain DS would have been miserable in NROTC-MO and probably the same in NO. He was both physically capable and STEM smart. His approach was to seek the largest playing field with the most options to pursue.

I have two first/second hand stories to relate regarding NROTC-MO. The first is a kid who attended Purdue on an NROTC-MO scholarship. His parents could have easily paid the OOS tuition. He was a CS major, very smart, in good shape and sufficiently gung ho. I never got the full story, but he either left or was dropped. I never asked his parents, but there was bad blood there. He ended up at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in some secret squirrel capacity.

The second is of a Mech E major who attended school in a Western state on a NROTC-MO scholarship. He is very smart and always wanted to be a Marine/Soldier. He thrived in the program and later as an Marine Infantry Officer. After several years, he chose the Army Special Forces route and today is a Green Beret.

IMHO, you should stop thinking about How do I get a scholarship? for a minute and concentrate on What do I want to do longer term and what is the best path forward?

Best of Luck! I'm sure you will do well. Just don't make it any harder than it has to be.
 
unchartedengineer said:
Intended Major: Electrical Engineering

Stats:
SAT- 1510
GPA- 5.4 weighted (3.9 unweighted)
10 APs (the rest were Honors Classes)
Gifted Program in School all 4 years
Rank-4/448

PFT: 246
-Pull-ups: 10 (advice on improving pull-ups)
-Sit-ups: 95
-3-Mile Run: 18:00

Extra-curricular:
-Started a nonprofit (10-12; Founder & President) on focusing on assisting those in need (made face-shields for hospitals during COVID when there was a face-shield shortage, donated hand sanitizer to orphanage during COVID)
-President and former Board-Member of Cultural Organization (10-12)
-Track and Field (11,12); made regionals my first year in 2 events (1 mile and 2 mile) and cut mile time by 1 minute to 4:58 and became fastest long distance runner on track team
-Electrical Engineering (11-12): I taught myself electrical engineering concepts, such as its fundamentals, network theorems, and electrical machine. I also built circuits on my own.
-Programming (10-12): I taught myself and am proficient in Python. One of my favorite projects was making a program that calculated investment growth.
-Mu Alpha Theta (9-12): I was a Math Tutor. One of my best experiences I had as a tutor was helping a student get from a B to A- in Algebra 2.
-Science National Honor Society (10-12): I was a Science Tutor. My experience taught me to stay on top of my studying because I would learn the material ahead of time and learn how to effectively teach it, which I would then teach it to my friends and classmates, helping all of us succeed on Bio tests.
-Volunteering at Hospital/Nursing Home (9,10,12) This was my first exposure to the healthcare system. Assisted recreational therapists and nurses in taking care of dementia patients. I helped feed, transport, and assisted in programs for the patients. I also had a lot of patient interaction, which helped improve my Spanish because the majority of the patients only spoke Spanish.
-Altar Serving (9-12): Altar Served at my school and parish (since I was 9 years old) all throughout high school. Helped bring the community of faith together and made my faith stronger.

-Cross-Country: 12th grade; I don’t know how it will turn out. Looking good so far.


Awards (So Far):
-Faith and Revelation Student of the Year Award (9th)
-AP World History Student of the Year Award (10th)
-Honors Dual Enrollment Spanish III Honors Student of the Year Award (10th)
-PSAT Commended Scholar (11th)
-2nd place in 1600m Districts Track and Field (11th)
-2nd place in 3200m Districts Track and Field (11th)
-Honors Dual Enrollment American History Student of the Year (11th)
-Instrument Ensemble Student of the Year (11th)
-AP Scholar (11th)

LOR:
-History Teacher (10/10): Taught me in 10th and 11th and awarded me Student of the Year for both years. I show a keen interest in class for history and learning. Has complimented me saying that I perform very well in class and facilitate a learning environment with my desire to learn and ask questions.

-Math Teacher (8/10): Calculus teacher for 11th and 12th. Originally doing bad in the class and barely finished the first semester with a B+. I improved my grades and participated more in the second semester, finishing off with A for the semester. Teacher said that I would get a 5 and I think I got a 5 on the AB Exam.

-Volunteer Supervisor (9/10): Personally commended for my volunteer work, saying that I come in early and stay late. I was able to adapt to the system very quickly and worked well with the other medical professionals and patients. I did her filing, research, and other admin work that made her job easier.
-Track coach (9/10): I went from one of the worst runners on my team to becoming the best mile and two-mile runner on a decently-competitive distance team by the end of my first year. Went to regionals and districts in my first year doing track. Personally knows me and recognizes that I’m a hard worker.

Essays:
-Improving my calculus grade in a semester and/or improving mile time within one season -> how I can break down barriers and difficulties relatively quickly, which will make me an effective Marine Officer.

-My experience as tutor, explaining difficult concepts effectively and efficiently, which helped me and my classmates succeed -> me being able to break down steps and processes and effectively explain them to ncos and younger enlisted personnel will make me an effective communicator and succeed in missions and thus a better Marine Officer.

-Studying Electrical Engineering: It’s a technical degree, thus giving me a technical way of thinking. Many of the world’s richest CEOs are engineers and it is largely because they focus on the product/project as opposed to the traditional MBA-method of business meetings and business-development. In a similar way, the technical mindset that an EE degree will provide will make me focus on the mission first and everything else second, making me and the rest of the platoon/command/battalion play a much more efficient role in missions, thus making me a better Marine Officer.

Thanks for reading this far. Please give me back honest feedback.
Click to expand...
I think you have a pretty good chance. I got the scholarship last year with pretty similar stuff. I just had lower PFT so I think you will be fine.
 
Just reading this thread today. Lots of great responses already. I will add that I sat in on an admissions visit at state xx with my son (actually, all 3 of them). One on one meetings with that schools unit. This last visit, for my ‘24, it was with both a Marine Officer, and a Naval Officer. It was very informative of course. The most interesting part was after the presentation was over, and the discussion turned ‘informal’. That’s where you get the real scoop.

Naval Officer said ‘NROTC is more interested in your major, than fitness. We want you in a STEM major, and to do well academically’. Marine Officer states ‘in contrast to Navy, we don’t care your major. And fitness is very important. We want you in a major where you will do well, and THEN we will shape you’.

They were comparing/contrasting the different approach as far as schooling. Navy is STEM, where the school teaches you. Marine doesn’t care, do well, and then THEY will teach you what THEY want.

At the time, my ’24 was thinking aerospace engineering. And the Marine Officer suggested to take an ‘easier’ major for the MO in order to have a higher success. And easier 4 years academically (and higher merit score -is that the right word? Idk). Since the ‘major doesn’t matter’. VS Navy, where the major does matter.

Obviously these were generalizations. But the point is that they have different approaches to their programs through their ROTC programs.

BTW…my son (‘24) was track/football/wrestler. The Marine Officer was gunning hard for him to select MO when applying (ultimately the two accepted appointments to USNA, and oldest is in the Air National Guard).
 
justdoit19 said:
Just reading this thread today. Lots of great responses already. I will add that I sat in on an admissions visit at state xx with my son (actually, all 3 of them). One on one meetings with that schools unit. This last visit, for my ‘24, it was with both a Marine Officer, and a Naval Officer. It was very informative of course. The most interesting part was after the presentation was over, and the discussion turned ‘informal’. That’s where you get the real scoop.

Naval Officer said ‘NROTC is more interested in your major, than fitness. We want you in a STEM major, and to do well academically’. Marine Officer states ‘in contrast to Navy, we don’t care your major. And fitness is very important. We want you in a major where you will do well, and THEN we will shape you’.

They were comparing/contrasting the different approach as far as schooling. Navy is STEM, where the school teaches you. Marine doesn’t care, do well, and then THEY will teach you what THEY want.

At the time, my ’24 was thinking aerospace engineering. And the Marine Officer suggested to take an ‘easier’ major for the MO in order to have a higher success. And easier 4 years academically (and higher merit score -is that the right word? Idk). Since the ‘major doesn’t matter’. VS Navy, where the major does matter.

Obviously these were generalizations. But the point is that they have different approaches to their programs through their ROTC programs.

BTW…my son (‘24) was track/football/wrestler. The Marine Officer was gunning hard for him to select MO when applying (ultimately the two accepted appointments to USNA, and oldest is in the Air National Guard).
Click to expand...
Based on our family’s experience with the ROTC process last year, the assessment quoted above is accurate.
I think the process for awarding NROTC-MO scholarships must vary by region. Some regions are apparently not as competitive, and their candidates are given a lot to help with their applications (as I discern from others’ comments on this forum). For example, some regions offer to retest the PFT multiple times until their candidate can achieve their best scores.
My region, on the other hand, is nothing like that. My son had a choice of two different processing days in the early fall. On the Saturday when he went, the first item after checking in was to do the PFT together with all twenty-ish of the candidates. After that, they announced to the group everyone’s PFT scores, in order from highest to lowest. The candidates with low scores who did not meet a certain threshold where sent home. The others changed into their interview outfits and were interviewed—in order—candidate with the highest PFT score got interviewed first, and the rest in order down to the last candidate with the lowest score. The impression we got after this day was that the PFT score was of great importance to the Marines. Also through the process, there was a lot of emphasis on leadership experience.

I suggest you consider carefully what type of job you want to do in the military, and try to assess which branch would be most suitable to your interests and abilities. If you are really set on Marines, then I encourage you to also look at Army ROTC, because you can do similar jobs in both of these branches. If you are set on a STEM career, then you may want to look at Navy or Air Force ROTC. From what you presented about yourself, I think your current resume would fit better with Navy or Air Force.
 
My 3 boys’ processes were nothing like yours. But they also had no help. In fact, recruiters in charge of our region changed, boys would be ghosted, they would have to follow up with more central coordinators, and basically start over. Some teachers sent their evaluations 3 times. It was frustrating for sure. But also understand reciters getting reassigned, etc. My personal biggest frustration was that there was no follow through/sharing of info, or notice. But it is what it is. Our area is less structured an organized than others it appears.

Not complaining, rather pointing out it can be different, for different applicants. My Mids were both offered on the first board, so they were able to get their stuff where it needed to be, and on time. It required more follow up than USNA for both of them.

Good luck to all applicants, both programs! Always routing for either. Very exciting.
 
I won the NROTC-MO back in April and these were my PFT scores:

23 Pull-ups
109 Crunches
Three miles in 21:09 minutes

Regarding pull-ups, it takes as much energy to get your chin to the bar as it takes for you to slowly lower yourself down.
Instead, get your chin to the bar as quickly as possible and then completely drop. Speed is key. I might be biased because I'm only 120lbs, but I think you can still benefit from performing your pull-ups rather quickly.

Regarding your interview, it could vary from person to person. For me, the Captain started asking some questions about my background and my desire to serve (EX: why the Marine Corps specifically, who inspired you, does anyone else in the family serve, etc.) After giving him my answers, he then typed them into his computer and styled my answers into a detailed file. Originally, I had memorized/structured answers (STAR model) for potential questions he might ask, but it didn't happen. No pressure at all, it was quite relaxing after a while because it almost seemed like he was writing down my life story. At the end of the interview, we went over what he had written so far and asked me if there was anything else I liked to add/needed clarification on. I replied not really, but I gave him my resume for his reference when he finishes up the letter.

My advice for this interview: be yourself and be sincere. Don't act fake with these people because they can most likely smell it out.

However, take my advice with a grain of salt as my interview might've been easy compared to other Marine Corps interviews. It's not much, but it's just my 2 cents. Hopefully, you can benefit from it.
 
VN-Commission said:
Regarding pull-ups, it takes as much energy to get your chin to the bar as it takes for you to slowly lower yourself down.
Instead, get your chin to the bar as quickly as possible and then completely drop. Speed is key. I might be biased because I'm only 120lbs, but I think you can still benefit from performing your pull-ups rather quickly.
Click to expand...
This x100

Same applies to push ups, but practice slow and staggered, as in three counts up and 1 count down and vice versa.

Congratulations on your scholarship! Best of luck and thanks for an excellent post.
 
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