What should I be doing as a freshman AROTC student to have a better chance at getting an appointment? I'd imagine having a good GPA and PT scores. Anything else?
Above all, pursue a plebe-like schedule — in terms of both rigor and subject.
Hey! Yes you can! I just got an appointment for USNA '25 and I was part of the Michigan State University Army ROTC unit. The only thing is that your ROTC nomination will not be valid. Mine got rejected from the academy since it was Army. So start working on your senate and congress nomination applications (if you have not already). Also I forgot to mention, if you have a 3 year scholarship then you can since you are not binded to the army yet, but if you have a 4 year scholarship then you will need to contract which binds you to the army. That is what I was told so maybe dig more into that, and I was a 3yr scholarship recipient btw
Honestly what I did this past year, was simply work my a*s off in every aspect (academically and physically). Get involved with the clubs in the program and build a great reputation with your peers and instructors. Also, let them know ahead of time about your desire to apply to the academy so that they can start working with you without any pressure. Take the classes that the Academy recommends we take as college applicants (Calc 1, Chemistry [the lecture and the lab as well], Physics, etc...). I am wishing for the best for you, but I also recommend you work hard as if you're gonna stay there. You never know what might happen before it does, so always have a backup plan. Good luck! Do not hesitate on contacting me if you have any other questions in regards to ROTC!