Army Scholarship Interview, advice and tips!

G

gtownjrotc

5-Year Member
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
7
I got my interview coming up in 2 weeks

the Major i talked to didnt sound to enthusiastic about it when i called him, it was like "yeah just come on by and we'll talk to ya"

what do i need to bring?
how should i dress?

what kind of questions should i be prepared for etc....
 
Dress nicely, but nothing too crazy. Nothing wrong with a sport coat and pants. Even just a well-fitted shirt and pants is fine. Remember fit is very important, more than anything else. Honestly, I wore jeans and a polo to mine because the PMS told me to be casual, but I wouldn't recommend that unless the major specifically asked you to. Treat this like it's your prom, minus the tuxedo.

I'd bring a copy of transcript and resume if possible. I was basically asked why I wanted to be an Army officer, and what I could offer the Army based on my past experiences. I was never asked a diversity/what-do-you-think-about-women-in-the-military question like I was for the AFA and AFROTC. A lot of it will just depend on the major himself. My interview was very conversational and relaxed, which was good for both of us I think.
 
My number three school is the only one that is local to me. My number one is 13 hours and number two is 10 hours away. Number three is a stretch school but my parents are alumni; maybe there's a chance. Number three has offered to do my interview. Any downside to interviewing with this school?
 
Some people on this board advocate interviewing at your first-choice school, even if it is expensive and inconvenient to do so. I can't say whether that is really going to give you an advantage or not. I can tell you that my son offered to travel 9 hours in order to interview with the PMS at his #1 school, but that PMS told him that doing so was totally unnecessary, and encouraged him to interview at the university here in town. He took that advice, maxed the interview, and got the scholarship to the #1 school (AROTC.) You might want to check with the PMS or ROO at your first-choice school and see if they feel strongly about you coming to them. If not, I wouldn't sweat it.
 
Hey look what I just posted on my blog

http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2011/07/25/the-interview/

first off, I would double check with the Major and make sure he knows you are looking to do your scholarship interview, and not just visit the campus. His response sounds a little too laid back.

As far as interviewing at the closest vs. your top school. If you are a stud (or studette) it won't matter as much, or if the school you are looking at has lots of scholarships (you want to go to Penn State). The benefit of traveling a little and interviewing at #1 will help if #1 is a small school that doesn't get a lot of scholarships, or relies on campuse based scholarships. If for some reason you don't get an offer, the PMS at your #1 school has still met you and interviewed you, and may be willing to allocate one of his campus based scholarships to you. Definitely contact #1 and get their feeling for the interview process.
 
Here's a different take on why you should consider doing it at your number 1 choice. It is 12 hours away, and as much as that doesn't matter to you right now, but it may when you get there. You don't want to step foot on campus the 1st time as an incoming freshman.

Colleges have personalities, so do ROTC units and you can only feel it in person, not on line or from the brochures.
 
I interviewed at a school (University of South Carolina) that wasn't on my list AT ALL and I got the scholarship to my first and second choices (The Citadel and VMI).
 
Both Senior Military Colleges...totally different animal. If you are competing for limited scholarships at small colleges I recommend you interview there. At the big schools your interview won't matter as much, in fact it's probably better not to interview at an SMC. Just another nuance of this process
 
clarksonarmy said:
Both Senior Military Colleges...totally different animal. If you are competing for limited scholarships at small colleges I recommend you interview there. At the big schools your interview won't matter as much, in fact it's probably better not to interview at an SMC. Just another nuance of this process
Click to expand...

So Clarksonarmy, just to clarify, if DS' first choice by far is a particular SMC and it's within a decent driving distance, shouldn't he interview there?
 
WIthout getting me into too much trouble. The issue with SMCs is that there are probably more like minded applicants looking for the same thing. I could be wrong, but I think the interviewer at an SMC will have a tendency to "balance their profile" and not give every applicant the maximum score. Conversely at a smaller school where there are probably going to be more applicants focused on the "what's in it for me", someone who wants to attend an SMC and has the mindset of service will have an easier time of setting themselves apart. The front of the interview sheet is pretty cut and dried, but the PMS has some subjective grading to make on the back side. I would suggest that those subjective grades may be a little tougher to get at an SMC. I don't have any data to back up my gut feeling, but I've seen some instances in the last couple years that would support my theory. Shouldn't be taken as a knock on SMCs or non SMCs. Again, just one of the nuances of the process. I know this post is going to cause some of you to over think the process, and I encourage you not to.
 
clarksonarmy said:
WIthout getting me into too much trouble. The issue with SMCs is that there are probably more like minded applicants looking for the same thing. I could be wrong, but I think the interviewer at an SMC will have a tendency to "balance their profile" and not give every applicant the maximum score. Conversely at a smaller school where there are probably going to be more applicants focused on the "what's in it for me", someone who wants to attend an SMC and has the mindset of service will have an easier time of setting themselves apart. The front of the interview sheet is pretty cut and dried, but the PMS has some subjective grading to make on the back side. I would suggest that those subjective grades may be a little tougher to get at an SMC. I don't have any data to back up my gut feeling, but I've seen some instances in the last couple years that would support my theory. Shouldn't be taken as a knock on SMCs or non SMCs. Again, just one of the nuances of the process. I know this post is going to cause some of you to over think the process, and I encourage you not to.
Click to expand...

Clarkson, I see what you're saying, but DS received an email from VMI saying "Once you have completed the steps above, you must call to schedule an interview with my Recruiting Officer. Although this interview can be conducted at VMI or at an ROTC Detachment near your home, if VMI is your first choice or you plan on attending school here, I strongly encourage you to plan your interview at VMI, or at a minimum, visit VMI and take time to come by and see the Army ROTC Department."

So I suppose I'm afraid it would hurt him if he didn't interview there, especially since it's not too far from us. He has already done the overnight stay and loved every second of it (and this was during the ratline!). This is far and away his #1 school choice, and he plans on applying ED. Would that work in his favor at all?
 
When DMS received his letter from CC to schedule and interview, only his #3 choice was listed. However, he received an email from his #1 school requesting that he schedule an interview with their PMS, which he did. Not an SMC, but a very strong battalion and for him an OOS school. End result was a scholarship. BTW, one other suggestion, make sure that if going the route of interviewing at #1 school that there's no problem getting accepted. DS was already accepted prior to the interview, but before he listed the school on his application, he met with admissions during his campus visit, provided his credentials and was told that he would automatically be accepted. Also had a great campus tour, presentations and visit with the ROO.
 
I strongly encourage my applicants that list Clarkson as #1 to interview here too. The thing to keep in mind is that VMI won't be able to have impact into the national process, other than to tell Cadet Command not to make an offer to you. They can't really help or hurt your chances if you don't interview there. It won't be until after the 4 year process, and the school is allocating campus based scholarships. There is no doubt that you should visit your #1, and make sure you are interested, but your score, if you interview at a place where there is a high volume of top notch applicants may be watered down a little (IMHO). If you are deadset on VMI, go for it. If you can max out the front of the interview sheet (can check enough blocks to max each section), and you can convince the PMS to max you out on the back (ED will definitely get you some brownie points) you will be fine.

MNdad, your letter will list the 5 closest...all the schools on your list will see that you listed their school, so it makes sense that #1 contacted you. Congrats on the offer.
 
Clarkson Army,

Thanks! DS is pumped up and looking forward to his first AFPT in less than 3 weeks. DW and I are also planning on going to the picnic that wraps up his ROTC orientation. I've already met several members of the cadre and want DW to get a first-hand feel for things.

MNDad2015
 
MNDad2015 said:
Clarkson Army,

Thanks! DS is pumped up and looking forward to his first AFPT in less than 3 weeks. DW and I are also planning on going to the picnic that wraps up his ROTC orientation. I've already met several members of the cadre and want DW to get a first-hand feel for things.

MNDad2015
Click to expand...

Congratulations

Your son is in for the ride of his life.

I have 2 sons, the older just completed LDAC yesterday. He is on a plane today to FT Bragg NC for CTLT (Internship of sorts) with the 82nd Airborne. It has been a busy and great 3 years so far for him. One piece of advice, tell son not over think the program too much before he starts, go in with an open mind and be ready for anything, it won't be like anything he has done before and he will find it different then he expects.

My younger son starts school and ROTC in about 3 weeks at the same school his older brother attends, it will be nice having them at the same school for a year. My younger one can't wait for ROTC orientation and and school to start.

Good luck to your son.
 
I completely agree with Clarkson on this.

Additionally, interviewing at your top choice may help you later on if you need a DODMERB waiver or you receive an ROTC offer that does not include your top school. I was successful in getting 3 scholarships transferred for incoming freshmen this Spring. Two other applicants requested my help but did not get it. I treat applicants differently based on how often we speak and how often they visit. I can only provide effective assistance to a limited number of applicants and I therefore focus on those applicants that have demonstrated that my program is their first choice.

One applicant from Florida called me regarding the interview and discussed how it was financially impossible for her to interview at my school. She did make it very clear throughout the year, through her frequent emails and phone calls, that my program was her first choice. I did spend some time assisting her. Truthfully, I could have spent more time helping her. I find it hard to go the extra mile for someone I've never met. If I can priceline a plane ticket for less money than I pay our babysitter every month, I will be very unlikely to agree with your "no money" excuses.


clarksonarmy said:
Both Senior Military Colleges...totally different animal. If you are competing for limited scholarships at small colleges I recommend you interview there. At the big schools your interview won't matter as much, in fact it's probably better not to interview at an SMC. Just another nuance of this process
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top