Hey everyone! I will try to keep it as short as possible, but I need some advice on some options I am looking into.
So I waited all of high school to apply to all the service academies ('21), but didn't get accepted into any. I wanted to try again, so I decided to attend a jr. college and compete in sports. About a week into my first semester, I found an AROTC program about 30 mins away and decided to join. I was told that I wouldn't receive a 3-year scholarship unless I transferred to a 4-year university, so I transferred to a cross-town affiliate over winter break. Amidst all this, I was trying to complete my USMA application (I received the principle nomination for my district 2 times in a row), but my cadre weren't going to submit my 3-year scholarship application unless I withdrew my USMA application. They finally convinced me that I could get 3-years paid in full, plus I wouldn't have to start over my freshman year, so I withdrew. A few weeks later I received my 3-year scholarship, but found out that it didn't cover room/board or summer classes (I am trying to complete a 5-year degree in 4-years per AROTC standards) like I had been told beforehand.
Now I am trying to look into more options, such as applying to USNA '23 (because I burned my bridges with USMA and am frustrated with all the hassle the Army has given me). I don't want to submit an application unless I have a pretty good chance of getting accepted, so I have a few questions that I need answered.
How competitive is my application? I am very involved in ROTC (Ranger Challenge and leading training for 10 Miler), was a varsity jr. college athlete, and competed in 3 varsity sports in high school (captain 1 season). I am close to maxing the APFT, and I train for 1/2 and full marathons on my own time. I work 10 hrs/school week. In high school, I was in band, worked, volunteered, and held a few leadership positions. I know that I can improve my ACT if I retake it. I received straight A's in high school, but what I am most worried about is my current grades. I am receiving B's in math/science (which are the classes for my major) and A's for electives and ROTC. Next year I will be taking over 18 credits/semester to stay on track for my scholarship, but I am worried that this might hurt my grades. Any advice?
Also, will I be obligated to "pay back" the Army in any way for using a year of my scholarship?
Thanks so much!
So I waited all of high school to apply to all the service academies ('21), but didn't get accepted into any. I wanted to try again, so I decided to attend a jr. college and compete in sports. About a week into my first semester, I found an AROTC program about 30 mins away and decided to join. I was told that I wouldn't receive a 3-year scholarship unless I transferred to a 4-year university, so I transferred to a cross-town affiliate over winter break. Amidst all this, I was trying to complete my USMA application (I received the principle nomination for my district 2 times in a row), but my cadre weren't going to submit my 3-year scholarship application unless I withdrew my USMA application. They finally convinced me that I could get 3-years paid in full, plus I wouldn't have to start over my freshman year, so I withdrew. A few weeks later I received my 3-year scholarship, but found out that it didn't cover room/board or summer classes (I am trying to complete a 5-year degree in 4-years per AROTC standards) like I had been told beforehand.
Now I am trying to look into more options, such as applying to USNA '23 (because I burned my bridges with USMA and am frustrated with all the hassle the Army has given me). I don't want to submit an application unless I have a pretty good chance of getting accepted, so I have a few questions that I need answered.
How competitive is my application? I am very involved in ROTC (Ranger Challenge and leading training for 10 Miler), was a varsity jr. college athlete, and competed in 3 varsity sports in high school (captain 1 season). I am close to maxing the APFT, and I train for 1/2 and full marathons on my own time. I work 10 hrs/school week. In high school, I was in band, worked, volunteered, and held a few leadership positions. I know that I can improve my ACT if I retake it. I received straight A's in high school, but what I am most worried about is my current grades. I am receiving B's in math/science (which are the classes for my major) and A's for electives and ROTC. Next year I will be taking over 18 credits/semester to stay on track for my scholarship, but I am worried that this might hurt my grades. Any advice?
Also, will I be obligated to "pay back" the Army in any way for using a year of my scholarship?
Thanks so much!