AROTC National Scholarship Board Insight (2020)

Montana State Army ROTC said:
There is lots of not-good information floating around on this forum. I want to set everyone straight with information I confirmed today (31JAN2020) with Cadet Command RMID (Incentive Division). Then provide some insight.

1. Each student's file is only looked by one board. If your file was ready for the 1st board, it isn't seen again by the 2nd and 3rd board. You get one look by a group of PMS' who will vote your file. That is worth 25% of your total score.

2. If you improve your GPA or ACT/SAT or PFA after you have been boarded you can submit the updates (and should), but a human (PMS) on a board will not revote your file. Your file has already been voted. You will simply receive more points in that specific category and your placement on the Order of Merit List (OML) will change.

3. Students need to bring the strongest file possible to a board. Even if that means missing a board to wait on updated/improved GPA/ACT/etc.

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My analysis of why going to the board with a strong file is important. The PMS' general vote on the Student Athlete Leader (SAL) concept. And you are only voted on once. (Disclaimer--I can not predict the future based on past performance, I did not sit on any of this year's boards, and this is my opinion only)

--If you have a low ACT you receive fewer points in the ACT part of your file. You then lose more points at the board for the Student section. (double loss of points)

--If you have a low PFA you receive fewer points in the PFA part of your file. You then lose more points at the board for the Athlete section. You may also have lost points during the interview because the PMS doubts you can pass the Army Physical Fitness Test and writes that. (triple loss of points) (Physical fitness is incredibly important and a critical factor in determining success or not in ROTC. You may not agree, but trust me. A 8:00 mile gives a male 20/50 points on the run and is a pace on which you fail the APFT. A PMS is not going to vote favorably when the recipient needs to pass the APFT to contract).

--If you go to the first board with a low ACT score then update your score after you retake it in February you may raise your ACT points, but the board has already docked points you can never regain. Your file was voted on with the low ACT scores. Your bump on the OML is less than if you had gone to the 2nd or 3rd board with the higher ACT in your file.

--The CBEF is important and no one but the algorithm sees your score. This probably accounts for some of the variances in who received offers.

--Comparing your ACT/PFA/GPA with others who won will only drive your bonkers. What you are missing is what the PMS wrote in the interview, their leadership positions, and the internal workings of a board which causes members to vote a specific way. A PMS who was an Eagle Scout/Boy's State might vote higher a student with those but lower GPA/ACT than someone who isn't an Eagle Scout/Boy's State but higher GPA/ACT. This probably accounts for some variances in who received offers.

-- A PMS can give you a great interview then check the "Do not recommend for a scholarship" block because they saw something that raises a red flag.

--There are several 1000 applicants for these scholarships. The boards get it right. No one sees what the boards see except the boards. Trust the process.

--If you want to do Army ROTC do Army ROTC. Find a university that you will do well at and go. That is the most important thing.

Finally- There are 30 Soldiers waiting for your to arrive and assume command of their platoon. Study hard and be physical fit, mentally strong and morally straight because winning matters.
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Thank you. Great information!!
 
My DD was boarded on the first AROTC board but did not receive a scholarship on that board. Today she received emails from AROTC reps from three of the schools on her list (she has not actually applied to these schools yet. ) Does the scholarship board release the application information from these applicants to these schools? Also can anyone report how many applicants were boarded for the October board? Thank you for sharing your insights and information. It is much appreciated
 
NickHarlan said:
My DD was boarded on the first AROTC board but did not receive a scholarship on that board. Today she received emails from AROTC reps from three of the schools on her list (she has not actually applied to these schools yet. ) Does the scholarship board release the application information from these applicants to these schools? Also can anyone report how many applicants were boarded for the October board? Thank you for sharing your insights and information. It is much appreciated
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Schools can see an applicants entire file in “the system” if they choose these schools. They are trying to recruit. Everyone does it.
 
SAHM2526 said:
How does one submit a GPA increase before second board? Do they submit report card for first quarter? My DS's high school does not update GPA each quarter, only at year end.
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I don't think you are going to get any increase in points for a higher GPA after you submit your package.
 
EEBTTF said:
I don't think you are going to get any increase in points for a higher GPA after you submit your package.
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Maybe I should of worded better, sorry...High School only updates transcript GPA at year end? Will Cadet Command accept a first quarter report card for courses in progress before submitting for second board are only final grades considered in classes?
 
SAHM2526 said:
How does one submit a GPA increase before second board? Do they submit report card for first quarter? My DS's high school does not update GPA each quarter, only at year end.
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The school has to send an official transcript to Cadet Command.
 
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