My DS applied for the AROTC National Scholarship, his application status remains Boarded Under Consideration after the Jan board review and he's waiting for the final review in March. He is a long-shot at winning since he is only a little stronger than average academically, all honors classes and honor roll, but no AP classes, with average test scores, however he is very strong with athletics and leadership qualities. Varsity swim/soccer, NJROTC athletics commander/Public Affairs Officer, certified life guard, 1st trumpet wind ensemble, camp counselor ... DS has been contacted by the ROO from one of his top schools who offered him a huge Freshman year scholarship with the opportunity of a campus-based fully paid scholarship for his final 3 years at the school. This sounds like a no-brainer to us, and DS is going to accept the offer unless someone can let us know on this forum why he shouldn't.
AROTC National scholarship vs. campus based
- Thread starter obaad5
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Is there some reason he can't wait on accepting the offer until he hears from the last AROTC board? I agree, it sounds like a good offer from the ROO, but a national 3-year is probably a better offer -- it's more of a guarantee -- than 1 year with hope for more.
In addition, some schools will gift you the first year if you have a national 3-year.
All that said, if the ROO has put a timed fuse on the offer (and I would wonder why if so), then you definitely have a choice to make. Sounds like you have a realistic view of your son's chances, but you don't know how his interview was rated or how he did on the questionnaire.
In addition, some schools will gift you the first year if you have a national 3-year.
All that said, if the ROO has put a timed fuse on the offer (and I would wonder why if so), then you definitely have a choice to make. Sounds like you have a realistic view of your son's chances, but you don't know how his interview was rated or how he did on the questionnaire.
Actually, I left out the part about if he wins the National Scholarship then "all bets are off the table" and he can accept the award to which ever schools are listed. So again, minimal or no risk... But I'm wondering if this ROO reaches out to everyone who lists this school as a top choice. Not that it would matter really, I guess. And ps.. his interview went awesome, he actually told my DS he would give him the maximum number points he could give him and was honest with him about his chances.
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Ok so I'm a little confused... he's given a huge scholarship his freshman year... and if he does a good job as an MSI he might get the next three years paid for?
right. that's how we understand it. I asked if it would be overly competitive to win the 3 yr and he told me as long as he was a strong cadet and student it would be no problem. but no guarantee of course.
Montana State Army ROTC
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All schools get 1-2 in and out of state scholarships to give to national non-selects. This sounds like that. Some schools have deals with the university to cover freshman tuition if you are awarded a 3AD (like Montana State does). So we have the ability for example, to give in essence a 4 yr scholarship to a national non select student.
recommend you ask specifically:
Is this a 3AD awarded to national non-select students by the AROTC program?
Is the university covering freshman tuition because I have a 3AD?
Then ask for the freshman tuition agreement sheet bc there are probably some small print details.
recommend you ask specifically:
Is this a 3AD awarded to national non-select students by the AROTC program?
Is the university covering freshman tuition because I have a 3AD?
Then ask for the freshman tuition agreement sheet bc there are probably some small print details.
Montana State Army ROTC
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I should mention that these scholarships don’t come out for a few more months- at least after the 30day acceptance deadline from the march board. So maybe the ROO is just posturing?
Montana State Army ROTC
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Ok— the ROO is recruiting your DS. He’s saying there is the possibility of a campus based scholarship. We tell everyone that. And its true, do well and we’ll put you in for a scholarship. Most get them. Some don’t. But you don’t get put in for one until spring semester (now 2022).
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Yeah I'd get more information @Montana State Army ROTC makes some good points. I'd personally take the ROO's deal and make sure my kid works their butt off...
Understood. Thank you.
Our thoughts exactly! It's on him, he knows what he needs to do.
USMAROTCFamily
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I'd wait for the National Board, personally. I would rather have 3 years guaranteed than 1.
The ROO tolds us if he wins the NS then he can accept it and use it at whatever school it's assigned to. So there's no risk in losing that. ROO just wants DS to commit to him now in case he doesn't win the NS, which takes all of the other schools he's been accepted to out of the equation for now. DS is fine with that, we visited the school and he loves it. The only other school he cares about is the USCGA, again.. long shot, but maybe not since their decision process is a little more subjective rather than point based?? He also got an incredible recommendation letter and was more or less mentored by our family friend who is USCG Captain Ret.. it would be a shame to lose out on an acceptance there. DS was waitlisted to AIM last year without that great recommendation. Am I being silly now? Just want to help DS make his best, most thought out, educated decision.
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True, but even a 3 year can be lost if a cadet doesn't keep grades and performance standards up.
He'll be fine, He's a consistent A/B student. sometimes more Bs than As
Montana State Army ROTC
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Not to be a negative nacy, but with no APs he hasnt been challenged like in college. We see people crash and burn fall semester all the time. Not sure what is major will be but if STEM the university likes to put the weedout courses fall semester. Calculus and chemistry. Lots if change major requests in the spring.He'll be fine, He's a consistent A/B student. sometimes more Bs than As
Not negative just realistic. He knows what he's got to do.
USMAROTCFamily
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Well, then, that is a whole different story. If he loves the school, wants to go to that one anyhow, is still in the running for a national AROTC scholarship and can get extra scholarship money if he commits now, then he should go for it! There is no downside risk. Even if he says, "yes" to this now, then gets an appointment to USCGA academy, he can then decline this AROTC offer. Others who have already been awarded a national ROTC scholarship have accepted those and can then accept an academy appointment and later decline the ROTC scholarship.
this makes me feel a whole lot better if what you're saying is correct regarding the USCGA. Thank you.
EEBTTF
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It is correct. In fact, many will hold on to their ROTC scholarships until the week before Fall classes start. There are cases on this forum where a cadet left WP/USNA/USAFA during summer training and ended up going ROTC. You earned the Scholarship, you get to decide when you decline it. My DS kept both of his ROTC scholarships active until the day before he reported to The Citadel.