AROTC scholarship questions

[Kdwy]

hey there,
So I am a HS junior and I’ve known that I wanted to do ROTC since middle school. I understand the info from the AFROTC website on scholarships but am a bit confused on the AROTC side. So I understand that there are 4 and 3 year scholarships but I have also heard people speak of 2.5 year scholarships. Are 2.5 year scholarships the same as 3/4 yr just shorter or is it different? I was also wondering, if I did not get a scholarship next year (when I’m a senior) and do ROTC in college anyways can I apply for a scholarship freshman year of college and get a scholarship still?

 

[AROTC-dad]

As a HS senior, you apply and compete for a National Army scholarship. You can be awarded a 4 or 3 year scholarship.

If you don't receive one, you can enroll in college as a non contract AROTC cadet and compete for a campus based scholarship that can range from 2 to 3.5 years.

 

[Kdwy]

Oh ok, and does the 2 to 3.5 year scholarship vary from school to school
(Do all schools do it or are some more selective than others)

 

[AROTC-dad]

Yes. It varies by battalion and by brigade. But all are selective based on grades, test scores and APFT. Bust your rear and you will have a shot.

Some brigades tend to not extend the half year scholarships while others do. (There are eight brigades nationwide.)

My DS was turned down by USMA, USNA and by NROTC Marine option, but earned a 3 year campus based Army ROTC scholarship as a "walk-on" cadet four years ago. He also received an extension to 3.5 years. He commissions this May.

There are many threads on this topic. Try the search function.

 

[JJJ240]

Yes. It varies by battalion and by brigade. But all are selective based on grades, test scores and APFT. Bust your rear and you will have a shot.

Some brigades tend to not extend the half year scholarships while others do. (There are eight brigades nationwide.)

My DS was turned down by USMA, USNA and by NROTC Marine option, but earned a 3 year campus based Army ROTC scholarship as a "walk-on" cadet four years ago. He also received an extension to 3.5 years. He commissions this May.

There are many threads on this topic. Try the search function.

Two Basic Questions:

1) when he was awarded 3yr campus-based scholarship, any official award letter came along, like national scholarship process?

2) I understand that 3.5yr upgrade is based upon fund availability, etc... is there any process triggers the upgrade? or completely depending on PMS with funding availability? no actions necessary from cadets?

 

[AROTC-dad]

1) when he was awarded 3yr campus-based scholarship, any official award letter came along, like national scholarship process?

I believe my DS was notified by his ROO and called to the HR rep to complete paperwork. No award letter like a national award. YMMV.

2) I understand that 3.5yr upgrade is based upon fund availability, etc... is there any process triggers the upgrade? or completely depending on PMS with funding availability? no actions necessary from cadets?

• I would recommend that the cadet ask the ROO of the realistic chances of an upgrade. The ROO will tell you if it is likely and what will optimize the cadet's chances.
• Funding availability is very important.
• Actions to take would 1. express interest in the upgrade to the ROO, 2) get excellent grades, (even mid semester progress reports), 3) maximize the APFT, and volunteer for EC's.