Boston University NROTC MO vs USNA

icankraft said:
Hi everyone,

All college decisions are out, and I am considering between attending the Naval Academy or Boston University with the NROTC Marine Option scholarship.
I understand that either route I take, I'll end up (likely) commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps. I am trying weigh the pros and cons of both schools, and am looking for others' inputs on what to consider before committing to either. I am currently leaning towards the Naval Academy, and I was recruited to run track at the Naval Academy but not at BU.

BU Pros:
Typical "college life" (something I prefer just a little bit over 24/7 military lifestyle for four years before commissioning)
-more freedom in lifestyle
-more lively and connected (many close friends and connections in Boston area)
Able to enjoy my life/freedom in living a little bit more before I fully commit to the Marine Corps

BU Cons:
Less "prestige" (something my parents and I care a bit about to an extent)
Won't be able to run track but it is something I am willing to give up to focus on my classes and NROTC duties.

USNA Pros:
Better connections/jobs for post-undergraduate and post-military service if I 5 and dive
-more likely to earn a job with higher pay
Higher quality and better preparation in becoming a leader in the Marine Corps through being around highly experienced staff
Ability to balance track and field, military obligations, and studying all at once

USNA Cons:
less of a typical "college life"
-less freedom in lifestyle
-less time to spend outside of school with family or friends in different cities/countries
High stress in balancing many obligations
Possibility of not receiving a Marine Corps commission, and ending up in the Navy (I am 100% committed to becoming a Marine)
Click to expand...

BU got a better hockey team.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Do they really? How many summer trainings have you gotten as a NROTC MO?
USNA Mids typically get 2 per summer and could get 3 if they forego leave.
Has your experience been different and you've gotten more training opportunities?
.
Most NROTC units have 1 officer and 1 enlisted assigned and their MOSs and experiences will vary.
USNA has dozens and dozens with pretty much the full gamut of MOSs/experiences. What's more,
it is very common for USMC units to visit and display helicopters and/or other equipment throughout the year.
Have you seen that happen at your NROTC unit?
Click to expand...
Yes, my son's unit is very active. What's offered typically isn't mandated, but is there for them to take part in.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Do they really? How many summer trainings have you gotten as a NROTC MO?
USNA Mids typically get 2 per summer and could get 3 if they forego leave.
Has your experience been different and you've gotten more training opportunities?
.
Most NROTC units have 1 officer and 1 enlisted assigned and their MOSs and experiences will vary.
USNA has dozens and dozens with pretty much the full gamut of MOSs/experiences. What's more,
it is very common for USMC units to visit and display helicopters and/or other equipment throughout the year.
Have you seen that happen at your NROTC unit?
Click to expand...
I’m not in NROTC, but my sister is. I’ll have to ask her, but I know she’s going to San Diego for a month for a cruise. Not sure if she has trainings during another block. I’ll ask her though!
 
mols.cast8 said:
I’m not in NROTC, but my sister is. I’ll have to ask her, but I know she’s going to San Diego for a month for a cruise. Not sure if she has trainings during another block. I’ll ask her though!
Click to expand...
NROTC will prepare you, and that's what matters. This thread was about someone deciding NROTC at a certain unit or USNA. The OP should probably reach out to someone at the BU unit, for specifics about life there. But no doubt if you commission from NROTC you will be prepared for the Navy, or Marines.
 
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I can put you in a contact with someone at BU NROTC and also applied to USNA. He's happy he didn't go to USNA and choosing BU NROTC. Apparently they have a great program even compared to other units.
 
Everyone has their own needs. For me, the structure at USNA was better for me than what I would have received at a Navy ROTC unit. I was an enlisted Marine and in lieu of a 2 year extension to meet the minimum obligation to attend USNA, I took a four year reenlistment to have a stick over my head to graduate. I think USNA’s structure and my four year obligation really made me focus on graduation And commissioning. I’m sure not everyone needs that to stay focused. It certainly helped me through plebe summer and plebe year.
 
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