I do not know too much about how the whole college program works and how to apply and all that. How soon should I contact a unit that I would like be a college programmer, and if i can attend NSI. How would I contact them, what would I say? I do have many questions, I am just trying to make sure I have a good back up plan if I do not get selected for a scholarship. Thanks in advance.
College Programmer
- Thread starter expaustin
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fullspeedahead
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College programmer here. Start contacting units now and coordinating with the unit staff to get your paperwork complete. The sooner you contact the unit you would be interested in joining, the better chance you have of going to NSI. I was selected to go to NSI and I filled out all of the paperwork as soon as I could. Talking to the officers will allow you to learn more about the unit and how to go about joining as a college programmer.
Feel free to add any other questions you might have.
Feel free to add any other questions you might have.
Thank you for that, how exactly would I reach out to them and who would I talk to? What would I say?
NJROTC-CC
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Go to the unit’s web site. It will have the application and contact info. Arrange a visit and speak to the cadre
Alright thanks, should I fill one out for multiple units or just the school I’m fixed on going to?
Torero_dad
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several have fixed periods in which they accept applications, those probably vary, but are open to talking
Ive already gotten accepted to CU boulder which I really want to go to accept I Wouldn’t be able to pay for the first two years out of state and that would only be if I’m not offered the 3 year scholarship. I haven’t been accepted to SDSU which is where I plan on going if I don’t get the scholarship. Could I not apply to the a CU boulder College program and see if they accept me and then wait for SDSU and then apply for that one as well? This is all assuming I don’t get the national scholarship.
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@expaustin You can do whatever you want, but why would you apply to be a college programmer at a school you can't attend without the scholarship? Am I missing something?
I’ve applied for other scholarships to help bring down the price. I guess I meant to ask if I should apply to multiple units for a spot as a college programer.
Impulsive
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IMHO TIME is not critical for you. If you are talking NROTC, you really can contact, ask to apply, and interview during the summer. Not sure if ALL incoming Mids this year must attend NSI or not. Last year College Programmers for the most part were not sent to NSI due to funding and personnel issues. My son has told me this year things may be different, but again sometimes it depends on the size and funding of the Unit you want to attend. For reference, last year my son didn't even consider NROTC until he went for orientation at his University in mid April, we then called the Unit (located at a sister school) received a tour and briefing. Son then came home impressed, and in late May after numerous conversations with his advisor at the Unit, finally decided to join NROTC (USNA last year did not offer his major) because his advisor and Commanding Officer were so helpful and supportive. He now LOVES NROTC, is thinking about applying for a two or three year "side load scholarship" (he has a full ride at his chosen University) and has made friends and support as a "Programmer".
The only disadvantage in not being a scholarship participant is sometimes Summer Training Programs in NROTC are not offered to Programmers depending on cost and personnel allotments. The only "requirement" as of now is ALL participants must complete the "Summer Cruise" to Commission. Hopefully this will change and programmers will get the same training as scholarship members. NROTC Programmers need to obtain a two year scholarship or Advanced Standing to continue into their 2C year. Scholarship students are already set to Commission upon completion of NROTC and graduation from college.
The only disadvantage in not being a scholarship participant is sometimes Summer Training Programs in NROTC are not offered to Programmers depending on cost and personnel allotments. The only "requirement" as of now is ALL participants must complete the "Summer Cruise" to Commission. Hopefully this will change and programmers will get the same training as scholarship members. NROTC Programmers need to obtain a two year scholarship or Advanced Standing to continue into their 2C year. Scholarship students are already set to Commission upon completion of NROTC and graduation from college.
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Summer training programs are NOT offered to non-contracted midshipmen. There is no 'sometimes'. Given the requirement to complete NSI, it doesnt hurt to start early so one can attend. April should be soon enough to start that process. It gives OP time to figure out which school.
Go Dores!
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@expaustin - WRT the San Diego NROTC consortium, please heed the advice on their website about your College Program application (https://www.sandiego.edu/nrotc/prospective-students/)
"Applications submitted prior to May 1st have a greater chance of being accepted overall. Applications are accepted between April 1st and July 1st."
The 'student' population within an NROTC unit is scholarship students (Navy/MO), STA-21, MECEP, and College Programmers. The only number the PNS can control within that group is the College Programmers - they are accepted at the discretion of the PNS. The San Diego schools are STA-21 destinations (not all NROTC units are) and popular among MECEPs with Miramar MCAS and Camp Pendleton nearby. The number of active duty staff is generally fixed, so in order to keep staff-student ratio even somewhat manageable, the San Diego consortium will limit the number of College Programmers it takes.
"Applications submitted prior to May 1st have a greater chance of being accepted overall. Applications are accepted between April 1st and July 1st."
The 'student' population within an NROTC unit is scholarship students (Navy/MO), STA-21, MECEP, and College Programmers. The only number the PNS can control within that group is the College Programmers - they are accepted at the discretion of the PNS. The San Diego schools are STA-21 destinations (not all NROTC units are) and popular among MECEPs with Miramar MCAS and Camp Pendleton nearby. The number of active duty staff is generally fixed, so in order to keep staff-student ratio even somewhat manageable, the San Diego consortium will limit the number of College Programmers it takes.
Torero_dad
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If you are serious about service and have not finalized school choice, you should research all options and major in the ones where you've been accepted. Its all just a conversation until you are accepted. @Go Dores! provided the linkage to SD Consortium which I think is a good guide.
They have a specific process for programmer applicants and specific time periods for applying. Others probably have the same but DS did not see the same level of documentation available online when he applied last year