Crosstown - how was your experience?

sparks46

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Nov 21, 2020
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I have started a few threads which have given some insight on crosstown, and having ROTC is better on campus definitely, but we are at a new $40K difference over four years (due to better ACT score result) now in having it on campus or driving three hours round trip to ROTC to save with both colleges looking like good choices otherwise. The one that cost more with ROTC on campus might have a slight better program. I wondered how the experience was for others, and has anyone driven that far for their ROTC to save money or whatever reason? Do you feel like it affects your academics, or your commanders ranking? Did you feel like an outsider?
 
1.5 hours in a car to go to a 6am workout....something to think about.
 
You also need to think about the ability to schedule classes after your ROTC classes. Some classes/labs are only offered early AM and that long of a commute could potentially interfere with scheduling needed classes.
 
You'll have plenty of time to commute the rest of your life! I am sure most of the adults who have had long drives to and from xyz, will agree, it get's old quickly! Yes, it is doable but your time, sanity, sleep and quality of life is worth something too! I say choose the school that is closer! Or do the commute for the first year but try to win tuition and room and board scholarships for the rest. Good luck to you!
 
My kid hasn't started hers yet (incoming freshman) but she'll also be part of a cross-town affiliate situation. Knowing what her schedule will be like, I can't imagine having to endure a commute that's more than 20-30 min. I think it would be awful. She's having to go daily (Marine Option) and twice on Wednesdays. I think a 3 hour daily commute would be insufferable. I did that commute as a working adult and it was terrible. At least I didn't have a full course load and studies on top of it.

Maybe I'm just lazy and not as motivated, but I'd avoid that kind of commute at all if you can help it. I'm not sure how easy it is to switch to a different school/unit if you try it and realize it's unmanageable. I'd prefer to start off where you are confident you can finish out the program.

Best of luck to you! I hope you find something that works for you!
 
I would see if the daily PT could be done where the student lives. I know of AFROTC units that allow the cross town cadets to PT together. The only commute is for LLAB. But it is harder because you aren't known very well and can't be as involved. It will be harder to earn a scholarship based on participation. It can certainly be done but it will be an effort.
 
Thanks for everyones thoughts! He would be able to do PT at his college with ARTOC. He will be part of AFROTC at crosstown and its' my understanding he will only need to travel once a week for LLAB. But yes, I think it might be hard to go above and beyond and be involved extensively from so far. He wants to try for scholarship again, so this could be a make or break.
 
I am a crosstown; I LOOVEEE it. I cannot say enough how awesome it is; getting to split my ROTC life from my academic and main social life makes it all worth it; 1.5 hours seems a lot; I only drove 40 min one way, 40 min back.

With that said; even if it was 1.5 hours... I honestly think I would do it. I LOVED being able to separate my two lives and getting involved on two different campuses.
 
Ah..if it's only once a week that sound more doable. And if it's not through NY, LA or Chicago, even better.
I thought it was every day with PT at 6.00 am, cross town. Good luck! Keep us posted!
 
The trick is to never drive it alone and even better to take turns driving. 3 hours round trip is bad no matter what, but if a different person drives every day, it will be manageable.
 
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