Declining AFROTC HSSP and applying for In-College next year?

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fairseas

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Jun 13, 2022
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I've looked through threads trying to find an answer to this but haven't found anything -- sorry if this is a repeat post!

I won an AFROTC HSSP Technical scholarship this year and I'm ecstatic! However, I just noticed a problem as I was trying accept the scholarship on Wings. The school I'm planning to attend doesn't show up as having a biochemistry major, which is what I plan to study. I know they have a certificate program for biochemistry, but I didn't check up to see if this would qualify as a major for the scholarship (which is my fault and the source of the dilemma I now have). The only related option is a pure chemistry major, which I know I do not want to take.

If I can't work out majoring in biochemistry with the technical scholarship I won this year, do you think I should decline the scholarship and then reapply for an in college scholarship with a non technical major next year? Would that even be possible? I'm really frustrated at my poor research -- I was certain that since the school offers a biochem program I would be able to use it as my major. I will send messages to the AFROTC program and see if there is some sort of waiver I can get, but I'm looking for a plan B option in case this doesn't work.

Thank you for the advice.
 
I am confused - why not attend a school that has the major you want? Plenty of time to apply to other schools.
 
Seniormom said:
I am confused - why not attend a school that has the major you want? Plenty of time to apply to other schools.
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That is a good point! My scholarship is tied to my top three schools, all of which offer amazing biochemistry programs but not a specific biochem major. I could get a waiver to transfer my scholarship to another school, but I really love my top school's AFROTC detachment (I've had multiple interviews and tours with them). My first choice is majoring in biology with a biochem concentration.
 
Pick the college, not the detachment. The character of units is always changing as leadership comes and goes. Also, I thought one could take an AFROTC scholarship to any college with a unit. Unless something has changed it's not tied to a school.

Finally I guess I don't understand how a college can have such an amazing program while not offering the subject as a major. In any case, call the unit at your first choice college and discuss with them. This is probably not the first time this has come up.
 
kinnem said:
Pick the college, not the detachment. The character of units is always changing as leadership comes and goes. Also, I thought one could take an AFROTC scholarship to any college with a unit. Unless something has changed it's not tied to a school.

Finally I guess I don't understand how a college can have such an amazing program while not offering the subject as a major. In any case, call the unit at your first choice college and discuss with them. This is probably not the first time this has come up.
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Duke has more open ended majors, so you can specialize under the one you choose. They also have a "create your own" major that I can do to mix bio and chem classes. I'll call the AFROTC and ask them what they think. I'm thinking I will accept my scholarship as chemistry and then talk to my advisor to tailor my course schedule to biochem. Thank you!
 
Now I’m even more confused! I thought AFROTC HSSP was not tied to any college- you just have to pick a college with a detachment (or cross-town). Also - did you defer Duke from last year? Are you a college athlete? Otherwise how would you know you’ve been accepted? I thought you have to have a college acceptance to accept the rotc scholarship.
 
Personally curious why you are so set in such a seemingly (according to you) challenging track/major. If the goal is to be an AF Officer?

My experience with my own kids, their friends and countless others, is that they changed their mind umpteen times from freshman year to graduation…

It sounds like you have a certain educational goal, over becoming a USAF Officer. Maybe I’m reading this all wrong. But foregoing a HSSP scholarship, in this climate of them being rare this cycle, seems ‘off’. And risky. Who’s to say you would eve receive an in college offer?

Idk, but to me, a sure thing seems desirable over a maybe, any day. Especially in this current AFROTC climate. And knowing how young adults minds change…if my goal was to serve as an Officer in the AF….I would strongly recommend my own accept the OFFER in front of them.

*my mom opinion*
 
kinnem said:
No. You don't have to have a college acceptance to accept the scholarship.
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Hi! I thought you do need to upload a letter of admission from your choice of school when accepting the scholarship according to the AY23-24 HSSP selection packet effective Aug 1 2022 page 11.

Can someone kindly explain? We just don’t want to lose the scholarship although deadline is not til May 31, 2023.

Thank you.
 
Mav&Kylo said:
Hi! I thought you do need to upload a letter of admission from your choice of school when accepting the scholarship according to the AY23-24 HSSP selection packet effective Aug 1 2022 page 11.

Can someone kindly explain? We just don’t want to lose the scholarship although deadline is not til May 31, 2023.

Thank you.
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kinnem said:
No. You don't have to have a college acceptance to accept the scholarship.
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Mav&Kylo,
That was my understanding as well when looking at the website. I am pretty sure you have to upload your admissions letter. Maybe it was different prior years or for different ROTC programs. I could also be reading the directions incorrectly as I only read it over quickly.
 
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