DO you think I would have time to complete the application for Air Force ROTC

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fishymans

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Jan 4, 2020
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Hi,
I am a first-generation kid of immigrant parents who work in technology so I don't really have a military background or really know anyone who I can ask for help. I am currently a senior in high school and was recently admitted to my dream school, Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service to study International Politics under their early decision program. Unfortunately the finances are not really working out so I was looking at different ways to pay for my college tuition. I stumbled across ROTC. Especially as someone who wants a career in politics, I think ROTC could be very beneficial. I see on the airforce ROTC's official website that the deadline to apply is January 17, 2020. I can't really find any other info about the application process. Do you think I would still have time to apply? Also does not participating in athletics hurt my chances at a scholarship? I think my grades, ACT score, and Extra-curriculars with multiple national-level awards and leadership positions are all very solid. Thank you so much. This is all really new to me so I don't know where to start. Thanks :)
 
I am not an expert, but my kiddo did go through the AFROTC application process for the first boards and was granted a 4 year Type 2 any major scholarship. My feeling is that you don't have enough time to apply if the deadline is January 17th. It is my understanding that you need to have every part of your application complete and submitted prior to being able to schedule your interview with a PMS. The review of your application will likely take a few days before your application portal will provide locations/detachments to contact to schedule an interview which may take some time to set up, complete, and then the PMS needs to submit a report on your behalf. Very tough to do by the 17th. My kiddo traveled 90 min each way to interview at a state university with an AFROTC detachment. In addition, you'll need to schedule/practice for the physical fitness test and submit those scores.

It is very difficult to win an AFROTC Type 1 (4 year full tuition) scholarship for a non-technical major (International Politics). The Air Force typically wants engineering, chemistry, physics, and math majors.

Applicants are given points for academics/SAT or ACT scores, athletics, and physical fitness test, and interview. Your lack of athletics will likely have some impact on your overall score.

This is just my opinion, but I have a tough time thinking you can pull it off in less than 2 weeks knowing the timeframe that it took my kiddo to get things done.

Also, it's a wonderful scholarship, but it does come with a commitment to serve for at least 4 years of Active Duty. If you are not willing/wanting to serve and just want a way to score a free education, you may want to look into other scholarships.
 
Montana State Army ROTC said:
Try Army as well. They aren't as stringent on majors.
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Not only this, which is true (I was an English major and AROTC scholarship recipient), but Georgetown's Army ROTC unit is on campus. I suspect if you contact the AROTC recruiting officer at Georgetown, he/she will jump at the prospect of helping you out. Georgetown's AFROTC unit his housed across town at Howard. Plus, the AROTC deadline would give you extra time to submit your application.

Academically, if you were accepted at Georgetown's SFS, you'll be competitive no matter what.

All that said, the Army and Air Force have very different missions.
 
alliern said:
I am not an expert, but my kiddo did go through the AFROTC application process for the first boards and was granted a 4 year Type 2 any major scholarship. My feeling is that you don't have enough time to apply if the deadline is January 17th. It is my understanding that you need to have every part of your application complete and submitted prior to being able to schedule your interview with a PMS. The review of your application will likely take a few days before your application portal will provide locations/detachments to contact to schedule an interview which may take some time to set up, complete, and then the PMS needs to submit a report on your behalf. Very tough to do by the 17th. My kiddo traveled 90 min each way to interview at a state university with an AFROTC detachment. In addition, you'll need to schedule/practice for the physical fitness test and submit those scores.

It is very difficult to win an AFROTC Type 1 (4 year full tuition) scholarship for a non-technical major (International Politics). The Air Force typically wants engineering, chemistry, physics, and math majors.

Applicants are given points for academics/SAT or ACT scores, athletics, and physical fitness test, and interview. Your lack of athletics will likely have some impact on your overall score.

This is just my opinion, but I have a tough time thinking you can pull it off in less than 2 weeks knowing the timeframe that it took my kiddo to get things done.

Also, it's a wonderful scholarship, but it does come with a commitment to serve for at least 4 years of Active Duty. If you are not willing/wanting to serve and just want a way to score a free education, you may want to look into other scholarships.
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You do not need to interview by the 17th. You only need to upload counselor documents and take a physical fitness assessment.
 
Agree with the other posters above who say make a decision to go for it in applying and then "make it so"/ get it done- quickly. Make it a goal to get your physical assessments scheduled and counselor doc submissions in by this Friday and all assessments tackled 3 days before the deadline. Read: have those discussions tomorrow to get them scheduled. Then, complete your essays/ part of the application in the week ahead. And then see what happens. heads-up, you may have to schedule multiple fitness tests - for each branch - they are not all the same. Track getting your whole app in by 1/14/2020.

Also agree with recommendation to apply to as many ROTC programs as is possible. Including but not just AF - Be aware the PT tests may be slightly different.

You mentioned not being involved in organized sports - The programs require physical activity. Just make sure you are up for it and articulate how you are active in your app. Yes, it's a disadvantage, but only 1 piece of the puzzle.

ED to Georgetown is a true accomplishment - congrats. Just one caution -make sure any interest in studying abroad won't interfere with your ROTC training both in fall/ spring and over summers.

2 added points of guidance:
1. Recommend your original post be the last time you reference being interested in ROTC because it is a way to pay for school. that's honest but not a good look IMO against other candidates who can articulate a clear passion to serve/ have been taking steps to be a scholar, athlete, leader, and competitive for years.
2. Early decision at Georgetown is binding. " Early Decision requires that applicants commit to attend if admitted in December." I recommend you get on top of understanding your responsibilities, options, additional scholarship opportunities from the school and outside of it, etc. Make sure your FAFSA and CSS profiles/ apps are completed by Feb 1 if not already. And talk to Georgetown financial aid directly to explain / negotiate, and ask your guidance team at school for help so you are armed with the right questions to ask, etc.

Good luck and if you have any specific questions, please bring them back here - as a forum group, we'll be happy to try and help you. As far as applying to serve and train in an ROTC program - again - Why not go for it, and with your grades and other strengths I imagine you'll have a chance, if you meet the deadline. I believe the process will help sort out whether this ultimately is a good fit for you. Good luck/ let us know how we can help you!
 
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