Does my son need to contact the schools that are on his AROTC list?

[rotcrnparent]

My son is "board ready AROTC." He interviewed at our local, large, state program. However, he is likely not going to apply to that school as he wants to leave his home town for college.

His choices:

1)Smaller private school where the AROTC program is hosted by the local state university. He's not interested in attending the affiliated state school. He emailed the ROTC captain at the private school (via his private school .edu address) for an interview about a month ago when he was in the process of filing his ROTC application and never heard anything back from the guy. However, my son's ROTC application was blank aside from his demographic information when he emailed (he didn't know that he needed to submit a transcript, etc before doing the interview.). This is a competitive school and we don't know if he will get in. He has the academic stats but it's a lottery school for everyone.

2)Larger private school. It's also very competitive. They took several ROTC students from his high school last year. It may have helped them with admissions (one kid was taken off a wait list after receiving the scholarship). My son would also be happy to attend this university.

3)Larger state school.

4)Larger state school

My question: should he email the ROTC program guy at his top choice again now to let him know that his ROTC application is complete and the school is his top choice? Should he email someone at the "host" affiliated state school?

Should he also email the second choice school?

Do you email all the schools on the list?

Thank you so much.

 

[kinnem]

I would certainly contact the first choice via email or phone. He might also request a phone interview to ask any questions he might have about that particular unit. They're all a bit different around the edges.

 

[Holden100]

My son is "board ready AROTC." He interviewed at our local, large, state program. However, he is likely not going to apply to that school as he wants to leave his home town for college.

His choices:

1)Smaller private school where the AROTC program is hosted by the local state university. He's not interested in attending the affiliated state school. He emailed the ROTC captain at the private school (via his private school .edu address) for an interview about a month ago when he was in the process of filing his ROTC application and never heard anything back from the guy. However, my son's ROTC application was blank aside from his demographic information when he emailed (he didn't know that he needed to submit a transcript, etc before doing the interview.). This is a competitive school and we don't know if he will get in. He has the academic stats but it's a lottery school for everyone.

2)Larger private school. It's also very competitive. They took several ROTC students from his high school last year. It may have helped them with admissions (one kid was taken off a wait list after receiving the scholarship). My son would also be happy to attend this university.

3)Larger state school.

4)Larger state school

My question: should he email the ROTC program guy at his top choice again now to let him know that his ROTC application is complete and the school is his top choice? Should he email someone at the "host" affiliated state school?

Should he also email the second choice school?

Do you email all the schools on the list?

Thank you so much.

It's been my sons' experiences that the PMS and ROO are contacted via the host school.

 

[99Gold]

As far as the AROTC scholarship app is concerned, no. Neither of my dc talked to anyone at any ROTC detachment besides their interviews before receiving the scholarship. Neither of them applied to the school where the interview was conducted for the same reason as yours.

As far as figuring out where he wants to go, absolutely! It is a great idea to email, call, and/or visit the schools and ROTC programs. Most people say pick the school, not the ROTC unit. However, having a ds at a SMC, I think visiting the ROTC unit is a must. My ROTC cadet had a classmate leave because he realized (within 2 weeks of being there), that an SMC with a Corps of Cadets wasn't for him. He is happily at a different school in a traditional ROTC program now.

 

[rotcrnparent]

It's been my sons' experiences that the PMS and ROO are contacted via the host school.

Thanks! This is really helpful. I'll have my son reach out to the ROO at the host school. The worst they can they do is direct him on to the correct officer.

 

[Holden100]

Thanks! This is really helpful. I'll have my son reach out to the ROO at the host school. The worst they can they do is direct him on to the correct officer.

Good luck to your son with the upcoming board! Exciting times!

 

[rotcrnparent]

Good luck to your son with the upcoming board! Exciting times!

Thank you!

 

[NPFAM]

As far as the AROTC scholarship app is concerned, no. Neither of my dc talked to anyone at any ROTC detachment besides their interviews before receiving the scholarship. Neither of them applied to the school where the interview was conducted for the same reason as yours.

As far as figuring out where he wants to go, absolutely! It is a great idea to email, call, and/or visit the schools and ROTC programs. Most people say pick the school, not the ROTC unit. However, having a ds at a SMC, I think visiting the ROTC unit is a must. My ROTC cadet had a classmate leave because he realized (within 2 weeks of being there), that an SMC with a Corps of Cadets wasn't for him. He is happily at a different school in a traditional ROTC program now.

May I ask what SMC is? Thank you

 

[99Gold]

May I ask what SMC is? Thank you

It is a Senior Military College. There are 6 of them: Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, VMI, Citadel, Norwich, and University of North Georgia. They offer a more military experience than a standard ROTC detachment. We only have experience with one, but it is a much more immersive experience than ROTC at a non-SMC. It is a great program, but not for everyone.

 

[NPFAM]

It is a Senior Military College. There are 6 of them: Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, VMI, Citadel, Norwich, and University of North Georgia. They offer a more military experience than a standard ROTC detachment. We only have experience with one, but it is a much more immersive experience than ROTC at a non-SMC. It is a great program, but not for everyone.

Thanks for you explanation. Would you mind sharing your son's experience? What didn't he like about it? What did he like about it? I'm wondering if my son has the personality that is required to be successful in an SMC. Thank you

 

[evcl2]

Thanks for you explanation. Would you mind sharing your son's experience? What didn't he like about it? What did he like about it? I'm wondering if my son has the personality that is required to be successful in an SMC. Thank you

I am currently in my freshman year at an SMC and I absolutely love it. It can definitely be difficult at times and each one is different and has a different "path" for their freshmen. I've heard people say that it "takes a certain type of person" to be successful at an SMC but in my experience it is a certain mindset. Understand that your son is going to struggle and even if serving in the military is his end goal, he's going to want to quit at times. That is part of the game. The personality you need to have an easier time is to literally go with the flow. Don't take anything too seriously because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter that much. Like everyone, I have my good days and bad ones. I've had hard conversations with myself about if I really want this for my future and if I can make it through. I've also had easier conversations with myself about ho lucky I am to go to my school and get to train the way I do. Each SMC is very different and for good reason. All of their customs and traditions are different based off their history. My SMC is the only one I felt I could be successful at. But explore them, explore their history, customs, traditions. You will hear both good and bad about all of them. He will find what works best for him!

 

[99Gold]

Thanks for you explanation. Would you mind sharing your son's experience? What didn't he like about it? What did he like about it? I'm wondering if my son has the personality that is required to be successful in an SMC. Thank you

My son loves being at his SMC. From what I see, it is closer to an Academy experience than a college experience. The bonds he has formed with his "buddies" in only a couple of months are incredible. It is tough. He wakes up at 5am for PT, has breakfast and dinner formation everyday, afternoon training, mandatory intramurals a couple afternoons a week, and Corps events on the weekends, etc. His unit is one of the hardest on campus, but that has bonded his class even more. It is really hard for him to balance the military standards and academic standards, but he's learning A LOT about time management and prioritizing. Dh and I (SA grads) are super impressed with the program and love seeing the growth in him. It is a cadet-led program with all of the benefits and drawbacks that we see at an SA.

The biggest reasons he's reapplying to SAs is legacy, size, and AF-specific immersion. His university is HUGE. He has 300 people in his Calc I class. The largest class I ever had at USAFA was maybe 25. However, even if he gets an appointment to USAFA (he already has an LOA to USMA), I don't know if he'll leave his buddies. Both paths get him to the same place at the same time (as an Engineering student, AFROTC has already told him he can have 5 years to finish...they will pay tuition for all 5 years).
I wouldn't sell your kid short. My ds is not the "SMC-type." He is soft spoken and sensitive. BUT, he is rising to the occasion and finding out what kind of leader he will be. He is incredibly fit and good at school which is helping A LOT. I'm super proud of how he has overcome some challenges and put himself out there. I would not have expected him to be succeeding as well as he is a year ago. Overall, I am thankful he did not get an SA appointment last year. We were all very surprised with his stats and accomplishments, but he is right where he should be for the moment (and maybe the next 4.5 years).

 

[NPFAM]

My son loves being at his SMC. From what I see, it is closer to an Academy experience than a college experience. The bonds he has formed with his "buddies" in only a couple of months are incredible. It is tough. He wakes up at 5am for PT, has breakfast and dinner formation everyday, afternoon training, mandatory intramurals a couple afternoons a week, and Corps events on the weekends, etc. His unit is one of the hardest on campus, but that has bonded his class even more. It is really hard for him to balance the military standards and academic standards, but he's learning A LOT about time management and prioritizing. Dh and I (SA grads) are super impressed with the program and love seeing the growth in him. It is a cadet-led program with all of the benefits and drawbacks that we see at an SA.

The biggest reasons he's reapplying to SAs is legacy, size, and AF-specific immersion. His university is HUGE. He has 300 people in his Calc I class. The largest class I ever had at USAFA was maybe 25. However, even if he gets an appointment to USAFA (he already has an LOA to USMA), I don't know if he'll leave his buddies. Both paths get him to the same place at the same time (as an Engineering student, AFROTC has already told him he can have 5 years to finish...they will pay tuition for all 5 years).
I wouldn't sell your kid short. My ds is not the "SMC-type." He is soft spoken and sensitive. BUT, he is rising to the occasion and finding out what kind of leader he will be. He is incredibly fit and good at school which is helping A LOT. I'm super proud of how he has overcome some challenges and put himself out there. I would not have expected him to be succeeding as well as he is a year ago. Overall, I am thankful he did not get an SA appointment last year. We were all very surprised with his stats and accomplishments, but he is right where he should be for the moment (and maybe the next 4.5 years).

Thank you for your sharing! I showed your reply to my son, so hopefully it helps him with choosing the schools. The best to your son at his SMC.

 

[NPFAM]

My son loves being at his SMC. From what I see, it is closer to an Academy experience than a college experience. The bonds he has formed with his "buddies" in only a couple of months are incredible. It is tough. He wakes up at 5am for PT, has breakfast and dinner formation everyday, afternoon training, mandatory intramurals a couple afternoons a week, and Corps events on the weekends, etc. His unit is one of the hardest on campus, but that has bonded his class even more. It is really hard for him to balance the military standards and academic standards, but he's learning A LOT about time management and prioritizing. Dh and I (SA grads) are super impressed with the program and love seeing the growth in him. It is a cadet-led program with all of the benefits and drawbacks that we see at an SA.

The biggest reasons he's reapplying to SAs is legacy, size, and AF-specific immersion. His university is HUGE. He has 300 people in his Calc I class. The largest class I ever had at USAFA was maybe 25. However, even if he gets an appointment to USAFA (he already has an LOA to USMA), I don't know if he'll leave his buddies. Both paths get him to the same place at the same time (as an Engineering student, AFROTC has already told him he can have 5 years to finish...they will pay tuition for all 5 years).
I wouldn't sell your kid short. My ds is not the "SMC-type." He is soft spoken and sensitive. BUT, he is rising to the occasion and finding out what kind of leader he will be. He is incredibly fit and good at school which is helping A LOT. I'm super proud of how he has overcome some challenges and put himself out there. I would not have expected him to be succeeding as well as he is a year ago. Overall, I am thankful he did not get an SA appointment last year. We were all very surprised with his stats and accomplishments, but he is right where he should be for the moment (and maybe the next 4.5 years).

I heard about taking 5 years for engineering major and the ROTC or service academies are willing to pay for it. Does that happen pretty often? Just wondering. My son is planning to learn engineering as well. Thanks

 

[NPFAM]

I am currently in my freshman year at an SMC and I absolutely love it. It can definitely be difficult at times and each one is different and has a different "path" for their freshmen. I've heard people say that it "takes a certain type of person" to be successful at an SMC but in my experience it is a certain mindset. Understand that your son is going to struggle and even if serving in the military is his end goal, he's going to want to quit at times. That is part of the game. The personality you need to have an easier time is to literally go with the flow. Don't take anything too seriously because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter that much. Like everyone, I have my good days and bad ones. I've had hard conversations with myself about if I really want this for my future and if I can make it through. I've also had easier conversations with myself about ho lucky I am to go to my school and get to train the way I do. Each SMC is very different and for good reason. All of their customs and traditions are different based off their history. My SMC is the only one I felt I could be successful at. But explore them, explore their history, customs, traditions. You will hear both good and bad about all of them. He will find what works best for him!

Thank you for your advice! I believe my son has the "certain mindset" you were talking about. He told me that's what he did when he was at the NASS on the navy seal day. He said he just pushed it through thinking that there was no other options. Just do it!

 

[MidCakePa]

I heard about taking 5 years for engineering major and the ROTC or service academies are willing to pay for it. Does that happen pretty often?

Speaking only for AROTC: The battalion can decide to fund beyond four years, if the budget allows. In DS's battalion, it's a case-by-case decision, so should not be seen as a given.

SAs don't do five-year plans. You have four years to finish.

 

[99Gold]

Speaking only for AROTC: The battalion can decide to fund beyond four years, if the budget allows. In DS's battalion, it's a case-by-case decision, so should not be seen as a given.

SAs don't do five-year plans. You have four years to finish, no exceptions.

I imagine that each branch's ROTC runs it differently. Good to hear the AROTC perspective.

I do not know any details about the AFROTC program allowing 5 years. My ds got a call from his ROTC detachment prior to the first day of Corps training to make sure that he knew he would be allowed 5 years on his ROTC scholarship as an engineering major. We also have a very good family friend at the same SMC who is a 5th year engineering student on scholarship. So, IME, 100% of engineering students are allowed 5 years on scholarship. I'm just not sure a sample size of 2 is big enough to make any conclusions.

 

[NPFAM]

I imagine that each branch's ROTC runs it differently. Good to hear the AROTC perspective.

I do not know any details about the AFROTC program allowing 5 years. My ds got a call from his ROTC detachment prior to the first day of Corps training to make sure that he knew he would be allowed 5 years on his ROTC scholarship as an engineering major. We also have a very good family friend at the same SMC who is a 5th year engineering student on scholarship. So, IME, 100% of engineering students are allowed 5 years on scholarship. I'm just not sure a sample size of 2 is big enough to make any conclusions.

It is very encouraging to hear. Thank you so much! My son just applied to TAMU and is waiting on the AF ROTC scholarship as well.

 

[clarksonarmy]

My son is "board ready AROTC." He interviewed at our local, large, state program. However, he is likely not going to apply to that school as he wants to leave his home town for college.

His choices:

1)Smaller private school where the AROTC program is hosted by the local state university. He's not interested in attending the affiliated state school. He emailed the ROTC captain at the private school (via his private school .edu address) for an interview about a month ago when he was in the process of filing his ROTC application and never heard anything back from the guy. However, my son's ROTC application was blank aside from his demographic information when he emailed (he didn't know that he needed to submit a transcript, etc before doing the interview.). This is a competitive school and we don't know if he will get in. He has the academic stats but it's a lottery school for everyone.

2)Larger private school. It's also very competitive. They took several ROTC students from his high school last year. It may have helped them with admissions (one kid was taken off a wait list after receiving the scholarship). My son would also be happy to attend this university.

3)Larger state school.

4)Larger state school

My question: should he email the ROTC program guy at his top choice again now to let him know that his ROTC application is complete and the school is his top choice? Should he email someone at the "host" affiliated state school?

Should he also email the second choice school?

Do you email all the schools on the list?

Thank you so much.

Contact ROOs, ask questions, let schools know you are interested, visit campuses and ask to visit department and ROTCs when you visit. As a ROO at a small engineering school, we love to have any interactions with potential students, as does our admissions office. In fact, they track every interaction closely. The more you show interest, the more likely you are to be accepted and if for some reason you don't get a national scholarship your itnerest may turn into a campus based scholarship offer. On the ROTC side, start with the ROO. Emailing some random Captain is probably not where you want to start. PMSs are nice and will normaly be accomodating, but the ROO is the guy or gal getting paid to recruit and is usually the expert in all things admissions, enrollment, and scholarships/

 

[rotcrnparent]

Contact ROOs, ask questions, let schools know you are interested, visit campuses and ask to visit department and ROTCs when you visit. As a ROO at a small engineering school, we love to have any interactions with potential students, as does our admissions office. In fact, they track every interaction closely. The more you show interest, the more likely you are to be accepted and if for some reason you don't get a national scholarship your itnerest may turn into a campus based scholarship offer. On the ROTC side, start with the ROO. Emailing some random Captain is probably not where you want to start. PMSs are nice and will normaly be accomodating, but the ROO is the guy or gal getting paid to recruit and is usually the expert in all things admissions, enrollment, and scholarships/

ok, thanks. My son reached out to the ROOs at his two top schools last week and they did not reply back. Is this a bad sign?
He basically introduced himself, stated that he had completed his application and that their program was his top choice (or among his top choices).