I am currently board ready for the 2nd board of the AROTC scholarship coming up. I have mixed feelings of my chances as my SAT score was below average (1210/1600) and had unconventional leadership roles through high school (through church/youth group, volunteer work, and part-time employment) that might not stand out on paper compared to the Eagle Scouts, class presidents, and NHS officers. Also, I ran my mile time VERY slow (7:59 minutes) due to a fibula fracture from football that I have just recovered from after 4 months of NO running at all. I do believe my PMS interview went pretty well, I have a 3.7 UW GPA (3.9W GPA), I will graduate with 42 community college credits, 3 football varsity letters, 8 years of piano, 150+ volunteer hours, 18+hour a week job, and the rest of my PFT was decent (50 push-ups and 53 sit-ups). So I think there still is a chance for me. Nevertheless, AROTC is my priority, not the scholarship. Being in the Army has been a goal in my life for a long time. I am just wondering what it will be like if I do not receive the scholarship and enter as an MS1? Will I have to stand out a little more than the cadets on scholarship in order to eventually earn a contract?
You will need to standout more then the other cadets that also do not have a scholarship or contract. Do this and you can put yourself in a position to receive a Battalion Scholarship if one is available.
Best of luck on the next board.
Thank you for the response. I appreciate it.
Also, one thing to clarify. Of course the ultimate goal is to do the best possible to stand out anyway, whether on scholarship or not. I was just wondering about the possibilities and chances of contracting when comparing that to scholarship winners.
Scholarship cadets are already contracted, they don't really factor in with your chances of contracting or getting a battalion scholarship. When it comes time to offer a contract they will look at your overall performance, Academics, APFT scores, and ROTC participation, these will be the same things they look at when considering an offer for a Battalion scholarship. You won't be comparing yourself to those cadets that already have a scholarship or are contracted for you to get a contract. For a Battalion scholarship, your competition will be other non contracted cadets.
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Most MS1's will not have a national scholarship. I think this year there will be 1000 4yr, 2000 3yr and a couple hundred 2yr MJC scholarships awarded. Next year, there will be 30,000+ MS1s nationwide. Most of the scholarships awarded are campus based scholarships to college students. The best way to earn one is great GPA, APFT score, ROTC participation and attitude.
If you don't win one 2nd round, you will still be considered during 3rd round! And maybe you won't get a four-year but there are a lot of three-year awards, also. You still stand a chance!
Only going by son who is in AFRotc. Unless you are trying to get a scholarship while in school, you will be no different then the person who does get a scholarship so there is no need stand out in order to contract. Let me say that differently. It pays to be the best you can be in ROTC and if you stand out the better. However, the money issue doesnt come into play. If you are tied for number one with another guy or girl and they get money and you dont, you are still tied for number one. They wont get anything more than you and you wont get anything less because you never received a scholarship.
k2rider
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This ^^^ Show up on day one ready to rock the APFT. Work hard in class and shoot for that same 3.7 GPA. Without working so hard that it's detrimental to your health and/or GPA, volunteer for whatever you can. Assuming your chosen ROTC unit is similar to my kids, they will work at charity/fundraiser walks and running events thru-out the city as well as opportunities for Honor Guard, Ranger Challenge, etc... At my son's c college where he had a 4 year scholarship, he was the Gold Bar Recruiter for the school the Summer after graduation. The school offered 3 years scholarships to 20+ students who had been involved with the unit their entire freshman year. Bottom line....there are many paths to succeed and meet your goals.
rotcadet2021
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I am currently an MS1 (second semester) without a contract or scholarship. Everyone is treated the same, and you can't even tell who has a one unless you ask. In my battallion most are on SMP or GFRD scholarships, giving those without ROTC scholarships a better chance. My best advice to you is not to worry about not having a scholarship. Focus on your grades, being involved in ROTC, and getting a good APFT score. I got caught up in not having one before I started and it does nothing but give you unnecessary stress. Just focus on yourself and you'll stand out naturally.