Frederick C. Branch scholarship

pilot2b

pilot2b

10-Year Member
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Jul 8, 2011
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My Marine XO has told me that I came very close to getting a scholarship on the early board for Marine Option NROTC, and that my chances for the regular board are very good. However, he wants me to consider changing my 4th and 5th choices for schools to historically black colleges that are on the list for the Marine's Frederick C. Branch scholarship. If I wasn't selected for the regular board, my XO would resubmit my packet, but to this scholarship, which operates on a rolling admissions basis and is not very competitive.

The scholarship is essentially the same as the regular M.O. NROTC scholarship, but only to 16 historically black colleges.

I've checked out most of the schools to some extent, but I'm still not that impressed with the academics. Can anyone recommend two or three of the better schools on that list to me and/or share their experiences with the Frederick C. Branch scholarship?
 
Not that rankings are the answer, but they are often used as a proxy for "quality." US News ranks Spellman, Howard and Morhouse 1, 2 and 3 in the historically black college list. Spellman is in the mid-60s of top liberal arts colleges and Howard is in the top 100 of National Universities.
 
pilot2b said:
My Marine XO has told me that I came very close to getting a scholarship on the early board for Marine Option NROTC, and that my chances for the regular board are very good. However, he wants me to consider changing my 4th and 5th choices for schools to historically black colleges that are on the list for the Marine's Frederick C. Branch scholarship. If I wasn't selected for the regular board, my XO would resubmit my packet, but to this scholarship, which operates on a rolling admissions basis and is not very competitive.

The scholarship is essentially the same as the regular M.O. NROTC scholarship, but only to 16 historically black colleges.

I've checked out most of the schools to some extent, but I'm still not that impressed with the academics. Can anyone recommend two or three of the better schools on that list to me and/or share their experiences with the Frederick C. Branch scholarship?
Click to expand...

I decided to look at some of your posting history so I could put together a meaningful reply. The first thing I noted was where you are from and your school choices on your application:
My schools were in this order: Texas A&M, Oregon State University, Auburn University, University of Colorado, University of North Carolina.
Click to expand...

Obviously OSU is on your list as the required in-state public, but beyond that, your school list is composed entirely of large public flagship types. HBCUs are a very different breed of school, both from a social culture and teaching perspective (at least for the top rung of them). Ignoring the selectivity index (your concern with ranking can't be addressed in the same way with HBCUs as they have a different mission), you need to decide if you want to step back from the large public into an institution which is more likely to be a bit more personal. Some people don't like being in the fish bowl that can exist at some of the smaller HBCUs.

Considering your test scores (weighted more towards that verbal than the math), a more personal experience may not be a bad thing. The question is can you find a way to visit one of these places before you make a decision?

HBCUs can also be a place where you can choose to be a part of a unique culture where graduates share a common bond that is a bit deeper than the typical alumni relationship. Difficult for a HS student to grasp, but something that you might want to talk about with an alumni.

As to what is important about a college education - your intellectual and social development - the most important thing is that you are in an environment where you are going to be motivated the best. If that is measured by the standardized test scores of the students in the next seat, that is what it is. If that is measured by other things like the experiences of the student in the next seat, you may want to explore different educational opportunities that fit with your desire to serve after graduation.

Don't jump at the HBCU just to increase your odds of a scholarship. Add it to your list if it is an intriguing option for spending the next 4 years of your personal intellectual development.
 
Thanks goaliedad. No, I can't visit any HBCUs given the distance. I am leaning towards following my XO's advice.
 
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