Free tips for ROTC Application

[foxtail1027]

As a 4 scholarship winner for both AROTC and NROTC MO, I want to share some tips regarding ROTC applications.
These are my personal opinions so please reference your primary sources and info.

1. Start the application EARLY if you're ready (and please don't procrastinate)

Those of you with good standardized test scores and GPA, go ahead and start the application process so that your file can be reviewed early on.
There are multiple scholarship boards for each ROTC branch so if you start early, you will have a greater chance of winning.
However, if you feel like you're unprepared, don't rush to get started.

2. Start getting in a really good shape.

I'm assuming you are all in decent shape since you're interested in the military but that doesn't mean you can slack off.
The fitness tests for ROTC scholarship applications are doable and you will easily ace it if you're well prepared.
For instance, I performed 60 push ups in 1 min, 54 sit ups in 1 min, and 6:28 mile run and got a perfect score for AROTC scholarship application.
However, for NROTC MO, I got 21 pull ups, 66 crunches, and 21:55 3 mile run and was only able to earn 235/300 (crunches held me back).

Find out your weaknesses and work on them.

3. Reach out to ROTC PMSs of your 1st choice school beforehand; especially AROTC

This not only shows your commitment to the program but is also a great opportunity to have them know you prior to the interviews.

4. Do your own research on the branch you want to serve in.

Alongside #3, this will make you look more committed and serious during interviews.
For example, the PMS that interviewed me was impressed by the fact I knew that Army is changing its fitness test from APFT to ACFT.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop them down below; I'll make sure I answer all of them

 

[Br0kenXb0x]

Hey man, I really appreciate the great information. I had one quick question though, do you think that a cumulative GPA of 3.93 weighted and a 33 ACT is high enough to begin the application now? I've had a steep upward trend with my grades but my freshman year is bringing down my overall GPA a ton. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[foxtail1027]

Hey man, I really appreciate the great information. I had one quick question though, do you think that a cumulative GPA of 3.93 weighted and a 33 ACT is high enough to begin the application now? I've had a steep upward trend with my grades but my freshman year is bringing down my overall GPA a ton. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Hey there!

So 33 ACT is definitely competitive.
My final unweighted GPA and ACT were 3.95 and 32 each.

For your GPA, 3.93 sounds solid though it depends whether it is weighed or unweighted.
Another thing you might want to keep in mind is that they will look at what kind of classes you took.
For example, if your schedule's loaded with AP and Honors courses and your unweighted GPA is 3.93, then you're more than qualified.
But if your weighted GPA is 3.93 only with easy classes, It won't be as competitive.

However, unless you're planning on applying only for the 3rd board for the Army or late equivalents for other branches, your senior year 1st semester grades won't be included as they won't even be finalized when you submit your ROTC application, therefore there is no point of waiting too much since nothing will change much.

Hope that helps.

 

[lsuraeru]

foxtailsean wrote some great tips about the scholarship process. The one about starting early was especially good, I kind of had to rush to finish my application in time for the second Army board. I was awarded a 3 year scholarship this year, so I think I can put in some tips as well. First, make sure you have a well-rounded application, don't just put all your cards on having good academics for example. I don't think the military wants someone who has their face crammed in a book 24/7, they want people who are smart, but also have good people skills and experience leading others. I had an unweighted 3.6 GPA and a 1250 SAT, so I'd say I was at the lower end of the spectrum when it came to grades. That being said, I believe I was able to win a scholarship because I had quite a few leadership positions and extracurricular activities on my application, giving a well-rounded appearance to my application. Also, make sure you prepare well for the interview. Dress neatly and bring questions that show you are really interested in ROTC. Don't give the impression that you're only doing it for the money involved, make it seem like you actually have a strong desire to serve in the military. I was told that I aced the interview, so I think that's another reason I was awarded a scholarship despite my not-so-good academics. Also, don't take it too seriously. If you don't get a scholarship it sucks, but life will keep going on, so there's no point to dwell on it and let it bring you down. There are so many more options out there to choose from. That being said, try your hardest and put everything you have into it. I wish everyone who chooses to apply good luck!