High school Junior Eagle Scout who has suddenly discovered SMC,SA

ranger55

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Mar 15, 2018
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My son is a junior and we are starting the college search. He is planning to study engineering (likely civil). He is in the process of taking SAT/ACTs and we are expecting good results(1400/30+) and he has been in honors/AP/IB path in high school (although very competitive high school - weighted GPA of 3.7 is 56% tile - no weight applied for honors classes). He has had lots of hands on engineering experience in high school (we have a great engineering dept). He has suddenly developed a spark for the SA's and SMC's and possibly ROTC (says it's just another level of scouting!) and we are planning to apply to multiple. This JUST came up (miliary + engineering), so he has not been groomed for this (as some families might have been doing to get their kids into these programs). We have visited North Georgia College (live in Ga) and are visiting the Citadel in June. He is very interested in the Citadel at first glance. I know SA's are very competitive and will go through the process, but we are trying to look into merit scholarships for Citadel (extremely expensive out of state) or possibly ROTC scholarships for Citadel or some other southern schools. My question..... is how hard it is to get a MERIT scholarship to the Citadel or an ROTC scholarship to schools such as Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Alabama? (we would not qualify for financial aid) Anyone have any recent data points on these? He is in marching band (not your father's marching band, our band directors were both in DCI) and Beta Club. As mentioned, Eagle Scout but too busy marching to take on SPL. Forgive me, I am not a lazy forum poster, I just have not seen recent posts (2017 plus) so wanted to get some opinions. Thank you.
 
My son is a junior and we are starting the college search. He is planning to study engineering (likely civil). He is in the process of taking SAT/ACTs and we are expecting good results(1400/30+) and he has been in honors/AP/IB path in high school (although very competitive high school - weighted GPA of 3.7 is 56% tile - no weight applied for honors classes). He has had lots of hands on engineering experience in high school (we have a great engineering dept). He has suddenly developed a spark for the SA's and SMC's and possibly ROTC (says it's just another level of scouting!) and we are planning to apply to multiple. This JUST came up (miliary + engineering), so he has not been groomed for this (as some families might have been doing to get their kids into these programs). We have visited North Georgia College (live in Ga) and are visiting the Citadel in June. He is very interested in the Citadel at first glance. I know SA's are very competitive and will go through the process, but we are trying to look into merit scholarships for Citadel (extremely expensive out of state) or possibly ROTC scholarships for Citadel or some other southern schools. My question..... is how hard it is to get a MERIT scholarship to the Citadel or an ROTC scholarship to schools such as Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Alabama? (we would not qualify for financial aid) Anyone have any recent data points on these? He is in marching band (not your father's marching band, our band directors were both in DCI) and Beta Club. As mentioned, Eagle Scout but too busy marching to take on SPL. Forgive me, I am not a lazy forum poster, I just have not seen recent posts (2017 plus) so wanted to get some opinions. Thank you.
I can’t speak for UNG, El Cid, or any of the other schools you mentioned. However, as an accepted applicant, I can speak for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Have you looked at VMI? With those stats, your DS (dear son) should be able to get a merit-based, academic scholarship to VMI. The academic scholarship to VMI would place your son in the institute’s “Institute Honors Program”. Once in the program, your son would have to maintain a 3.5 GPA during his time at the institute for the scholarship to remain in effect. If your son applies for and receives an ROTC scholarship, the synergy between the academic scholarship and the ROTC scholarship should put a significant dent in the out-of-state tuition.

It’s great that your son is a musician by the way. I’ve been playing the cello for 14 years, and my music background has allowed me to meet people that I wouldn’t have met without it. A reason why I’m so interested in VMI is that they have an extensive, albeit, informal music program (no music major options obviously). Lastly, don’t worry if your son isn’t “groomed for this”. I believe that a majority of families who send their kids to SAs and SMCs have no military history. PM (private message) me if you have anymore questions!
 
Speaking of VMI, when responding to an efficiency report question on this VMI grad as to whether he had the "desire to have him under your immediate command in peace and war?" The officer wrote> "{Yes} but I would prefer to serve under his command.... He should be made a brigadier general in the regular Army, and every day this is postponed is a loss to the Army and the nation...He is a military genius."
With apologies to VMI's most famous professor in mathematics, this man was their greatest graduate, the only general ever to win a Nobel Peace Prize....VMI grads fill in name here...
 
My son is a junior and we are starting the college search. He is planning to study engineering (likely civil). He is in the process of taking SAT/ACTs and we are expecting good results(1400/30+) and he has been in honors/AP/IB path in high school (although very competitive high school - weighted GPA of 3.7 is 56% tile - no weight applied for honors classes). He has had lots of hands on engineering experience in high school (we have a great engineering dept). He has suddenly developed a spark for the SA's and SMC's and possibly ROTC (says it's just another level of scouting!) and we are planning to apply to multiple. This JUST came up (miliary + engineering), so he has not been groomed for this (as some families might have been doing to get their kids into these programs). We have visited North Georgia College (live in Ga) and are visiting the Citadel in June. He is very interested in the Citadel at first glance. I know SA's are very competitive and will go through the process, but we are trying to look into merit scholarships for Citadel (extremely expensive out of state) or possibly ROTC scholarships for Citadel or some other southern schools. My question..... is how hard it is to get a MERIT scholarship to the Citadel or an ROTC scholarship to schools such as Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Alabama? (we would not qualify for financial aid) Anyone have any recent data points on these? He is in marching band (not your father's marching band, our band directors were both in DCI) and Beta Club. As mentioned, Eagle Scout but too busy marching to take on SPL. Forgive me, I am not a lazy forum poster, I just have not seen recent posts (2017 plus) so wanted to get some opinions. Thank you.
I can’t speak for UNG, El Cid, or any of the other schools you mentioned. However, as an accepted applicant, I can speak for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Have you looked at VMI? With those stats, your DS (dear son) should be able to get a merit-based, academic scholarship to VMI. The academic scholarship to VMI would place your son in the institute’s “Institute Honors Program”. Once in the program, your son would have to maintain a 3.5 GPA during his time at the institute for the scholarship to remain in effect. If your son applies for and receives an ROTC scholarship, the synergy between the academic scholarship and the ROTC scholarship should put a significant dent in the out-of-state tuition.

It’s great that your son is a musician by the way. I’ve been playing the cello for 14 years, and my music background has allowed me to meet people that I wouldn’t have met without it. A reason why I’m so interested in VMI is that they have an extensive, albeit, informal music program (no music major options obviously). Lastly, don’t worry if your son isn’t “groomed for this”. I believe that a majority of families who send their kids to SAs and SMCs have no military history. PM (private message) me if you have anymore questions!
VMI is a possibility but how hard is keeping a 3.5 I am wondering with all that calculus needed for engineering. :)
 
My son is a junior and we are starting the college search. He is planning to study engineering (likely civil). He is in the process of taking SAT/ACTs and we are expecting good results(1400/30+) and he has been in honors/AP/IB path in high school (although very competitive high school - weighted GPA of 3.7 is 56% tile - no weight applied for honors classes). He has had lots of hands on engineering experience in high school (we have a great engineering dept). He has suddenly developed a spark for the SA's and SMC's and possibly ROTC (says it's just another level of scouting!) and we are planning to apply to multiple. This JUST came up (miliary + engineering), so he has not been groomed for this (as some families might have been doing to get their kids into these programs). We have visited North Georgia College (live in Ga) and are visiting the Citadel in June. He is very interested in the Citadel at first glance. I know SA's are very competitive and will go through the process, but we are trying to look into merit scholarships for Citadel (extremely expensive out of state) or possibly ROTC scholarships for Citadel or some other southern schools. My question..... is how hard it is to get a MERIT scholarship to the Citadel or an ROTC scholarship to schools such as Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Alabama? (we would not qualify for financial aid) Anyone have any recent data points on these? He is in marching band (not your father's marching band, our band directors were both in DCI) and Beta Club. As mentioned, Eagle Scout but too busy marching to take on SPL. Forgive me, I am not a lazy forum poster, I just have not seen recent posts (2017 plus) so wanted to get some opinions. Thank you.
I can’t speak for UNG, El Cid, or any of the other schools you mentioned. However, as an accepted applicant, I can speak for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Have you looked at VMI? With those stats, your DS (dear son) should be able to get a merit-based, academic scholarship to VMI. The academic scholarship to VMI would place your son in the institute’s “Institute Honors Program”. Once in the program, your son would have to maintain a 3.5 GPA during his time at the institute for the scholarship to remain in effect. If your son applies for and receives an ROTC scholarship, the synergy between the academic scholarship and the ROTC scholarship should put a significant dent in the out-of-state tuition.

It’s great that your son is a musician by the way. I’ve been playing the cello for 14 years, and my music background has allowed me to meet people that I wouldn’t have met without it. A reason why I’m so interested in VMI is that they have an extensive, albeit, informal music program (no music major options obviously). Lastly, don’t worry if your son isn’t “groomed for this”. I believe that a majority of families who send their kids to SAs and SMCs have no military history. PM (private message) me if you have anymore questions!
VMI is a possibility but how hard is keeping a 3.5 I am wondering with all that calculus needed for engineering. :)
Definitely will look thanks!
 
My son is a junior and we are starting the college search. He is planning to study engineering (likely civil). He is in the process of taking SAT/ACTs and we are expecting good results(1400/30+) and he has been in honors/AP/IB path in high school (although very competitive high school - weighted GPA of 3.7 is 56% tile - no weight applied for honors classes). He has had lots of hands on engineering experience in high school (we have a great engineering dept). He has suddenly developed a spark for the SA's and SMC's and possibly ROTC (says it's just another level of scouting!) and we are planning to apply to multiple. This JUST came up (miliary + engineering), so he has not been groomed for this (as some families might have been doing to get their kids into these programs). We have visited North Georgia College (live in Ga) and are visiting the Citadel in June. He is very interested in the Citadel at first glance. I know SA's are very competitive and will go through the process, but we are trying to look into merit scholarships for Citadel (extremely expensive out of state) or possibly ROTC scholarships for Citadel or some other southern schools. My question..... is how hard it is to get a MERIT scholarship to the Citadel or an ROTC scholarship to schools such as Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Alabama? (we would not qualify for financial aid) Anyone have any recent data points on these? He is in marching band (not your father's marching band, our band directors were both in DCI) and Beta Club. As mentioned, Eagle Scout but too busy marching to take on SPL. Forgive me, I am not a lazy forum poster, I just have not seen recent posts (2017 plus) so wanted to get some opinions. Thank you.
I can’t speak for UNG, El Cid, or any of the other schools you mentioned. However, as an accepted applicant, I can speak for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Have you looked at VMI? With those stats, your DS (dear son) should be able to get a merit-based, academic scholarship to VMI. The academic scholarship to VMI would place your son in the institute’s “Institute Honors Program”. Once in the program, your son would have to maintain a 3.5 GPA during his time at the institute for the scholarship to remain in effect. If your son applies for and receives an ROTC scholarship, the synergy between the academic scholarship and the ROTC scholarship should put a significant dent in the out-of-state tuition.

It’s great that your son is a musician by the way. I’ve been playing the cello for 14 years, and my music background has allowed me to meet people that I wouldn’t have met without it. A reason why I’m so interested in VMI is that they have an extensive, albeit, informal music program (no music major options obviously). Lastly, don’t worry if your son isn’t “groomed for this”. I believe that a majority of families who send their kids to SAs and SMCs have no military history. PM (private message) me if you have anymore questions!
VMI does look strong in civil eng
 
If you are a Georgia resident, Hope and Zell Miller scholarships are merit based established to keep high achieving GA students in state. Don't think your son won't qualify for financial aid without researching. You can be a billionaire and still qualify for Hope and Zell Miller. You should at least try for Georgia Tech on a Zell Miller (tuition free) if you want to major in engineering.
 
This JUST came up (miliary + engineering), so he has not been groomed for this (as some families might have been doing to get their kids into these programs).

^Don't worry about this at all. Lot's of kids of non-military families go to SA's or SMC's (ours included). You don't have to have prior experience to guide him - it's best if your DS owns this process anyway. Both of my kids applied for USNA and ROTC scholarships and neither my wife nor I could tell you much of anything about the process (other than what I've read on this site) since we had nothing to do with it. Just be a sounding board if he has questions or wants to talk through his options and generally be there as a parent.

There are tons of great options with SA's, SMC's or civilian colleges with or without a ROTC scholarship. Being a junior he has some time, but should really start researching and visiting places that interest him. SA appointments and ROTC scholarships are extremely competitive, so he should have plans B, C, D... in place as well. If he is looking at merit scholarships (as you mentioned with Citadel) just be cautious if DS is also looking at ROTC since the merit scholarship will likely be pulled at some schools if he gets a ROTC scholarship. On the other hand, some schools will cover room and board if your DS has a ROTC scholarship to cover tuition and expenses, so look into that as well. These types of things vary by school.

Tons for your DS to think about here, so best to start researching military branches and schools of interest, then start to focus in on schools that speak to him as a good fit. At least he has a major in mind (and engineering is a great one) so that could be a start as a guide for where to start the search. Also, he can apply to multiple SA's plus ROTC scholarships (but have to choose between NROTC and NROTC MO - can't apply to both) as well as multiple SMC's and civilian colleges to keep his options open and backup plans in place.
 
With apologies to VMI's most famous professor in mathematics, this man was their greatest graduate, the only general ever to win a Nobel Peace Prize....VMI grads fill in name here...

Was going to guess Stonewall Jackson, but looked it up, and answer is General Marshall...(makes sense with the Nobel).
Citadel and VMI are both great schools, with storied traditions. Both were high on the Plan B list almost 40 years ago, and VMI/ROTC would have been top choice if I hadn't gone to NAPS/USNA.
 
My son is a junior and we are starting the college search. He is planning to study engineering (likely civil). He is in the process of taking SAT/ACTs and we are expecting good results(1400/30+) and he has been in honors/AP/IB path in high school (although very competitive high school - weighted GPA of 3.7 is 56% tile - no weight applied for honors classes). He has had lots of hands on engineering experience in high school (we have a great engineering dept). He has suddenly developed a spark for the SA's and SMC's and possibly ROTC (says it's just another level of scouting!) and we are planning to apply to multiple. This JUST came up (miliary + engineering), so he has not been groomed for this (as some families might have been doing to get their kids into these programs). We have visited North Georgia College (live in Ga) and are visiting the Citadel in June. He is very interested in the Citadel at first glance. I know SA's are very competitive and will go through the process, but we are trying to look into merit scholarships for Citadel (extremely expensive out of state) or possibly ROTC scholarships for Citadel or some other southern schools. My question..... is how hard it is to get a MERIT scholarship to the Citadel or an ROTC scholarship to schools such as Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Alabama? (we would not qualify for financial aid) Anyone have any recent data points on these? He is in marching band (not your father's marching band, our band directors were both in DCI) and Beta Club. As mentioned, Eagle Scout but too busy marching to take on SPL. Forgive me, I am not a lazy forum poster, I just have not seen recent posts (2017 plus) so wanted to get some opinions. Thank you.
I can’t speak for UNG, El Cid, or any of the other schools you mentioned. However, as an accepted applicant, I can speak for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Have you looked at VMI? With those stats, your DS (dear son) should be able to get a merit-based, academic scholarship to VMI. The academic scholarship to VMI would place your son in the institute’s “Institute Honors Program”. Once in the program, your son would have to maintain a 3.5 GPA during his time at the institute for the scholarship to remain in effect. If your son applies for and receives an ROTC scholarship, the synergy between the academic scholarship and the ROTC scholarship should put a significant dent in the out-of-state tuition.

It’s great that your son is a musician by the way. I’ve been playing the cello for 14 years, and my music background has allowed me to meet people that I wouldn’t have met without it. A reason why I’m so interested in VMI is that they have an extensive, albeit, informal music program (no music major options obviously). Lastly, don’t worry if your son isn’t “groomed for this”. I believe that a majority of families who send their kids to SAs and SMCs have no military history. PM (private message) me if you have anymore questions!
VMI is a possibility but how hard is keeping a 3.5 I am wondering with all that calculus needed for engineering. :)

It's pretty tough (but doable) to keep a 3.5 in engineering. The cadets who achieve a 3.5 GPA get to wear academic stars on their uniforms. You don't see many cadets wearing "ac stars", especially engineer majors. I don't have hard data on this, but it seemed most ac stars were on uniforms of liberal arts majors.
 
Was going to guess Stonewall Jackson, but looked it up, and answer is General Marshall...(makes sense with the Nobel)...
Congrats to @Old Navy BGO! General George Catlett Marshall is correct.

Stonewall taught math @ VMI & afterwards conducted a few successful operations later on in some dust-up from what I read.;)
General Marshal was exceptional and that's an understatement. Apolitical, never voted, had the almost full support of Congress, spoke truth to power, (& I mean power...Gen. Pershing, FDR) one could run out of positive adjectives to describe him. If you have some time, look him up on Wiki or YouTube...impressive to say the least. Favorite story to paraphrase: Before WW I, his evaluator had to answer this question: Would you wish to continue to have this man continue as one of your your subordinates? His superior wrote: Do I want him to be subordinate to me? I should be subordinate to him! Every day that passes that this man isn't a General is a waste to the Army!
220px-George_Marshall_1947.jpg
 
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