How badly does sports hurt your AROTC scholarship application?

A

AegisTruce

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Joined
Dec 8, 2020
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Hello, I've been using this site the past few months through my process and it's been of great help for my applications. I'd say I'm academically a good student, but lack in the athletics.
I got a 1430 on my SAT and have a 3.7GPA. I'm also the Vice President of the Honor Society at my school, was the president of the technology club, and am a volunteer firefighter and am certified in my state in Firefighter 1. I feel this makes up for the lack of athletics, but it's not like I can put that in the sports section of the application. My PFA was 40 pushups, 47 curl ups and a 7:24 mile, which isn't great but I'm not horribly out of shape. My main question is if these lack of sports will have a massive negative impact on my application and how likely you think I'd be for a 4 year scholarship. I'm also a Sea Cadet and have been throughout the entirety of high school.

I know this question is probably asked a lot and might be annoying to some regular members, but any answers would be extremely appreciated.
 
They aren't necessarily looking for sports involvement. They're looking for consistent activities that keep you fit, that require discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and hopefully leadership. Sports participation does this. I would think a Fireman certification would indicate a lot of that as well. Find a way to get it in your application somewhere.

There are folks on this forum every year who have no sports in their resumes but receive appointments, in part because of other activities. Being a section leader in the school marching band is a good example.

Don't worry about what you can't change. Work on the things you can change as well as backup plans.
 
To be frank, Those physical scores need to be brought up. They are not passing for Navy scores, and so I doubt they will be good enough for Army-ROTC. Are you set on Army ROTC? They are more physically demanding than NROTC or AF ROTC.
 
Though the Services all use different terms, SALs are always being sought---Scholar, Athlete, Leader... Some will have all; some will have two; few will have just one. :wiggle:
 
FastFood44 said:
To be frank, Those physical scores need to be brought up. They are not passing for Navy scores, and so I doubt they will be good enough for Army-ROTC. Are you set on Army ROTC? They are more physically demanding than NROTC or AF ROTC.
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I did take the test when I began my application, and didn't regularly work out then, but am now. I looked at their standards and I'm passing for both the push ups and mile run (if I kept that pace for the 2 mile) and am 5 short for the curl ups. I may decide to retake a few days before the board selection takes place so I can up my score, but thank you for telling me it's something I should look into.
 
FastFood44 said:
To be frank, Those physical scores need to be brought up. They are not passing for Navy scores, and so I doubt they will be good enough for Army-ROTC. Are you set on Army ROTC? They are more physically demanding than NROTC or AF ROTC.
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They are "passing" for AROTC, but they will be below the average for a scholarship recipient. If I recall correctly, the average score for scholarship recipients is 138/150, and these would result in a score of 112.
 
KingZunzie said:
They are "passing" for AROTC, but they will be below the average for a scholarship recipient. If I recall correctly, the average score for scholarship recipients is 138/150, and these would result in a score of 112.
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Is there a form I can go to in order to see my score for my PFA?
 
KingZunzie said:
They are "passing" for AROTC, but they will be below the average for a scholarship recipient. If I recall correctly, the average score for scholarship recipients is 138/150, and these would result in a score of 112.
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Be careful here - you never want to be "Passing." Aim to be towards of the top of the pack, even if it seems like a far reach.

To your original point, being a firefighter definitely improves your app, as does Sea Cadets. Both show a dedication to service, require leadership, and keep you relatively fit. For AROTC, all of the "number" scores are very important because that is the only way they can make objective decisions. Your PT scores are very low and even if you are fit, the boards can't look at you and think you just had a bad day because you're not involved in sports. You say you're not "horribly out of shape" which to me sounds like you're not in-shape. If you've been training, reach out to your recruiter/scholarship coordinator just to give him an update on your numbers, but unlikely you'll be able to do another PFA.

Besides your PT, your academics and leadership look strong, and hopefully your interview went well. If all of those things line up, the board could say, "even though his PFA numbers are low, we can make sure he gets working out when he arrives at his unit." I hope that they do that for you. But to be frank, I don't think it's very likely just knowing what I know now. But, I haven't interviewed you, read your essays, or even seen more of your application. If you're set on serving as an officer, maybe take this year without a scholarship, focusing on getting in shape, and apply for a 3- or 2-year.

As a former Sea Cadet myself, I'd recommend looking at the Navy ROTC - Navy option. Their CFA has a little bit more wiggle room. Good luck to you.

EDIT: This was supposed to be attached to @AegisTruce
 
CuriousMid1001 said:
Be careful here - you never want to be "Passing." Aim to be towards of the top of the pack, even if it seems like a far reach.

To your original point, being a firefighter definitely improves your app, as does Sea Cadets. Both show a dedication to service, require leadership, and keep you relatively fit. For AROTC, all of the "number" scores are very important because that is the only way they can make objective decisions. Your PT scores are very low and even if you are fit, the boards can't look at you and think you just had a bad day because you're not involved in sports. You say you're not "horribly out of shape" which to me sounds like you're not in-shape. If you've been training, reach out to your recruiter/scholarship coordinator just to give him an update on your numbers, but unlikely you'll be able to do another PFA.

Besides your PT, your academics and leadership look strong, and hopefully your interview went well. If all of those things line up, the board could say, "even though his PFA numbers are low, we can make sure he gets working out when he arrives at his unit." I hope that they do that for you.

As a former Sea Cadet myself, I'd recommend looking at the Navy ROTC - Navy option. Their CFA has a little bit more wiggle room. Good luck to you.
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Thank you very much. I looked at NROTC, but they have far fewer schools I'm interested in going to, but am still planning on applying. I live in the middle of no where, so I had to take my PFA with my gym coach, so retaking it isn't an issue. With this information in mind, I plan on retaking it, as since taking the PFA a couple months ago I have lifted and ran everyday with a buddy of mine, and have seen drastic improvements just in my day to day. I definitely didn't realize how low my scores were, as, living in the middle of no where, I'm not exactly surrounded but anyone who is much better than I. I believe the interview went extremely well as well, as he told me he wanted to "write it to where he knew I'd get a scholarship," but he also sent me what he was writing in the interview and IMO it wasn't well written, but am hopeful they take it for what it is. I really appreciate all of this feedback.
 
AegisTruce said:
Thank you very much. I looked at NROTC, but they have far fewer schools I'm interested in going to, but am still planning on applying. I live in the middle of no where, so I had to take my PFA with my gym coach, so retaking it isn't an issue. With this information in mind, I plan on retaking it, as since taking the PFA a couple months ago I have lifted and ran everyday with a buddy of mine, and have seen drastic improvements just in my day to day. I definitely didn't realize how low my scores were, as, living in the middle of no where, I'm not exactly surrounded but anyone who is much better than I. I believe the interview went extremely well as well, as he told me he wanted to "write it to where he knew I'd get a scholarship," but he also sent me what he was writing in the interview and IMO it wasn't well written, but am hopeful they take it for what it is. I really appreciate all of this feedback.
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Have you submitted the PFA yet? I am pretty sure you can't retake it.... be sure to double check and I'm sure another member who knows more will add here as well.
 
AegisTruce said:
Hello, I've been using this site the past few months through my process and it's been of great help for my applications. I'd say I'm academically a good student, but lack in the athletics.
I got a 1430 on my SAT and have a 3.7GPA. I'm also the Vice President of the Honor Society at my school, was the president of the technology club, and am a volunteer firefighter and am certified in my state in Firefighter 1. I feel this makes up for the lack of athletics, but it's not like I can put that in the sports section of the application. My PFA was 40 pushups, 47 curl ups and a 7:24 mile, which isn't great but I'm not horribly out of shape. My main question is if these lack of sports will have a massive negative impact on my application and how likely you think I'd be for a 4 year scholarship. I'm also a Sea Cadet and have been throughout the entirety of high school.

I know this question is probably asked a lot and might be annoying to some regular members, but any answers would be extremely appreciated.
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I never had any sports and got an LOA from West Point. In every interview and you essay, you WILL have to answer for this, and do it well. As long as you give good explanations as to why they should pick us over varsity athletes, you’ll be fine. Don’t stress yourself searching threads about lack of sports like I did. Focus on your application and answers, that’s all that matters.
 
AegisTruce said:
Hello, I've been using this site the past few months through my process and it's been of great help for my applications. I'd say I'm academically a good student, but lack in the athletics.
I got a 1430 on my SAT and have a 3.7GPA. I'm also the Vice President of the Honor Society at my school, was the president of the technology club, and am a volunteer firefighter and am certified in my state in Firefighter 1. I feel this makes up for the lack of athletics, but it's not like I can put that in the sports section of the application. My PFA was 40 pushups, 47 curl ups and a 7:24 mile, which isn't great but I'm not horribly out of shape. My main question is if these lack of sports will have a massive negative impact on my application and how likely you think I'd be for a 4 year scholarship. I'm also a Sea Cadet and have been throughout the entirety of high school.

I know this question is probably asked a lot and might be annoying to some regular members, but any answers would be extremely appreciated.
Click to expand...
AegisTruce said:
Hello, I've been using this site the past few months through my process and it's been of great help for my applications. I'd say I'm academically a good student, but lack in the athletics.
I got a 1430 on my SAT and have a 3.7GPA. I'm also the Vice President of the Honor Society at my school, was the president of the technology club, and am a volunteer firefighter and am certified in my state in Firefighter 1. I feel this makes up for the lack of athletics, but it's not like I can put that in the sports section of the application. My PFA was 40 pushups, 47 curl ups and a 7:24 mile, which isn't great but I'm not horribly out of shape. My main question is if these lack of sports will have a massive negative impact on my application and how likely you think I'd be for a 4 year scholarship. I'm also a Sea Cadet and have been throughout the entirety of high school.

I know this question is probably asked a lot and might be annoying to some regular members, but any answers would be extremely appreciated.
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Are you a current HS senior? If yes, are your applications complete otherwise? Knowing where you are in the process and your HS year would be helpful!
 
Very much.

1/3 of board is athletics.

1/3 of rest of file points is athletics.

see my post about bringing your best file to the board.
 
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