Improving NROTC Application

D

Daylen86

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Joined
Nov 26, 2017
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I’m a current high school junior and I’ve been working on my NROTC application because I heard the earliest I could submit it is in April. I’ve been filling out some of the application and realized that I don’t have as many leadership positions/ community service expieience as I thought. I work as a Lifeguard and I teach swim lessons to little kids. I am also apart of the “PALS” program at my school where we tutor elementary kids. Are these the things that they are looking for?

Also does teaching swim lessons and tutoring count as community service? If not I’m going to need to delegate some more time to improving these fields.

Some other application stats:

-1460 sat
-32 act
-4.0 weighted gpa
-6:40 mile, 62 push-ups and 75 curl ups in two minutes
-ME major
-most likely will be accepted into georiga tech as first choice

Any feedback is welcome positive or negative
 
Those are helpful and are indeed community service, but what really is considered "leadership" are Class Officer positions, Captain of the Swim team, President of the _____ Club, Eagle Scout, Boy's State or Boy's Nation. etc. etc.

So, you have done some good community service but have not demonstrated leadership based on the above.
 
AROTC-dad said:
Those are helpful and are indeed community service, but what really is considered "leadership" are Class Officer positions, Captain of the Swim team, President of the _____ Club, Eagle Scout, Boy's State or Boy's Nation. etc. etc.

So, you have done some good community service but have not demonstrated leadership based on the above.
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Thanks for the response. I will work on joining more clubs this semester. I also failed to mention that I will most likely be the drumline captain next year. Will this count on my application if it is related to my senior year?
 
Daylen86 said:
I also failed to mention that I will most likely be the drumline captain next year.
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Definitely helpful, but the SA's and ROTC programs really give more points to Captains of Varsity sports teams, over other programs. (I feel for you, as I was a drum major in the 70's, when dinosaurs ruled the earth).
 
If you are being paid for either of these activities, they are not community service, but a job. If not, I'd count them as community service. Either way, both could count towards leadership, depending on what you actually do to lead and how you are able to articulate this. If you are involved in any sports, try to get a team captain position and look for other opportunities for leadership. You still have time to improve these areas. Are you involved in Boy Scouts; lots of leadership opportunities there. Look into participating in Boys State this summer if possible. Look for leadership opportunities in school clubs or any other youth organizations you are involved with. The application opens in April, but the first board is generally held in September, so you have the rest of the school year, the summer and anything you can secure for the first semester of your senior year to improve your application.
 
AROTC-dad said:
Daylen86 said:
I also failed to mention that I will most likely be the drumline captain next year.
Click to expand...

Definitely helpful, but the SA's and ROTC programs really give more points to Captains of Varsity sports teams, over other programs. (I feel for you, as I was a drum major in the 70's, when dinosaurs ruled the earth).
Click to expand...

Alright well since I am not apart of any sports teams, I will have to stand out another way. What are some things that make an application stand out besides varsity sports captain?
 
ProudDad17 said:
If you are being paid for either of these activities, they are not community service, but a job. If not, I'd count them as community service. Either way, both could count towards leadership, depending on what you actually do to lead and how you are able to articulate this. If you are involved in any sports, try to get a team captain position and look for other opportunities for leadership. You still have time to improve these areas. Are you involved in Boy Scouts; lots of leadership opportunities there. Look into participating in Boys State this summer if possible. Look for leadership opportunities in school clubs or any other youth organizations you are involved with. The application opens in April, but the first board is generally held in September, so you have the rest of the school year, the summer and anything you can secure for the first semester of your senior year to improve your application.
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Alright thanks for the feedback. Is it too late to join Boy Scouts (I am 17). And I am being payed to teach swim lessons but the tutoring club is just service.
 
Joining Scouts now, would look like a blatant attempt to just "check the box."

At this point, it may be possible to get nominated by your local American Legion for Boy's State.
I would focus on that, along with moving to a leadership or management position in the programs you already participate in. Even if you are paid, being a supervisor or manager of the program can be considered leadership.

Keep up the great grades and check on your class rank.

Is it too late to join your Varsity Swim team?? A letter in Varsity Sports also helps.
 
AROTC-dad said:
Joining Scouts now, would look like a blatant attempt to just "check the box."

At this point, it may be possible to get nominated by your local American Legion for Boy's State.
I would focus on that, along with moving to a leadership or management position in the programs you already participate in. Even if you are paid, being a supervisor or manager of the program can be considered leadership.

Keep up the great grades and check on your class rank.

Is it too late to join your Varsity Swim team?? A letter in Varsity Sports also helps.
Click to expand...

My school does not have a swim team sadly. I haven’t participated in any sports because we weren’t allowed to be in the drumline and another sport. A bit frustrating.
 
Agree with AROTCDad. Focus on Boys State. Call your local American Legion post to find out how to participate.My son did Boy's State and had a great time.
 
kinnem said:
Agree with AROTCDad. Focus on Boys State. Call your local American Legion post to find out how to participate.My son did Boy's State and had a great time.
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What is Boys state, I haven’t heard of it before this thread?
 
Daylen86 said:
AROTC-dad said:
Joining Scouts now, would look like a blatant attempt to just "check the box."

At this point, it may be possible to get nominated by your local American Legion for Boy's State.
I would focus on that, along with moving to a leadership or management position in the programs you already participate in. Even if you are paid, being a supervisor or manager of the program can be considered leadership.

Keep up the great grades and check on your class rank.

Is it too late to join your Varsity Swim team?? A letter in Varsity Sports also helps.
Click to expand...

My school does not have a swim team sadly. I haven’t participated in any sports because we weren’t allowed to be in the drumline and another sport. A bit frustrating.
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That is sad. My DD is a freshman and a Varsity cheer member and in marching band. Our school really encourages multiple participation. She has her check list for future USAFA application...but alas we wait for news of DS’s NROTC application... he did orchestra so wasn’t an issue...
 
AROTC-dad said:
Here is a recent thread on the topic.
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/boys-state-to-be-or-not-to-be.59151/

Arguably, being invited to Boy's or Girl's State is almost as impactful to your SA or ROTC scholarship application as being an Eagle Scout.
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How accurate is this? Curious to see how a week at Boy’s State compares to 6-7 tedious years of hard work in order to earn the rank of Eagle. Not to mention ranks such as SPL, ASPL, PL, etc. On top of that, one must execute a well thought out and thoroughly planned service project, all self lead. Mean this in the most respectful way possible!!
 
Also don't forget the Naval Sea Cadets. Both of my sons were in this for 3-4 years. One was more active, received cadet of the year and also made it all the way to chief. That is my NG kid. The other son loved it, but once all his friends graduated out, he wasn't interested anymore. Three of their friends that were in Sea cadets are at the Naval academy now.
 
Harleyboys98 said:
How accurate is this? Curious to see how a week at Boy’s State compares to 6-7 tedious years of hard work in order to earn the rank of Eagle
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I agree! Apparently it used to be the selectivity for B-State or G-State, that made it a valuable achievement.

Now, no one but admission officers, and ROTC Boards really know the exact weight that Boy's or Girl's State holds on the WCS.
 
Daylen86 said:
AROTC-dad said:
Joining Scouts now, would look like a blatant attempt to just "check the box."

At this point, it may be possible to get nominated by your local American Legion for Boy's State.
I would focus on that, along with moving to a leadership or management position in the programs you already participate in. Even if you are paid, being a supervisor or manager of the program can be considered leadership.

Keep up the great grades and check on your class rank.

Is it too late to join your Varsity Swim team?? A letter in Varsity Sports also helps.
Click to expand...

My school does not have a swim team sadly. I haven’t participated in any sports because we weren’t allowed to be in the drumline and another sport. A bit frustrating.
Click to expand...
Can you be a president of tutoring club? Any other clubs if you hold an office in them it helps.
 
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