I received three 4 year scholarships to my top 3 schools for Army ROTC in this order: 1. Clemson 2. University of South Carolina 3. Citadel. I was fully accepted to my #2 and #3 but was put on a "bridge" program which requires me to go to a technical school my first year then after my freshman year I will automatically be transferred to the main campus. I really want to go to Clemson, however, I have some buddies going with me to Clemson that I planned on rooming with but I cannot due to this program but I can still participate in ROTC with scholarship. Should I just take my #2 offer or what should I do here? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.
In Need of Urgent Advice
- Thread starter hhucks4
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This is when you take a step back and ask yourself "how bad do I want it", and "how can I best serve my country".
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Clemson was your #1 pick and there is no requirement that you do this "bridge" program there?
Why are you asking, if Clemson is your #1 pick? Because you won't be able to room with your buddies?
If that is the only reason, I am more than a little perplexed.
Why are you asking, if Clemson is your #1 pick? Because you won't be able to room with your buddies?
If that is the only reason, I am more than a little perplexed.
I won't be attending Clemson during my first year, I'll have to go to a technical college a few miles away during my first year instead of indulging in actual core curriculum, and I can't transfer my credits earned from AP or dual-enrollment. I'm trying to decide if the technical college ordeal would be worth it.
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That's only a decision that you can make. We don't know what is worth it to you. Besides, you are in a great predicament. Many will envy your position of deciding where to spend a 4YR scholarship. However, you should pick the school that has the best academic program for your degree. That really should be the Number #1 priority. You are going to college for an education.
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@hhucks4
Listen to Mohawk. Take the long view. A basic officer skill is examining a problem from all perspectives, weighing both intangible and tangible factors. What is the path best suited for your professional goals? Taking a step down the road toward a commission is often the first step away from a comfortable world of known friends and situations.
Listen to Mohawk. Take the long view. A basic officer skill is examining a problem from all perspectives, weighing both intangible and tangible factors. What is the path best suited for your professional goals? Taking a step down the road toward a commission is often the first step away from a comfortable world of known friends and situations.
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Are you certain you would be able to use the scholarship? If you're not going to Clemson that first year it may invalidate the scholarship. You should check on that. Further, they expect you to graduate in 4 years. Would you graduate in 4 years if your first year was at this tech school? I would think the cadre at Clemson could help answer these questions. Alternatively contact Cadet Command.
As someone said above, South Carolina has access to Ft Jackson. I know the NROTC unit trained there fairly often as my son was responsible for setting this training up one semester.... plus pictures of all the times they trained there. I'm sure the AROTC unit trains there as often, at least. South Carolina is an excellent university as well. Finally, the Original Pancake House is a great spot for Sunday breakfast or brunch. I hit that place every time I was there.
Excellent advice from those that have already commented. I will add some motherly advice, which I have given my kids. Although it may be fun to go away to college with friends and room with them, you need to focus on your goals towards your education and military path. Branch out, meet new people, and know that your friends won’t be paying your mortgage someday.
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^ This is true wisdom.
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I would add that while your in the Army no one will care where you went to college. When you leave the military, your Army leadership experience is going to weigh more than where you went to college. People care about your overall skill set and the contribution you can make, not where you went to school.
jaglvr
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I was going to make the same point. In no way should a decision be based on roommates. My advice: NEVER room with a friend from home. Not only will it now give you access to at least 2 new friends (your roomie and their's) it almost NEVER ends well. Through your ROTC journey, you may grow apart anyway and it could prove awkward.
You will make lifelong friends in ROTC. I know I have. You'll get so close to these folks, and you'll probably grow pretty distant from friends from home. I personally have....unless they've experienced it, most people will never "get" the military lifestyle.
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Best thing you can do for an existing friendship is not room together. My two oldest lost long time best buddies from doing exactly that. It happens, even if you don’t think it can.
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Hell! It happens with spouses! Of course it happens with friends.
The gist of all the very sage advice, above, is that your perspective needs to shift from:
a) short-term, temporary comforts (Year 1 in college, my current circle/small world)
to
b) long-term, lasting benefits (rest of my life, new circles/big world).
a) short-term, temporary comforts (Year 1 in college, my current circle/small world)
to
b) long-term, lasting benefits (rest of my life, new circles/big world).