Incoming Freshmen Project Go?

[Mnoopk]

Can an incoming freshman who's headed for ROTC in the fall do Project Go the summer before his freshman year?

My DS is a high school senior. He got accepted by a college two days ago (George Mason). His Chinese is just a little shy of 3rd-year college level. He'd like to go with the ROTC to Beijing or Taiwan for a summer program. He tried to apply for Project Go, and the site asked whether he was matriculated. He said "no," so the site wouldn't let proceed any further. But I'm reading online at a couple of university ROTC site (for example Indiana U) that it's possible for incoming freshman to do Project Go, at least domestic programs.

I always thought matriculation occurs about a week or so before school starts when the student registers with the college for the first time. That's why DS said "no". Maybe if he just accepts the university's admission offer, then that means he's "matriculated" and can say "yes" and go ahead and apply?

Anyone have any insight on this? Thanks much.

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but he's boarded for AROTC scholarship. (I think "boarded" is the right term, meaning application done, PMS interview done, mile/curl up/pushup test done, now just waiting for the thumbs up or down in early February.)

 

[cb7893]

My DS did Project Go several years ago. My understanding is that the Cadet must be contracted, which doesn't occur until after they arrive on campus sign the papers and pass the APFT.

The later is by no means a given. Your DS should make sure he arrives ready, with proper form, to pass the APFT. He won't get a penny and will be ineligible for CULP, Camps, etc. until he does so.

My DS failed his first APFT when his rater disallowed 3 push-ups for improper form. He had to wait an entire month for a retake. Was unable to apply for CULP.

Congratulations and Best of luck to your son!

 

[NavyNOLA]

While I'm not 100% positive, I'd tell you that the first time a student is eligible is the summer after freshman year. I've worked with a few mids on project GO apps and don't remember any details allowing for students to apply prior to entering ROTC/starting school.

 

[Mnoopk]

Thanks for the info.

 

[clarksonarmy]

My DS did Project Go several years ago. My understanding is that the Cadet must be contracted, which doesn't occur until after they arrive on campus sign the papers and pass the APFT.

Project GO is open to Cadets who haven’t contracted. I suspect it would be a little difficult for them to accommodate someone who hasn’t even started school yet (incoming freshmen), but it can’t hurt to ask. I suggest your Son contact the Project GO program/school directly to ask about applying as an incoming freshman. Since he hasn’t enrolled in Army ROTC class for the fall yet, that may be the sticking point.

 

[Mnoopk]

Okay, thanks. That sounds like what the Indiana U site says: "Incoming IU freshmen enrolled in Fall 2018 ROTC courses"