Is it too late?

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Bricha99

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Nov 28, 2023
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I am a sophomore in college (halfway through sophomore year). I want to join my school's NROTC unit and was wondering if it was too late. I know that I would have to be on scholarship before my junior year to stay in the program and was wondering if this is even possible given how late I am in wanting to join. I would assume it is too late to apply and join for the spring so I would be looking at starting fall of next year (my junior year). Is this even a possibility or should I just try for OCS after graduation?
 
Have you spoken with anyone at the schools NROTC recruiting office? I'm not familiar with Navy, but it certainly can't hurt to go in and meet with them, they would be able to tell you pretty quickly what opportunities they have in their program.
 
Bricha99 said:
Tier 2
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I think your chances can be enhanced if you can get at least 1 calculus or physics class completed by the end of spring semester. The sideload opportunities should be very good for this upcoming summer. I would check in with your unit there and see if you can shadow a Midshipman or attend some of their leadership labs.
 
GWU PNS (emeritus) said:
I think your chances can be enhanced if you can get at least 1 calculus or physics class completed by the end of spring semester. The sideload opportunities should be very good for this upcoming summer. I would check in with your unit there and see if you can shadow a Midshipman or attend some of their leadership labs.
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Thank you! I have already completed Calculus, Chemistry and physics with an A or B in each. So, would I apply directly for the 2 year side load? Or would I apply for the college program first and then the scholarship?
 
Bricha99 said:
Thank you! I have already completed Calculus, Chemistry and physics with an A or B in each. So, would I apply directly for the 2 year side load? Or would I apply for the college program first and then the scholarship?
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That will depend on your unit. From my perspective, the sooner you try to join as a College Programmer, the sooner you can be observed by the Cadre and the stronger the recommendation they can give. Some people are strong academically but weak physically, or vice versa.

So, check with the unit and see what they say. If you are nervous about walking up to that NROTC door, ask a Midshipman to take you their and make introductions.
 
I'm still pretty new to all of this and could be totally wrong but my understanding is that you can be part of ROTC and not be on scholarship.

I know this is true for the Army (my partner is a former XO and PMS). Can't speak to the Navy but I would imagine you don't need to be on scholarship to be part of a unit.

In fact, given how few scholarships are awarded, they HAVE to have cadets who are not on scholarship. But, not all cadets will become commissioned officers.

Now, if your reason for joining NROTC is because you'd like a scholarship, that's different.

In either case, reach out to your school's NROTC unit commander to introduce yourself and express interest. They would be the best source of info.

Good luck!
 
It might not be too late to join for spring. It really depends on the unit. If you already have the Calc and Physics requirement, then you might have a leg up academically to start half way through sophomore year. You would have to have Advanced Standing or a scholarship by junior year.

If accepted, you will need to excel in the unit to show you have honer, courage, and commitment in that semester. If not accepted or if you don't get Advanced Standing or scholarship by next year. OCS is a great path and one you can start planning and working towards even in your Junior year.
 
I know if you were on my campus and contacted me about joining our Army ROTC program this Spring I'd have you signed up for the class in a heartbest. Go see someone at the program ASAP if you are interested!!!
 
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