Is ROTC Consulting legit?

MidCakePa said:
Don’t know anything about the consulting service you mention. But I do know — after watching DD and DS successfully navigate the ROTC scholarship process for three branches — that any reasonably intelligent and diligent candidate can do it on their own.

It requires attention to detail, time management and careful planning. You need to be all over the deadlines and fine print. You need to coordinate the various inputs. You need to take personal responsibility for everything happening as required and on time.

Many candidates navigate multiple ROTC applications simultaneously with multiple SA applications and MOC nom applications. This entails all the skills critical to being a successful ROTC cadet/mid and AD officer. It can be done solo — lean in, bear down! (Again, not commenting one way or another on any consulting service. They may be just fine.)
Click to expand...
I second that, I did both NROTC, USNA, and all possible applications for nominations. Was it a little stressful... yes? However, I gained a lot from doing the whole process on my own and I would suggest anyone that legitimate wants to join these programs should try to do the same.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Contrary to the belief of many, there is no calculus on the SAT.
Click to expand...
The College Board offers two SAT Subject Tests in math: Math 1 and Math 2. Math 1 is designed for those who've taken two years of algebra and one year of geometry, while Math 2 targets those who've also taken precalculus/trigonometry. Although they cover many of the same topics, Math 1 involves more tricky applications of math concepts since the scope of the exam is narrower.
 
Banzaipipeline said:
The College Board offers two SAT Subject Tests in math: Math 1 and Math 2. Math 1 is designed for those who've taken two years of algebra and one year of geometry, while Math 2 targets those who've also taken precalculus/trigonometry. Although they cover many of the same topics, Math 1 involves more tricky applications of math concepts since the scope of the exam is narrower.
Click to expand...
College Board eliminated Subject Tests...right?
 
Banzaipipeline said:
The College Board offers two SAT Subject Tests in math: Math 1 and Math 2. Math 1 is designed for those who've taken two years of algebra and one year of geometry, while Math 2 targets those who've also taken precalculus/trigonometry. Although they cover many of the same topics, Math 1 involves more tricky applications of math concepts since the scope of the exam is narrower.
Click to expand...
The SAT used for Service Academy and ROTC applications does not use or require calculus. The typical applicant takes the SATs beginning in Junior Year and that is before many of them have even had calculus (and plenty don't take it until they are AT the Service Academy).
My older son got a score over 700 on the SAT math while he was in 7th grade - test administered for entry into a G&T program. He hadn't had calculus OR geometry and only about a month of algebra at the time.
Nr 2 son took initial SAT as a Sophomore, long before he'd had 2nd yr algebra or even the 2nd half of geometry and score mid-700's. Currently Chief Eng of an SSBN after graduating USNA with an ENG degree. No SAT Math subject tests though.
 
I had three kids received NROTC and AFROTC scholarships without paying for any consulting about the processes. We know of many classmates and acquaintances who also recevied ROTC scholarships without the aid of an ROTC consultant. All you need to do is use the advice and forums here to find answers and ask questions (which is what we did). If you want to pay for consulting, hire someone to edit your college essays, especially if you want to apply to the selective schools.
Good luck!
 
PaigeMasto said:
Thanks for all the replies! It's a bit overwhelming and I hear lots of mixed advice. So I just wanted to make sure my efforts are being maximized in the right direction.
Click to expand...
The tours will help a lot. The process seemed overwhelming at first but as my ds started completing steps, we saw that it was manageable.

I think money spend on SAT/ACT prep is well spent if that is a concern. DS#1 (hs senior right now) didn't need prep as he had solid scores (1400+) with only a little self-study. His scores were high enough to earn both AFROTC and AROTC 4 yrs on the first board in Oct. DS#2 (current sophomore) will likely need test-taking prep just because he isn't as natural. He is solid on the material but was slow taking the PSAT this fall. We've started doing Khan Academy but if his practice tests don't show improvement, a strategy class should be beneficial to him. We have several friends that did prep classes and were able to improve scores by over a hundred points. DS#2 needs good scores not only for ROTC scholarships and/or SA admission, but also for entrance into Texas A&M (his first choice ROTC school).
 
There are legit in that you will get good advice and prep work. Overpriced in that you can get most of what they offer for free from talking to a ROO at an Army ROTC program. Your biggest weakness is your SAT score. You need to get it to at least 1250 if possible for a National Scholarship.
 
I personally don't think it's worth paying. None of the MIDN in my class did so and we were all awarded scholarships !
 
We hired them and found it was a good value - LTC Kirkland is a good, relatable guy, cuts to the chase and knows all the ins and outs. He provided real value - my DS has an AROTC three year scholarship offer and is waiting to hear on a NROTC MO scholarship, his first choice. He is especially helpful on Army ROTC and the academies. I think his fee was worth it, not only from the perspective of helping my DS but when you consider the value of a scholarship from an economic point of view, it does not take much of an improvement in your chances to make it worthwhile. At any rate, I think (and my DS agrees) it was a good idea to get his help.

My DS has a 3.7 GPA, does a lot of sports but his school is too small to have football and that sort of thing - he is a skier, rock climber and mountain biker. His SAT was low - 1130. He had a perfect score on the Army fitness test and a 294 on the Marines PFT. Some good leadership positions but these are limited at his tiny (120 students) school. I am sure he aced his interviews - he wants this very badly and comes across as a sincere, patriotic and likable kid, and has read a lot of history, especially the Marines, and generally knows his stuff. I think LTC Kirkland helped tune his pitch to optimize his strengths, plus he provided a road map, practice interviews and so on. For perfect candidates you likely do not need the help, but anything less, if you can afford it, I think it is a good value.
 
unkown1961 said:
I had three kids received NROTC and AFROTC scholarships without paying for any consulting about the processes. We know of many classmates and acquaintances who also recevied ROTC scholarships without the aid of an ROTC consultant. All you need to do is use the advice and forums here to find answers and ask questions (which is what we did). If you want to pay for consulting, hire someone to edit your college essays, especially if you want to apply to the selective schools.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks!
 
We paid only $15.00 for a NROTC PDF Essay and Interview question prep guide.
Alot of great info that would have taken some time scouring google. So I think it’s worth it, even if DS doesn’t get awarded the Nurse Option Scholarship.
 
The same information is available and free. You pay for convenience.and experience
 
Last edited:
Spend your money on an SAT/ACT tutor. And make sure you find a good one. Ask to see their test results. I found one for my kids who received a perfect score.
 
I am going to go against the grain. Most of the people who say you should do it on your own have kids who got scholarships either through Rotc or the academies. From what I read most are 4.0 GPA students with high test scores. They still need to compete against other 4.0 students, but they are at the top of GPA score board (for the most part) They are right that you can do it on your own and you probably should. Having said that, us folks who arent straight-A students with non optimal SAT/ACT scores sometimes need some help. These private college coaches or in your case a Rotc consultant can sometimes make a difference. I have no idea who the person you referred to and i have no idea if he can help you. These coaches have the best results when they start with you when you are a freshman or sophomore. Most people go to them when they are entering senior year or in senior year where there isn't much they can do. It wouldn't hurt to talk to them and ask questions on what they can do for you. It shouldn't cost you anything to discuss these issues. If you think they may help, go for it and if not walk away.
 
Humey said:
I am going to go against the grain. Most of the people who say you should do it on your own have kids who got scholarships either through Rotc or the academies. From what I read most are 4.0 GPA students with high test scores. They still need to compete against other 4.0 students, but they are at the top of GPA score board (for the most part) They are right that you can do it on your own and you probably should. Having said that, us folks who arent straight-A students with non optimal SAT/ACT scores sometimes need some help. These private college coaches or in your case a Rotc consultant can sometimes make a difference. I have no idea who the person you referred to and i have no idea if he can help you. These coaches have the best results when they start with you when you are a freshman or sophomore. Most people go to them when they are entering senior year or in senior year where there isn't much they can do. It wouldn't hurt to talk to them and ask questions on what they can do for you. It shouldn't cost you anything to discuss these issues. If you think they may help, go for it and if not walk away.
Click to expand...
You absolutely have a point regarding the coaches, however, I can personally say that I do not have a 4.0 GPA. I think many people here still have a point regardless of GPA and test scores. There are already plenty of free resources, including this forum, which can provide a wealth of information without any monetary cost. Local ROTC cadre and cadets, recruiters, this forum, and a wealth of resources exist to help support people throughout this process. If you have the money, I doubt a coach would hurt, but I believe that avoiding unnecessary spending is useful. You'd be surprised at how willing so many people are to help. I had offers from various sources to help me with career choices, physical fitness, and I found helpful advice from these forums. Another example would be some advice I received from Air Force Special Warfare recruiter regarding physical fitness, which definitely helped me to improve my pull-up ability. Of course, ultimately the person best positioned to make a final conclusion is the OP, as they know their overall position best.
 
Lambda said:
You absolutely have a point regarding the coaches, however, I can personally say that I do not have a 4.0 GPA. I think many people here still have a point regardless of GPA and test scores. There are already plenty of free resources, including this forum, which can provide a wealth of information without any monetary cost. Local ROTC cadre and cadets, recruiters, this forum, and a wealth of resources exist to help support people throughout this process. If you have the money, I doubt a coach would hurt, but I believe that avoiding unnecessary spending is useful. You'd be surprised at how willing so many people are to help. I had offers from various sources to help me with career choices, physical fitness, and I found helpful advice from these forums. Another example would be some advice I received from Air Force Special Warfare recruiter regarding physical fitness, which definitely helped me to improve my pull-up ability. Of course, ultimately the person best positioned to make a final conclusion is the OP, as they know their overall position best.
Click to expand...
You are absolutely right in everything you said. All the info is out there and yes there are people who are willing to help for free. Sometimes depending on the circumstances, an expert doesn't hurt. For example, we have on this forum Larry Mullen (sorry if i spelled it wrong) who works with DOdMERB ( i think) and not only does he give advice but he looks into the waivers and such when people contact him. Obviously, he does it for free and since no one in government has asked him to be involved in this website, he does it out of the goodness of his heart (not being sarcastic ). My point is that his expertise regardless of it being free is still valuable. If he were to retire, he would still be a great resource if he was free or not. Sometimes you need an edge. Do these Rotc coaches make any difference, I have no idea. I do know those private college counselors can make a difference as i have used them for my kids.
 
Humey said:
You are absolutely right in everything you said. All the info is out there and yes there are people who are willing to help for free. Sometimes depending on the circumstances, an expert doesn't hurt. For example, we have on this forum Larry Mullen (sorry if i spelled it wrong) who works with DOdMERB ( i think) and not only does he give advice but he looks into the waivers and such when people contact him. Obviously, he does it for free and since no one in government has asked him to be involved in this website, he does it out of the goodness of his heart (not being sarcastic ). My point is that his expertise regardless of it being free is still valuable. If he were to retire, he would still be a great resource if he was free or not. Sometimes you need an edge. Do these Rotc coaches make any difference, I have no idea. I do know those private college counselors can make a difference as i have used them for my kids.
Click to expand...
Yes, you certainly have a point. It is OP's and OP's parents' choice to decide if they can afford the money and whether it will be the most useful choice. I think personally that OP would benefit more from investing in SAT prep rather than learning more about the ROTC process. It seems like the SAT is the biggest weakness in this case, as long as the GPA remains consistent and sports participation and leadership roles are present. It would seem like a waste to pay someone to simply tell you to strengthen your SAT. There are also interviews to consider of course, and it's great to prepare yourself, but in my personal experience, you can easily have strong interviews by preparing, rehearsing, and using online resources. Perhaps the most confusing thing about the process is navigating the portal, but I also believe that this forum can provide the answers to all sorts of questions regarding the portal. I also strongly agree with you that the usefulness of such coaches is greatly limited as you are older, as there's less time to try and follow their advice. Junior year is almost over, so OP is quite close to senior year. Perhaps a summer spent on SAT prep and then taking the test in October or August would be the best course of action. That's just my suggestion of course.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top