Joining NROTC as a Sophomore

spencermc

Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2020
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Hey everyone, I'm reapplying for the NROTC National Scholarship for the San Diego Unit, and if that doesn't work out I plan to join as a College Programmer.

Does anyone have any experience joining a Unit a year or two later? What kind of effects does it have on you as a MIDN? Are you really far behind when you join, or are you put on pace with your fellow MIDN?

Also, would you start off as a MIDN 4/C or would you automatically be a MIDN 3/C since you're a sophomore?

Thanks!
 
I'm confused by the post. Reapplying? What year are you in now? A year or 2 later - what are you doing in the meantime?

If I understand what you are saying:
1. you applied as a senior in HS for the NROTC national scholarship last year.
2. You already know you did not get it (which means from last year)
3. now you are a college freshman and reapplying for the national scholarship from college?

Reapplying to the national as a freshman is very possible - a good path. If you are a freshman, though typically you would join NROTC as a college programmer your freshman year, and compete for the National scholarship and/or a sideload scholarship while a college programmer MS/4. That would be your MS-4 year.

If you get the 4 year scholarship, or a sideload, it may kick in for a 3 or 3.5 year scholarship for the remainder of your education. Typically a 3 year as you finish your course of study.
Though, you could do a 5 year eng. degree as someone else stated if you win the 4 year national and use that for years 2-5.

When you start your sophomore year you would be an an MS-3 if you participated as a freshman. If you didn't you would start as an MS-4.
You have to complete all MS-4 - MS-1 years of training, though there is the idea to double up if you wish on some semesters/ years.

I think you may be stating you would not participate in NROTC but apply from the sidelines for a scholarship against those working as college programmers. I hope you're not stating that if you win a scholarship, only then would you join ROTC. If that's the case then for a sideload I would say the chances are ZERO since you're competing against those already in the program and proving themselves/ standing out. If for the national while a non-participating freshman? I honestly don't know if that's even possible, but i would guess again you are competing against people showing up and trying so it would I think come across as insincere/ disinterested - anyone have any guidance or experience? Original poster can you clarify your ask please? thanks.
 
Hey everyone, I'm reapplying for the NROTC National Scholarship for the San Diego Unit, and if that doesn't work out I plan to join as a College Programmer.

Does anyone have any experience joining a Unit a year or two later? What kind of effects does it have on you as a MIDN? Are you really far behind when you join, or are you put on pace with your fellow MIDN?

Also, would you start off as a MIDN 4/C or would you automatically be a MIDN 3/C since you're a sophomore?

Thanks!
Note the following requirement if you are already attending college
Students with 30 or more semester hours or students with 45 or more quarter hours of college credit upon submission of the online application are not eligible for the NROTC National Scholarship. It is recommended that these students contact the Professors of Naval Science at the Host University's NROTC Unit to discuss other scholarship opportunities.
 
You gain nothing from waiting, start talking to the unit about joining as a college programmer now. You will most likely have some catching up to do in terms of your naval science curriculum, and will probably start as a 4/C and then jump to being a 2/C the following year. As long as you're competent and work hard, you won't be at any significant disadvantage.

@kinnem Is correct, a four year scholarship may no longer be possible, but 2 or 3 year scholarships certainly are.

As an aside, there was a MIDN who joined second semester of his sophomore year at my unit a few years back. By first semester of his senior year, he was battalion CO - make of that what you will.
 
Actually, it's not too late to start as a college programmer spring semester if you start the process immediately. You would only need to double up on Naval Science courses one semester and would probably be eligible for leadership roles and scholarship opportunities in the autumn. It generally takes years to build your leadership skills and style. It might also put you under the credit hour requirement.
 
I'm confused by the post. Reapplying? What year are you in now? A year or 2 later - what are you doing in the meantime?

If I understand what you are saying:
1. you applied as a senior in HS for the NROTC national scholarship last year.
2. You already know you did not get it (which means from last year)
3. now you are a college freshman and reapplying for the national scholarship from college?

Reapplying to the national as a freshman is very possible - a good path. If you are a freshman, though typically you would join NROTC as a college programmer your freshman year, and compete for the National scholarship and/or a sideload scholarship while a college programmer MS/4. That would be your MS-4 year.

If you get the 4 year scholarship, or a sideload, it may kick in for a 3 or 3.5 year scholarship for the remainder of your education. Typically a 3 year as you finish your course of study.
Though, you could do a 5 year eng. degree as someone else stated if you win the 4 year national and use that for years 2-5.

When you start your sophomore year you would be an an MS-3 if you participated as a freshman. If you didn't you would start as an MS-4.
You have to complete all MS-4 - MS-1 years of training, though there is the idea to double up if you wish on some semesters/ years.

I think you may be stating you would not participate in NROTC but apply from the sidelines for a scholarship against those working as college programmers. I hope you're not stating that if you win a scholarship, only then would you join ROTC. If that's the case then for a sideload I would say the chances are ZERO since you're competing against those already in the program and proving themselves/ standing out. If for the national while a non-participating freshman? I honestly don't know if that's even possible, but i would guess again you are competing against people showing up and trying so it would I think come across as insincere/ disinterested - anyone have any guidance or experience? Original poster can you clarify your ask please? thanks.
Note the following requirement if you are already attending college
Yes sorry let me clarify:

I am currently a College Freshman in my first Semester at SDSU.

I did apply for the NROTC Scholarship last year, but did not receive it.

I didn't hear about College Program until a few weeks after final deadline (Still tried applying for it anyways, but was told it was too late)

I am reapplying for the NROTC National Scholarship even though I am NOT Associated with NROTC (I will still be taking the course second semester, just not an affiliate with NROTC)

Even if I don't get the scholarship, I still plan to join through the College Program

After finishing this semester, I will have around 16~18 college credits. Correct me if im wrong, but I believe that means I still qualify for the Scholarship?
 
Actually, it's not too late to start as a college programmer spring semester if you start the process immediately. You would only need to double up on Naval Science courses one semester and would probably be eligible for leadership roles and scholarship opportunities in the autumn. It generally takes years to build your leadership skills and style. It might also put you under the credit hour requirement.
I did not know this- I'm going to talk with the COC at my unit and see if they'll let me. I was under the impression that I had to wait till next year
 
Yes sorry let me clarify:

I am currently a College Freshman in my first Semester at SDSU.

I did apply for the NROTC Scholarship last year, but did not receive it.

I didn't hear about College Program until a few weeks after final deadline (Still tried applying for it anyways, but was told it was too late)

I am reapplying for the NROTC National Scholarship even though I am NOT Associated with NROTC (I will still be taking the course second semester, just not an affiliate with NROTC)

Even if I don't get the scholarship, I still plan to join through the College Program

After finishing this semester, I will have around 16~18 college credits. Correct me if im wrong, but I believe that means I still qualify for the Scholarship?
Yes you would be eligible to apply based on the credit hour limitations.
 
I did not know this- I'm going to talk with the COC at my unit and see if they'll let me. I was under the impression that I had to wait till next year
You do not. Go talk with them now. Even if for some weird reason I can't fathom they make you wait until next year, it doesn't hurt to be first in line.

Also good idea to take sea power next semester regardless, then you'll just have to catch up on Intro to Naval Science which is a cakewalk.
 
You do not. Go talk with them now. Even if for some weird reason I can't fathom they make you wait until next year, it doesn't hurt to be first in line.

Also good idea to take sea power next semester regardless, then you'll just have to catch up on Intro to Naval Science which is a cakewalk.
Also look at the SD consortium website. There are direct contacts with specific instructions and time periods. That said: I know they have recently (last week) run recruiting meetings on campus at some member campuses.
 
Also look at the SD consortium website. There are direct contacts with specific instructions and time periods. That said: I know they have recently (last week) run recruiting meetings on campus at some member campuses.
Which campuses? I know SDSU has been shut down due to COVID-19, so I don't think it could have been there
 
You do not. Go talk with them now. Even if for some weird reason I can't fathom they make you wait until next year, it doesn't hurt to be first in line.

Also good idea to take sea power next semester regardless, then you'll just have to catch up on Intro to Naval Science which is a cakewalk.
Who do you recommend I talk to? I emailed the incoming student advisor asking if I could join for Spring Semester.
 
Yes sorry let me clarify:

I am currently a College Freshman in my first Semester at SDSU.

I did apply for the NROTC Scholarship last year, but did not receive it.

I didn't hear about College Program until a few weeks after final deadline (Still tried applying for it anyways, but was told it was too late)

I am reapplying for the NROTC National Scholarship even though I am NOT Associated with NROTC (I will still be taking the course second semester, just not an affiliate with NROTC)

Even if I don't get the scholarship, I still plan to join through the College Program

After finishing this semester, I will have around 16~18 college credits. Correct me if im wrong, but I believe that means I still qualify for the Scholarship?
Thanks for clarifying. Great. Sounds like per added updates you are engaged with the SD consortium and actively exploring ways to start your NROTC training. Keep your grades up, get your application in , stay/ get fit. Sounds like you'll be starting in the Spring. Thanks for your willingness to serve- best of luck to you.
 
Who do you recommend I talk to? I emailed the incoming student advisor asking if I could join for Spring Semester.
Based off of their website that seems to be the person to talk to. I would recommend trying to schedule a meeting to talk with them either in person or over zoom, based off of what your school is doing/restrictions in place.
 
Who do you recommend I talk to? I emailed the incoming student advisor asking if I could join for Spring Semester.
Try working the phones. Your email may end up in someone's spam folder and they won't necessarily see it.
 
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