NROTC Acceptance & Scholarship Questions

[Capt MJ]

Thank you for your time. This is very reassuring and only makes my decision a million times harder . I was definitely wrong about “first hired last fired.” I will be taking my applicant fitness assessments for NROTC next week and all I can do for now is hope, wait, wait, and wait…

Keep at it. Your brain, gut and heart will eventually synch up and lead you to a decision.

Good luck on your NROTC physical assessment.

 

[GWU PNS (emeritus)]

From what I understand, academy graduates are first hired and last fired . What I’m worried about in ROTC is can I still serve a full 20 years?

When I read something like that, it makes me think your research may not be quite as extensive as you think it is. Noone in the naval service who applies themselves needs to be worried about making it to the 20 year point.

The Service academies are "full immersion" in a military setting. You wear the uniform wayyyyy more than ROTC counterparts. NROTC folks get more freedom to include overseas opportunities like Project GO. The debate will rage on forever. Each person chooses what fits for them. But the decision should be more than simply which offers more money.

 

[k.guillot]

When I read something like that, it makes me think your research may not be quite as extensive as you think it is. Noone in the naval service who applies themselves needs to be worried about making it to the 20 year point.

The Service academies are "full immersion" in a military setting. You wear the uniform wayyyyy more than ROTC counterparts. NROTC folks get more freedom to include overseas opportunities like Project GO. The debate will rage on forever. Each person chooses what fits for them. But the decision should be more than simply which offers more money.

I completely understand. I know I’m making it sound a lot like the money but I’m definitely questioning the career opportunities more than the money. I understand that the academies are a more immersive experience into the military while both provide equally amazing opportunities. Thank you for the clarification.

 

[Capt MJ]

“first hired and last fired” - what?! Please go research primary sources and take anecdotal comments and other informal insights with a big helping of salt.

Once commissioned, all are at the same rank, same pay (unless they have some prior service time), same benefits, same opportunities to advance and serve, same kinds of jobs, etc.

No one cares where you were commissioned while you are serving - it’s performance, performance, performance that will move you forward, and your sailors don’t give a rat’s patootie where you got a degree and a commission. Your people will want fair and consistent leadership, a good workplace culture and appreciation for their hard work.

My usual thing I say here (26 year Navy career, 2 CO roles, and oh yes, a product of Navy OCS), is that after years of observing seniors, peers and junior officers, the SA grads are by far the most professionally prepared to succeed as an officer, a benefit of that immersion environment, already being on active duty (except for USMMA) and the huge exposure to senior officers and enlisted, plus the training opportunities. NROTC folks are no dummies, get excellent professional training, are exposed to officers and enlisted on a smaller scale, and are ahead in life management skills in terms of managing college life, apartments, rents, food, bills, etc. They are also very well prepared. OCS folks are cherry-picked in a highly competitive way to round out the new Ensign ranks in any given year; they are no dummies either. After 1-2 years, the “Service Academy effect” wears off, and it’s down to competitive performance at an even level. The Navy tells you how long you get to stay in the service; if you fail to promote at certain career points, out you go. Did I mention performance, performance, performance?

Whether you stay your minimum obligated service years or a 20-30 year career (no one knows how that is actually going to unfold for them, despite early thoughts), as a veteran, you earn the same rights and benefits as any other commissioning source.

I will grant the bond among SA classmates and grads is awesome to behold, which can certainly be beneficial in later civilian careers. Military people and veterans share a common, appreciative bond - you’ll see it in the joking and inside references here on SAF - but the SA folks share something quite unique, and it is a special thing for them. The pain, discomfort and unending suck factor of the SA bonds them, and then they all go work for the same “company.” They hold each other up and stay tightly knit decades after graduation.

Keep thinking about these things. You nice you have actual offers of SA appointment in hand, then you can decide.

Siri somehow changed “once” into “you nice.”

 

[goirish1]

Continue to perform a deeper dive on your research so that you are prepared once you know what opportunities present themselves whether it's an SA or ROTC. And if none of those come to fruition consider yourself blessed that you have an opportunity to attend Notre Dame.

I will share the following. Both my son's are Notre Dame grads and were NROTC. Both went Naval Aviation. Once commissioned, the source of commissioning whether NROTC or SA didn't matter. It's really about your own performance and leadership and work ethic. Both have really close friends that graduated SA.

 

[k.guillot]

Continue to perform a deeper dive on your research so that you are prepared once you know what opportunities present themselves whether it's an SA or ROTC. And if none of those come to fruition consider yourself blessed that you have an opportunity to attend Notre Dame.

I will share the following. Both my son's are Notre Dame grads and were NROTC. Both went Naval Aviation. Once commissioned, the source of commissioning whether NROTC or SA didn't matter. It's really about your own performance and leadership and work ethic. Both have really close friends that graduated SA.

Thank you so much for the insight. As of now, I am finishing things up on my NROTC application to Notre Dame and trying to have all of my info submitted by the next board meeting on December 12th. After hearing peoples stories, if Notre Dame comes through with the NROTC scholarship, I will likely take the offer.

 

[Capt MJ]

Thank you so much for the insight. As of now, I am finishing things up on my NROTC application to Notre Dame and trying to have all of my info submitted by the next board meeting on December 12th. After hearing peoples stories, if Notre Dame comes through with the NROTC scholarship, I will likely take the offer.

Be clear on the fact you have applied for the national NROTC scholarship, which is independent of Notre Dame - they don’t “come through” on this program, but they will no doubt happily take the scholarship funds if you win one and decide to attend. If you are awarded one, you can use it as discussed above.

 

[k.guillot]

Be clear on the fact you have applied for the national NROTC scholarship, which is independent of Notre Dame - they don’t “come through” on this program, but they will no doubt happily take the scholarship funds if you win one and decide to attend. If you are awarded one, you can use it as discussed above.

Okay makes sense. I really wonder what my chances are of getting this NROTC scholarship because my ACT does not match the average for Notre Dames 32-35 average ACT scores.

 

[MidCakePa]

I really wonder what my chances are of getting this NROTC scholarship because my ACT does not match the average for Notre Dames 32-35 average ACT scores.

@k.guillot, I say this with respect and at the risk of piling on: You seem to be doing a lot of handwringing about your ACT score and Notre Dame. The fact is, Notre Dame for whatever reason has found you worthy of a scholarship. Your role is not to question that.

Instead, your role is to spend more meaningful time doing more extensive research of primary sources. It seems you haven’t done that because you refer to Notre Dame giving you an ROTC scholarship (among other things). That’s an elementary misunderstanding. So when I see that, I wonder about what else you don’t fully understand — especially about what it means to have an ROTC scholarship, what it obligates you to do after college, and exactly what that entails.

As others have said above, take some initiative to fully understand what you’re getting into. This is not simply about money.

 

[justdoit19]

Okay makes sense. I really wonder what my chances are of getting this NROTC scholarship because my ACT does not match the average for Notre Dames 32-35 average ACT scores.

Also at the risk of piling on, I also don’t get the vibe that you are versed in what your scholarships really are all about. HAVE you read everything on the ROTC scholarship website???? If so, you should understand that at this point, there is no tie to Notre Dame, in the eyes of NROTC, for the award of a national high school NROTC scholarship. You compete nationally, against other applicants, and your award goes with you to XXX school, that you have to gain acceptance to (you have done this piece) should you be awarded one.

In some cases, a student has a NROTC award in hand, but is not accepted to their first choice school. I know that’s not your case, but making a point that xxx school and NROTC are not necessarily tied to each other. Very different than your Posse program, which looks to me from briefly looking at the program, that the school (Notre Dame) and the Posse scholarship ARE tied very closely together.

You are wise to be concerned about academics. It’s an important piece of the overall 4 years: from ROTC scholarship award, to maintaining standards required per the agreement within the scholarship. IDK what all those standards are, but every year, there are people here having to make hard decisions about what/how to proceed at XXX university without the scholarship $$, due to separation (ie: a medical issue, GPA/grades, etc).

Keep digging and understanding. But get it from the actual places that run the programs. It’s very important to clearly understand the details. For example, even with a NROTC award, are you aware that it’s not fully earned/awarded until passing a rigorous summer physical program the summer before? Every year, kids drop out.

After everything is complete, continue to work on alternate plans, should you not receive an appointment, or an ROTC scholarship. For example, ca you ‘walk on’, at Notre Dame, and ‘receive a scholarship’ later on?? I’ll leave that as a rhetorical question

 

[k.guillot]

Also at the risk of piling on, I also don’t get the vibe that you are versed in what your scholarships really are all about. HAVE you read everything on the ROTC scholarship website???? If so, you should understand that at this point, there is no tie to Notre Dame, in the eyes of NROTC, for the award of a national high school NROTC scholarship. You compete nationally, against other applicants, and your award goes with you to XXX school, that you have to gain acceptance to (you have done this piece) should you be awarded one.

In some cases, a student has a NROTC award in hand, but is not accepted to their first choice school. I know that’s not your case, but making a point that xxx school and NROTC are not tied to each other. Very different than your Posse program, which looks to me from briefly looking at the program, that the school (Notre Dame) and their scholarship ARE tied very closely together.

You are wise to be concerned about academics. It’s an important piece of the overall 4 years: from ROTC scholarship award, to maintaining standards required per the agreement within the scholarship. IDK what all those standards are, but every year, there are people here having to make hard decisions about what/how to proceed at XXX university without the scholarship $$, due to separation (ie: a medical issue, GPA/grades, etc).

Keep digging and understanding. But get it from the actual places that run the programs. It’s very important to clearly understand the details. For example, even with a NROTC award, are you aware that it’s not fully earned/awarded until passing a rigorous summer physical program the summer before? Every year, kids drop out.

Lastly, after everything is complete, continue to work on alternate plans. Should you not receive an appointment, or an ROTC scholarship.

Can you ‘walk on’, at Notre Dame, and ‘receive a scholarship’ later on?? I’ll leave that as a rhetorical question

I have done more research on the NROTC program and submitted my application last night. As of now, my biggest concern is maintaining the academic requirements in college. I am very physically capable and believe that I can make it through the torture of the summer program. I believe that whatever choice I make will work out. As of now, I am definitely leaning towards Notre Dame.

 

[Jabor3]

My son's NROTC application became complete early last week and he was told by his recruiter that he'll be in the December board, which starts meeting (I think) tomorrow. His portal, which had been "Your application is at NETC for final processing and selection determination" for a long time just changed (since Friday) to "No decision has been made on your application". He hasn't been boarded yet I don't think, but what I've learned in this forum is that the "No decision" status means he is an alternate. Maybe some sort of preliminary cut was made. So I was wondering if "No decision" always means Alternate status?

Very grateful it's not a No outright, regardless. And okay waiting however long it takes if he is an alternate and therefore won't find out for several months. But this is all new to me so just wondering if this status always = alternate. Or might it show as this right *before* being boarded? Thank you.

 

[hopjop]

My son's NROTC application became complete early last week and he was told by his recruiter that he'll be in the December board, which starts meeting (I think) tomorrow. His portal, which had been "Your application is at NETC for final processing and selection determination" for a long time just changed (since Friday) to "No decision has been made on your application". He hasn't been boarded yet I don't think, but what I've learned in this forum is that the "No decision" status means he is an alternate. Maybe some sort of preliminary cut was made. So I was wondering if "No decision" always means Alternate status?

Very grateful it's not a No outright, regardless. And okay waiting however long it takes if he is an alternate and therefore won't find out for several months. But this is all new to me so just wondering if this status always = alternate. Or might it show as this right *before* being boarded? Thank you.

My son was in exactly same situation. We had his packet done early Sept and for whatever reason it wasn’t in the right hands in time for the the Oct board, which was our goal. The status of his portal was exactly as yours - it changed from processing to no decision was made before the Nov board and he was notified a couple weeks after Nov board that he received the scholarship. So, long story short, no decision has been made doesn’t necessarily mean he’s an alternate. Hope you hear good news after Dec board.

 

[Jabor3]

@hopjop this is very helpful — thank you!

 

[PLC007]

My son was in exactly same situation. We had his packet done early Sept and for whatever reason it wasn’t in the right hands in time for the the Oct board, which was our goal. The status of his portal was exactly as yours - it changed from processing to no decision was made before the Nov board and he was notified a couple weeks after Nov board that he received the scholarship. So, long story short, no decision has been made doesn’t necessarily mean he’s an alternate. Hope you hear good news after Dec board.

@Jabor3 , I concur with @hopjop. Similar situation with my DS.

 

[GWU PNS (emeritus)]

As soon as the recruiting officer forwards the letters of rec and transcripts and other items, and assuming whomever conducted the officer interview submitted their interview sheet to Great Lakes, then the portal should reflect that no decision has been made. That simply means it has been put in a pile about to be boarded, or in some cases, it could have been in front of a board but not yet selected.

There are no early decisions made because every board has to be sworn in and attest that they understand the rules.

So jumping ahead to the next question for this particular board which has not been asked yet for this year. If the board wraps up at the end of the week, will the results be out by Christmas? The chances are very good, but sometimes holiday leave and travel plans can disrupt the tender fabric of the cosmos. I can promise that all the board members are aware of the keen interest in rapid results being promulgated. I have 4 of my interviewees being reviewed for this next board and I am already feeling their eyes staring through me.

I am not sitting on this board so I won't know any sooner than folks here (well.....maybe just a bit sooner )

 

[MCL]

Good morning, I am not certain this is the correct forum to write in, but other questions pertaining to ISR scholarships are from 2016 and 2019. DS was told he received ISR, and the paperwork was sent out in November. He was told he and the CO would be told via email when it was finalized/approved. I am confused about how this notification and placement work. First, how long does it take to receive the "official" email? Second, if schools do not notify students about admission until the spring, will he not receive an official confirmation about his scholarship until then? I appreciate any guidance. I am hesitant to believe this is happening until we see something in writing. Thank you

 

[ProudDad17]

Good morning, I am not certain this is the correct forum to write in, but other questions pertaining to ISR scholarships are from 2016 and 2019. DS was told he received ISR, and the paperwork was sent out in November. He was told he and the CO would be told via email when it was finalized/approved. I am confused about how this notification and placement work. First, how long does it take to receive the "official" email? Second, if schools do not notify students about admission until the spring, will he not receive an official confirmation about his scholarship until then? I appreciate any guidance. I am hesitant to believe this is happening until we see something in writing. Thank you

Here is a more recent thread about the ISR process: https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/nrotc-isr.87798/#post-913574

In my DS case from 2016, he was told he was being awarded an ISR the first week of September. The official notification and school placement updated in his portal mid-November. Timing may vary a bit, depending on board dates. Even though the ISR has been awarded, the board still needs to review the application to be sure everything is in order and all qualifications are met and for unit placement. Unit placement has nothing to do with admission by the university. These are two completely separate processes. You can have a scholarship in hand and placed at a university before being admitted to that university. In some cases, the scholarship may help with Admissions, but not always. If this is a question you have, it is best to contact the unit where the scholarship is placed. If for some reason your DS is not admitted to the university where the scholarship is placed, there is a process in place to request the scholarship be moved to a university where he is admitted.

 

[flightdeck]

Anybody have any information, comments and/or insight on NROTC at Villanova University?

 

[hopjop]

Anybody have any information, comments and/or insight on NROTC at Villanova University?

My understanding is it’s one of the best units. My son went to their summer NROTC 4 day “camp” this past summer and loved it. Big, tight-knit. It made my son’s top 3 for school applications because of their unit.