NROTC Essay Questions

[wannabeplebe]

On the NROTC application, under the Essays tab, there are about 4 main fields to fill in. The first being the essay about why you want to be an officer, etc. and that allows for 2500 characters. However, the two following - one about living abroad and the other about diversity in your family situation, both allow for 2500 characters also. I was curious about how much they want for these two essays (other than no more than 2500 characters). Are they meant to be actual well-formed essays with introductions, conclusions, etc. as is the first? I answered both questions, detailing what they specifically asked in the questions but not much more and I'm at about 500-600 for each. Is there a point where being concise works against you or do they just allow the same character count as the main essay in case someone has a very in-depth problem/situation they must describe?

 

[wannabeplebe]

Bumping this because I'm very close to submitting my application but would like to get this cleared up first. Any help much appreciated!!

 

[eljay60]

I don't think anyone here can help with this - anyone on the admissions board can't ethically tell you what you are looking for, and the rest of us have no clue what content they want, or if the character count matters. Since the essays are tweaked periodically, what worked four years ago - or even last year - for a winning applicant may have no bearing today. Proofread, proofread, proofread, and don't trust spellcheck - 'fare' and 'fair' are both legitimate words with multiple meanings, so be sure you are using the correct one. Good luck!

 

[kinnem]

Keep in mind, beside the content of your answer, they are also looking at your ability to write and express yourself, including grammar.

 

[cuckleCake1783]

On the NROTC application, under the Essays tab, there are about 4 main fields to fill in. The first being the essay about why you want to be an officer, etc. and that allows for 2500 characters. However, the two following - one about living abroad and the other about diversity in your family situation, both allow for 2500 characters also. I was curious about how much they want for these two essays (other than no more than 2500 characters). Are they meant to be actual well-formed essays with introductions, conclusions, etc. as is the first? I answered both questions, detailing what they specifically asked in the questions but not much more and I'm at about 500-600 for each. Is there a point where being concise works against you or do they just allow the same character count as the main essay in case someone has a very in-depth problem/situation they must describe?

Maybe we can proof read your essay or DM it.

 

[USMCGrunt]

OP: No one here can provide a definitive response.

From the application checklist pdf you are advised as follows: " You are required to compose your own statements. You should think carefully about what you wish to say and attempt to answer the question or discuss an issue as concisely and completely as possible. You will be required to sign a statement that certifies that the statements are original work and that you composed them yourself. These are short essay questions that should consist of one to two paragraphs with 250-500 words."

My opinion is that you should compose the very best response in the most concise manner without exceeding 2,500 characters.

Consider one of the shortest poems ever written entitled "Fleas" by Strickland Gillilan. The poem reads in full: Adam had 'em.
Nothing more to say!