NROTC ISR-Help!

eaab08

eaab08

USNA C/O 2025
Joined
Aug 13, 2020
Messages
106
HELP! I recently applied for an NROTC scholarship. My recruiter offered an ISR, and while on a phone call with her she started bringing up a contract. I asked if it was binding, and she asked me to explain further. I told her that I was applying to other ROTC programs as well as USAFA and USNA , and I didn't want to exclude myself from these. She said that this changed the ISR and they wouldn't want to give it to somebody who wouldn't use it. This is very worrying, because of course I'd like it but I don't want to miss out on other opportunities too. The option she gave was to commit or go via the selection boards. However, now I'm worried that if I do this I might not get into any ROTC scholarships or any service academies. That wouldn't be the end of the world since I can always reapply/ do college program but still I'd like to avoid it seeing as I currently have a scholarship offer. Has anybody had a similar experience? If I decline the ISR do I have strong chances via the selection boards? I told her I'd like to think about it because I didn't want to say anything else that might hurt my chances further, I'm worried they might already pull it back since I've voiced my concern.
Note: I think there was a thread with a similar gist as this one but I couldn't find it + don't remember what happened.
 

NROTC ISR - Impact on Academy Appointments

My DS has been invited to an Immediate Scholarship Reservation (ISR) interview. If that goes well - and he meets the requirements - it is my understanding that he could be offered an ISR - which is a binding contract to accept the Navy ROTC Scholarship. My question is - how does / would this...
www.serviceacademyforums.com

I found this thread which says it's non-binding. Why would she not just say this? Should I call back and ask for it back before they change their mind?
 
I just had an interview with my regional commander for an ISR too. I had the interview this past Friday and also signed the contract on Friday. Unlike you, I am only applying for the NROTC scholarship and the Naval Academy(West Point too but I would take the NRTOC scholarship over WP if the scholarship was at one of my top three schools- which I was told it would be as long as I got into them). When I talked to the commander he said that signing the contract meant that if I did not get into a service academy I would be required to take the scholarship.

When I talked to my recruiter afterward he pointed out that there is actually a clause in the contract stating that it is not binding. The contract is based on an honor code system. If you sign it, you are expected to take the scholarship unless you receive an appointment to a service academy. I knew for sure on Friday that if I didn't get into the Naval Academy I would take the scholarship. If I did get into the academy, it would be a tough choice, so I signed. If you are uncertain take some time and think about it, if you can't say for sure that an NROTC scholarship is what you want then signing may not be the right option.

In regards to your chances vis a vis the selection boards you most certainly have a good chance. The commander of your region chose you because you were an outstanding candidate and they wanted to ensure you received a scholarship. That means you have a great chance with the board but if you don't have the CO recommendation it is not a 100% thing.

I think the reason she would say that is because they only have four slots(at least in my district) and they want to be sure that those four slots are going to someone who is actually interested in the program. If you have five other plans and NROTC is plan F they want to know that so they can give the slot to someone who has NROTC as plan A or B.
 
It may not be binding if you receive an academy appointment, but if you accept an ISR your ROTC application is removed from the applicant pool. This is standard procedure for an ISR which requires you to use the scholarship. If you are not certain you are going to use it, then they do not offer it, so to speak.

You have a choice to make. The bird in the hand or the birds in the bush. Nothing wrong with either decision, especially if you believe you'll be unhappy accepting the ISR.
 
It is not binding. My daughter accepted (it was offered early in Sept.) and she later declined because she went with the AFROTC award. But the reaction you received is understandable given what you mentioned to the recruiter. These are selective and the local office only has one or two to offer, so they want to present it to someone they're confident will use it. That conversation never came up in the interview/conversation with the commander who offered it to my daughter (I was invited to the meeting and was present).
 
Gah, I hate making tough decisions like these. I really hate to "throw away" a scholarship opportunity, but I might have to here. In most scenarios I'd have no problem accepting, but there's one unlikely case where I go to a school with no on-campus NROTC but an AROTC program.
Don't really want to break the honor code, not my style. I guess with this info I'll have to decline and hope I get accepted into one of the academies or ROTC programs.
 
eaab08 said:
Gah, I hate making tough decisions like these. I really hate to "throw away" a scholarship opportunity, but I might have to here. In most scenarios I'd have no problem accepting, but there's one unlikely case where I go to a school with no on-campus NROTC but an AROTC program.
Don't really want to break the honor code, not my style. I guess with this info I'll have to decline and hope I get accepted into one of the academies or ROTC programs.
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Don't mean to beat a dead horse because it's not needed. I did want to point out that you'll need to learn to make tough decisions, and to do it quickly based on incomplete information. The men and women you lead one day will be relying on you to do exactly that.

Good luck. I'm confident you'll make the right decision for yourself.
 
kinnem said:
Don't mean to beat a dead horse because it's not needed. I did want to point out that you'll need to learn to make tough decisions, and to do it quickly based on incomplete information. The men and women you lead one day will be relying on you to do exactly that.

Good luck. I'm confident you'll make the right decision for yourself.
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Thanks! A quick update, I just got off the phone with my recruiter and declined the offer. Hoping it's the right choice :)
 
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