NROTC ISR Interview

B

Big_Nate830

USAFA 2025
Joined
Jun 21, 2020
Messages
29
I was excited to learn earlier this week that I received a nomination from my scholarship coordinator for the NROTC ISR Scholarship program. However, I recognize that this does not mean I have earned a scholarship yet. I'm also keenly aware that I have an interview with the recruiting district CO this coming Wednesday.

I'm assuming this is a pretty high-stakes interview, and I want to ensure I'm prepared for it. Does anyone from current/past years have either direct or anecdotal experience with ISR interviews that they'd be willing to share? I've done some forum searching and can't seem to find much in the way of ISR interviews specifically. I'm expecting that this will be similar to the NROTC Officer Interview. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
 
I think every interview will be different depending on the interviewer and it's great that you are planning ahead. My DS had what he thought was his regular NROTC interview with the CO of our area Naval Station. They told him the CO wanted to meet him because of his academic credentials and because time was tight to get the interview in. At the time my DS was under 18 so they asked that a parent accompany him. I thought I would be sitting in a waiting room during the interview and just there to grant permissions but the CO asked me to sit in on the interview but to let my DS answer all the questions. All I can tell you is to be yourself and to be honest. The CO is experienced enough to see through you. He asked my DS a situational question and what he would do. It wasn't an easy question for a 17 year old. My DS asked a few questions about the situation and then responded. He left that interview with an ISR. He had know idea what to expect but he answered the questions open and honest and asked questions.
 
Be professional. Be yourself. Be honest. You will do great. You sound articulate in your postings. Be articulate in your interview.
Instead of searching for ISR interview specifically, search for general interview discussion. Because that’s what you will most likely benefit from. No one here will provide specific questions unique to an ISR interview.

One thing I like to point out, is that it’s OK to not know the answer to a question. Or to ask for a moment to think about it. Or to pause for a moment before answering. You probably WONT have a quick answer to every question. But be honest, forthright and confident in what you do answer.

They have selected you for a reason. Just be prepared, be professional, and be yourself. Of course make sure you know the what and why you are applying...prepare. But once the interview rolls around? Be yourself.

Good luck!!
 
For my daughter, the interview was just a formality. The interview more was to have the CO present the scholarship. She answered a few questions of the commander (I was allowed in the room so that tells you it wasn't a high stakes interview) and then the commander offered her the ISR. Be confident, don't overthink things, and be able to vocalize why you want the Navy and any leadership examples if asked.
 
DS' ISR interview was about the same as @unknown1961. THE CO is required to personally interview anyone they award an ISR. Each recruiting district CO has discretion on how they conduct the ISR process. Others have posted here that their ISR process was truly a competition where several candidates were interviewed to determine who would be awarded an ISR. Others, like my DS, have posted that the interview was more a formality and the decision to award the ISR was already made before the interview. Best to be prepared for a competitive interview. Best of luck.
 
ProudDad17 said:
DS' ISR interview was about the same as @unknown1961. THE CO is required to personally interview anyone they award an ISR. Each recruiting district CO has discretion on how they conduct the ISR process. Others have posted here that their ISR process was truly a competition where several candidates were interviewed to determine who would be awarded an ISR. Others, like my DS, have posted that the interview was more a formality and the decision to award the ISR was already made before the interview. Best to be prepared for a competitive interview. Best of luck.
Click to expand...
Duly noted. I'm expecting a fairly tough interview, but I certainly won't complain if it's more of a formality. Thanks for your advice!
 
Good luck tomorrow and I hope you will let us know how it goes. If you do get it, just be aware it still has to be approved by the board in Pensacola and that can take a couple of cycles. DS was awarded his ISR in September and it wasn't officially awarded until November.
 
One more thing (my kid just went through this and was selected).

They do want to know if you are awarded the scholarship will you use it.

Other than that, relax - you would not be there if you were not qualified; the recruiter who put your name up has a vested interest in you doing well. Keep us posted.

Godspeed
WJF
 
ProudDad17 said:
Good luck tomorrow and I hope you will let us know how it goes. If you do get it, just be aware it still has to be approved by the board in Pensacola and that can take a couple of cycles. DS was awarded his ISR in September and it wasn't officially awarded until November.
Click to expand...
The interview today went very well. It was by far the easiest one I've had to date. The recruiting district CO told me multiple times that I possessed "all the qualifications to be an outstanding Naval Officer." It was much more of a formality than anything else. Nevertheless, I'm glad I prepared as much as I did.

I haven't received an official offer as of yet (so I'll refrain from declaring I have a scholarship until I actually do), but I think at this point it would be safe to assume that I'll be receiving one in the near future.

Thanks to everyone on this thread for their help! I'm happy to talk to any future ISR interviewees as well.

-BN
 
ProudDad17 said:
Congrats in advance (hopefully). Any idea where you want to take that fantastic scholarship?
Click to expand...
Thank you!

UVA, Purdue and Carnegie Mellon are my top choices. I'm hoping to major in Mechanical Engineering, and all three are great engineering schools.

That being said, USNA is my top choice, so we'll see how that turns out. It's good to know that I'll likely have a solid Plan B in place though.
 
Big_Nate830 said:
Thank you!

UVA, Purdue and Carnegie Mellon are my top choices. I'm hoping to major in Mechanical Engineering, and all three are great engineering schools.

That being said, USNA is my top choice, so we'll see how that turns out. It's good to know that I'll likely have a solid Plan B in place though
Click to expand...
Visited Purdue with my DS when he was looking at schools. We both liked it a lot. Good luck with everything.
 
Have my interview tomorrow!! Any good last-minute tips?? I'm a bit nervous but I heard there might not be others being interviewed. Also, Congrats!!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top