NROTC Marine Option help

r3y3s00

r3y3s00

New Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2016
Messages
5
Hello, I'm Daniel and I'm new to Service Academy Forums. I submitted an NROTC Marine Option scholarship application and it was rejected. I plan on going to the 2nd board on February. I would like to know how I can improve myself based on the information I am providing:

GPA: 3.3 unweighted; 3.97 weighted.
SAT scores: 1210 Composite; 590 math and 620 reading
ASVAB score: 80 percentile.
PFT: 291; 23 pull-ups, 100 crunches, and 19:23 for 3 mile run.
Sports/Activities: JROTC; Raider Team; Drill Team.
Community Service Hours: 28
Leadership experience: platoon leader sophomore year, company XO junior year, and company commander senior year.
Work experience: none
Bonus: Father served in the Marines for 3 years, made rank of lance corporal.

What killed me was the lack of diversity(sports/community service/work xp), which was noted when I received the phone call. I have a complicated reason why I couldn't join more sports or get more service hours, and I don't think I can change that at this point since I'm a senior. What should I do at this point in order to increase my chances for the 2nd board?(I wish I knew about this sooner than I found out)

thank you for your responses.
 
The reality is that you are not going to be able to do anything to affect the potential outcome of the spring scholarship board at this point (unless you are taking the December ACT/SAT test and are about to submit updated scores). You can't change the weaknesses in your application that you highlighted. Take a little comfort in the fact that you do have some standout portions of your application, such as a great PFT score. What you can do at this point is work on plans B and C in case A doesn't work out. I would be talking to prospective units about College Program. I would also talk to your recruiter about making yourself a candidate for the Frederick C. Branch scholarship to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) if you have not already.
 
Thank you for your input sir. I'll be hoping for the best and just apply for other programs.
 
+1 NavyNola. Great advice.

OP: There are many routes towards becoming a Marine Officer. Do your research and keep on applying.
 
I think you miscalculated your PFT score given the number of pullups you did, or you had a typo on pullups. Nevertheless it's still a good PFT score which is pretty important for the Marine Option. I agree with NavyNOLA that there isn't much you can do at tis point, and agree with his recommendations.

One thing you could try to do, although it may not have much impact, is that with the holidays upon us there should be plenty of opportunities for volunteer/service work. You could at least add to those hours if it's possible to do so. It's also something that will help with your college applications as well. Of course it doesn't help with sports but it's something.
 
My DS also received the dreaded call today. However, is extremely motivated to improve where needed. His XO advised him to work on his PFT...he's 6' and 190 lbs. pull ups are his weakness. He's determined to get leaner and have 20 by February. I agree with the service hours...find something that you enjoy and the hours come quickly! My DS has served in an impoverished country for 2 summers, his true passion. He has a friend that is passionate about volunteering with the Miracle Baseball League in our hometown. There are many organizations that need help. Find one you love and begin now! Good luck to you!
 
My son went through the same thing. Reapplied for the 4 year scholarship. Joined College Program. Was awarded the 4 year scholarship during the early board his freshman year of college. (If you search my earlier posts, you can get the long version of the story.)

Keep pursuing every path available.
 
r3y3s00

Here is the link to the post for my son's story. An update: He is now a 2nd Class mid, Platoon Commander for the OCS prep platoon, Rifle team captain, and is prepping for OCS Bulldog this summer. He was also "voluntold" to apply for a flight contract last spring -- and received the contract and has the aviation ticket to pursue if he chooses to do so.

If you want it, stay on it...

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com...option-on-stats-interviews-intangibles.46248/
 
rocatlin said:
r3y3s00

Here is the link to the post for my son's story. An update: He is now a 2nd Class mid, Platoon Commander for the OCS prep platoon, Rifle team captain, and is prepping for OCS Bulldog this summer. He was also "voluntold" to apply for a flight contract last spring -- and received the contract and has the aviation ticket to pursue if he chooses to do so.

If you want it, stay on it...

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com...option-on-stats-interviews-intangibles.46248/
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for your insight. It is greatly appreciated, especially for us parents with no military experience ourselves and having out first child go off to college. As many on this forum have seen, my DS is ONLY interested in becoming a Marine. It doesn't matter the path...he just wants to get there. He's looking at the SMC's (we'll see about $) as well as our in state university where he has a college pre-paid program. It's a tough decision deciding what path he will be most successful with. I'm watching all of his friends getting accepted to our state "party schools" and can't help but feel proud of the path these kids have chosen. Now just praying for insight as to the best "fit".
 
Swag said:
our in state university where he has a college pre-paid program.
Click to expand...

Just a heads up, on the college pre-paid program. In Florida, the program will pay out to out-of-state or private schools, at a pro-rated amount, every $$ helps when trying to ensure the bills are paid. Your state might have the same type of offering. It keeps the options a little more open. Good Luck to your DS.
 
NavyJax said:
Just a heads up, on the college pre-paid program. In Florida, the program will pay out to out-of-state or private schools, at a pro-rated amount, every $$ helps when trying to ensure the bills are paid. Your state might have the same type of offering. It keeps the options a little more open. Good Luck to your DS.
Click to expand...
We do have a Florida pre-paid. I haven't had the opportunity to research how that works yet! Any insight is appreciated!
 
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