NROTC (Marines) Application, etc.

[cupofcoffee]

Hi! I am a 17 year old Junior in High School, and I've finally made up my mind, and I've decided that I want to apply for NROTC in college. I've just got a few questions, so please bear with me!

1. I have not yet had an appointment with a recruiter. I know that I probably should have met with one now, but breaking the news to my Dad kept stopping me. What's a good time to talk to a recruiter, especially if I'm interested in an NROTC scholarship?

2. With an NROTC scholarship, when is the application date if my senior/graduating years are 2014-2015?

3. Am I able to do NROTC even if I don't get a scholarship? Also, if I get another scholarship from a school with an NROTC Program, can I still do the program and have that scholarship?

4. As far as preparation for NROTC, I've started working out (I'm currently in Track and training to run the Grand Canyon), and I'm studying for my next ACT. My ACT score was 25, and my average GPA so far for my Junior Year as a whole has been 3.8 . I'm a leader for both my Cross Country Team next year, as well as a leader in two separate positions in my choir. Is there anything else I should be doing to prepare for NROTC?

If you have any other helpful information, let me know. Thanks!

 

[navymomwannabe]

1. DS never spoke to a recruiter but he is not MO (marine option)
2. The earlier you get your application done the better. First board is in August (barring another shutdown).
3. Yes you can be a college programmer (non-scholarship) mid.
4. NROTC is a national competition. You need the best scores, leadership, sports that you can get. A 25 may not be enough.

good luck!

 

[Strength and Honor]

Not an expert on NROTC, but...

First, don't worry yet about the recruiter just yet. You should be able to start the application in the spring on your own and only go to the recruiter if you really have to (I think you do to interview or take the PFT).

Get that ACT score up. You can look on previous threads around here, but MO is very competitive and a 25 might not cut it. Luckily, you're a junior and you've got time! Go for as many leadership positions as you can, anything to set yourself apart, and train hard for the PFT.

 

[Sampia]

Marine option requirements are different than the navy. Your ACT is about on par with the average MO according to what my son's class had been told. Focus on doing a fast 3 mile run, 20 dead arm hang pull-ups and your crunches. Volunteer work is good, and take on any leadership roles you can. Keep your grades up. A recruiter may help you with the scholarship application process. There is info on the web also that will give you guidance. Good luck and stay focused.

 

[kinnem]

Sort of +1 to all the above with some discrepancies.

1. I'm assuming you are applying for the NROTC MO option based on the subject line. You do not need to meet with a recruiter yet, but it couldn't hurt. Ideally you would locate an Officer Selection Officer somewhere. Sometimes recruiters, who are focused on enlisted recruitment, aren't always the most knowledgeable about NROTC. They also have a tendency to try to get you to enlist. As long as you keep those two things in mind it can't hurt to meet with an ordinary recruiter, but it's not necessary to start the process.

2. Navymomwannabe is correct about when to best have the application in if you are applying Navy option. However, if you are applying Marine option you should know that there are only two boards. One meets in Nov. and the other in Feb. So I would say to shoot for early October which leaves you a little leeway for things going awry.

3. Yes, you can go NROTC without a scholarship. That's what my son did. However, you must be awarded an in-school scholarship or what they call Advanced Standing by the start of your junior year. It's very competitive but it can be done with hard work and perseverance. DS won an in-school scholarship during his sophomore year. Whether you can use a scholarship awarded by the school in addition to the NROTC scholarship depends on the nature of the scholarship. Many scholarships can only be applied to tuition and NROTC has that covered. Some scholarships can also be applied to room and board. Keep in mind anything you use toward room and board will be treated as income for tax purposes.

4. Improve your ACT score. 25 may make the grade. However, at least for in-school scholarships, the stats I saw once were better than those for admission to USNA. DS's ACT was 28 and he did not receive a 4 year scholarship. I think that was for different reasons, but who knows? Just focus on getting it as high as you possibly can. This isn't about being good enough, it's about beating out your competition.

If there are opportunities for more leadership roles, seek them out. But I would only do so for things you're interested in doing. Also keep working out. And I mean work out, work out, and work out. Work on upper body strength to hit the 20 pullups. Nail those 100 crunches in 2 min. And get that run time as close to 18:00 as possible. Don't just run distance. Run intervals. lots of intervals. It's really the best way to improve. Cross train. DS used to run 2 miles to a local rock climbing wall, climb for an hour to work on that upper body strength, and then run 2 miles home. Having a pullup bar in your bedroom door or elsewhere at home is also very helpful. Do as many pullups as you can every time you walk by it. Find what works for you but especially as a runner, I bet that upper body needs some serious work.

Good luck. I don't think there is anything as rewarding and life altering as participating in a ROTC program. It'll do a body good!

 

[USMCGrunt]

I am glad Kinnem weighed in here. I agree with his points and corrections.

I would like to offer a few additional comments...

You do not need to meet with a recruiter however you certainly can. So much depends on the recruiter and the local OSO (Officer Selection Officer). My son had a great working relationship with the local recruiter - others have felt pressure to sign up as enlisted Marines, DEP (delayed entry program) etc. Don't cave into that pressure and research what has been said on this forum and elswhere on that subject. Many recruiters will let you work out with their poolees and get a taste for the environment without pressuring you to enlist. It just depends.

There is LOTS of information on the web about USMC Officer commissioning programs. Make sure to research the subject thoroughly. Ask questions here - but do your research first.

Focus on your grades, ACT and leadership positions. Get in better shape (no matter what your baseline is).

I am not positive, but would think your scholarship application will go live in mid April or so. You want to get it in as soon as possible - certainly before November.

Good luck!