My DS is applying for NROTC-MO scholarship. He has been in touch with the local Marines office and just got a call that a representative will be in town and wants to meet with him to help him with his application. He sent him an email with some documents to complete and bring, which include the parent and physical permission to perform the PFT. My DS was not expecting to have to complete the PFT in 6 days from now, but is in good shape and will give it a go. After reading the paper closer, he saw that it includes pull-ups, plank, and 3 mile run. He was preparing for the NROTC PFT, and just now saw the increased mile requirement. He thinks he will do better with more prep time. He spends quite a bit of time in the gym, but admittedly does not run enough (I know, big mistake) Does this have to be monitored by an active duty Marine and is this something he can ask to do later? I assume this is a requirement to be completed before the application is due. Any advice? Also, is this something that can be repeated at a later date for a better score, similar to the SA's?
NROTC - MO
- Thread starter bethf
- Start date
gniyji
Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2023
- Messages
- 524
DS applied for NROTC-NO, he did PFT (push ups plank and 1 mile run, he did poorly on push ups but would have done a lot better with pull ups). His coordinator said that he could do again before submission but also said PFT did not carry much weight on the application. So DS submitted anyway. DS did PFT with his school PE teacher. You may see on the PFT paper that who is eligible administrate this test. I also believe this PFT result can be re-submit even after application submission for next round board meeting.
USMCGrunt
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2010
- Messages
- 3,527
The Marine Option standards and process are unique. The physical fitness test is administered by an active duty Marine and is an important part of the entire package.
This visit to assist your DS in the application may be just that and used as a checkpoint to see where your DS needs to improve. He may (and should) have the right to delay submission but a retest is not necessarily guaranteed. I am not aware of this option but it has been years since my DS went through the process. Others may have experience with this and can provide anecdotes.
One clue on this visit may be the rank of the visitor. Officer or enlisted?
One other thing: I saw your DS is applying to all the academies and all the ROTC branches. I recommend he present a strong interest in the USMC during this visit. He needs to be able to articulate this interest.
Best of luck.
This visit to assist your DS in the application may be just that and used as a checkpoint to see where your DS needs to improve. He may (and should) have the right to delay submission but a retest is not necessarily guaranteed. I am not aware of this option but it has been years since my DS went through the process. Others may have experience with this and can provide anecdotes.
One clue on this visit may be the rank of the visitor. Officer or enlisted?
One other thing: I saw your DS is applying to all the academies and all the ROTC branches. I recommend he present a strong interest in the USMC during this visit. He needs to be able to articulate this interest.
Best of luck.
- Joined
- May 22, 2018
- Messages
- 5,865
^^^ THIS ^^^
Perfectly fine to be interested in multiple branches, SAs and ROTC programs. But the Marines like to know that they’re truly #1 on the list. Because to become a Marine, you really have to want to be a Marine.
The Marines are a breed apart. Not necessarily better than the others — I’ll leave that debate to those who have actually served — but definitely apart from the others. DD is in a joint command right now, with everyday interaction with the other three branches. “Yeah,” she says, “We’re different.”
Thank you. The visiting marine is a sgt. It does sound like a checkpoint, but the email made it pretty clear that he needed to bring the permission slip for the PFT, which he would be doing that day. And at the person on the phone also told him to bring clothes for it. Looks like it's a natural consequences situation for my DS, who should have been running all along and now has to face the music. I looked at the numbers. It looks like he could solidly get a class 2, but doubtful of class 1. Does anyone have experience with PFT results in the situation?
BJD16
Army 95-05, Marquette AROTC, Sea Cadet Volunteer
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2022
- Messages
- 171
He will have time to improve his score. Pull-Ups are the hardest. I installed a Pull-Up bar in our garage for our son to improve. He is class of 2025, so he has more than a year to improve. He is at 14 now. Yes, 3 miles is much harder than 1 mile, so candidates need to work on distance running, and not focus on longer sprinting type running workouts to max the mile.
I believe 270 is the average for Marine Option male candidates. 14 Pull-Ups (max = 20), 3:45 Plank (max) and 19:15 run (max = 18:00) is average. I recommend he sign up with local recruiter, and attend weekly PT sessions with Poolees. He will need the local recruiter recommendation, and will be interviewed by an officer (usually XO, senior Captain) from the Recruiting District for the scholarship.
Marine Option only has 2 boards, so if he can't hit the score above prior to October board, then he should workout during the winter and focus on March board.
I recommend that your son not mention Army, but USNA is fine to mention.
usmcpft.com
I believe 270 is the average for Marine Option male candidates. 14 Pull-Ups (max = 20), 3:45 Plank (max) and 19:15 run (max = 18:00) is average. I recommend he sign up with local recruiter, and attend weekly PT sessions with Poolees. He will need the local recruiter recommendation, and will be interviewed by an officer (usually XO, senior Captain) from the Recruiting District for the scholarship.
Marine Option only has 2 boards, so if he can't hit the score above prior to October board, then he should workout during the winter and focus on March board.
I recommend that your son not mention Army, but USNA is fine to mention.
USMC PFT and CFT Calculator - usmcpft.com
A simple calculator for Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT) scores. Supports all authorized events including the plank.
Ok, thank you! He's good with pull-ups and plank. He says running longer stretches begins today!!He will have time to improve his score. Pull-Ups are the hardest. I installed a Pull-Up bar in our garage for our son to improve. He is class of 2025, so he has more than a year to improve. He is at 14 now. Yes, 3 miles is much harder than 1 mile, so candidates need to work on distance running, and not focus on longer sprinting type running workouts to max the mile.
I believe 270 is the average for Marine Option male candidates. 14 Pull-Ups (max = 20), 3:45 Plank (max) and 19:15 run (max = 18:00) is average. I recommend he sign up with local recruiter, and attend weekly PT sessions with Poolees. He will need the local recruiter recommendation, and will be interviewed by an officer (usually XO, senior Captain) from the Recruiting District for the scholarship.
Marine Option only has 2 boards, so if he can't hit the score above prior to October board, then he should workout during the winter and focus on March board.
I recommend that your son not mention Army, but USNA is fine to mention.
USMC PFT and CFT Calculator - usmcpft.com
A simple calculator for Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT) scores. Supports all authorized events including the plank.
If this is just a checkpoint to see where he is at PT wise, then I think he would be ok. However, he should not go into his official PFT/interview day without being as close to the max as possible. As someone else on this forum so eloquently put it, to be a Marine Officer you must be a PT God. As a prior enlisted Marine myself, it is hard for Marine enlisted folks to respect the officer who can't keep up PT wise. My DS was awarded a NROTC-MO scholarship and I think his PFT score was a 280 something. I think the minimum to be eligible to continue with the interview portion was 200 or 225, but that is way too low in my opinion. The bottom line is that PT is incredibly important to Marines...more so than the other branches. My DS is a sophomore now, and his MOI told him during his freshman year that his 280 PFT score was too low and wanted to see it higher. Now he is getting mid 290s, but still hasn't been able to get the 300, which is his ultimate goal (which should be the goal for every Marine).
As a parent of a child who was awarded a NROTC-MO scholarship in December 2022, I would disagree with the comment that the PFT does not impact the selection process that much. These scholarships are difficult to obtain based on the number offered each year. Every component of the application is important. Marines take pride in their physical fitness abilities and look for candidates for these scholarships how stand out physically. Marine OCS is going to stretch almost all the candidates to the limits of their abilities. Being able to demonstrate abilities at this point in their application is critical. Those who excel will stand out. Last year's scholarships were awarded in two events. There was an early board release in December 2022 and a second board release in the spring of 2023. The best situation for candidates is to obtain a scholarship from the first board. If not, then you have to wait months into the spring to hear about the second board release.
Our local Marine station administered the PFT to our child twice and submitted the best score. They should let you know if you should retake the PFT.
My recommendation would be to get your child to know your Marine station recruiters. Our child talked to the Marine recruiter every time he saw him at the high school which helped him forge a bond with multiple Marines. He also showed up for a few of their PT sessions when time allowed. Those relationships were critical along with submitted the best application possible.
Our local Marine station administered the PFT to our child twice and submitted the best score. They should let you know if you should retake the PFT.
My recommendation would be to get your child to know your Marine station recruiters. Our child talked to the Marine recruiter every time he saw him at the high school which helped him forge a bond with multiple Marines. He also showed up for a few of their PT sessions when time allowed. Those relationships were critical along with submitted the best application possible.
GWU PNS (emeritus)
George Washington University Capital Battalion
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2021
- Messages
- 1,497
Here's hoping that the good SGT didn't bring the sales pitch to enlist. Hopefully your DS is ready for that.
This is all great and helpful advice. Thank you to all. As far as the above comment, yes, they did the hard sell on him to enlist. He has seen them at school and different events, and he even went to their office to talk to them. Spent hours there. He is still committed to his plans AB and C.
GWU PNS (emeritus)
George Washington University Capital Battalion
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2021
- Messages
- 1,497
Well that's a relief. I could just imagine the look on your face if he came home and told you he was now a Poolie. Then he would show you a big EGA tattoo on his back
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2010
- Messages
- 16,213
Have him include intervals in some of his running. Best way to improve
Thank you!
Wahoo Fan
Member
- Joined
- May 13, 2020
- Messages
- 252
My son applied for NROTC-MO a couple years ago and was awarded the scholarship. I don’t know how your district runs the testing and interviews, but there certainly were no second chances for anything when my son went through his. The PFT score including 3-mile run time was absolutely critical and determined whether or not candidates advanced to the interview (see below). Below you can read what I wrote previously about the process on testing day. He was tested and interviewed along with a group of about 20 or more candidates. I don’t know who your son set up his testing and interview with—whether it is going to be the official testing/interview day, or if this is just a recruiter who is trying to talk him into enlisting…? Maybe you should figure that part out more. If your son can’t do the 3-mile run, then maybe he should try to test at a later date…? He needs to aim at a near perfect PFT score if he wants to get the scholarship. The NROTC-MO scholarship is extremely selective and difficult to obtain.
(Previous post):
For my son who applied last year, the PFT and interview were held on the same day at a local USMC location.
All the candidates were instructed to arrive in PT gear and take the PFT first.
Then they announced all the PFT scores—ranked in order from best to worst.
The candidates who did not score above a certain threshold were sent home (and that may have been the end of their application).
The candidates who scored above a certain cutoff score changed into suits/interview outfits and had their interviews. Candidates were interviewed in order—starting with best PFT score first to lowest PFT score last.
(Previous post):
For my son who applied last year, the PFT and interview were held on the same day at a local USMC location.
All the candidates were instructed to arrive in PT gear and take the PFT first.
Then they announced all the PFT scores—ranked in order from best to worst.
The candidates who did not score above a certain threshold were sent home (and that may have been the end of their application).
The candidates who scored above a certain cutoff score changed into suits/interview outfits and had their interviews. Candidates were interviewed in order—starting with best PFT score first to lowest PFT score last.
Last edited:
This is extremely helpful to hear. Thank you!
- Joined
- May 22, 2018
- Messages
- 5,865
Really great advice above. Back to my earlier comment about the Marines being a breed apart: “Good enough” might be good enough for some physical fitness tests — many will say that about the SA PFT — but not for the Marines. Everyone has a weak point in their application. For the Marines, it probably shouldn’t be the physical fitness part. They take that aspect very, very seriously.
DS got the MO option scholarship on the 2nd board last year. He took the PFT once and I believe his score was 273. This was the only scholarship he applied for, because he REALLY wanted to be a Marine. I believe he articulated this well in the interview and that played a part in him earning the scholarship. He is now a 4/C and just had his first PFT in the unit, which he scored a 283. The Captain (O-3) at the unit is always out in front on every run. He said the difference between the Navy and Marine midshipmen is pretty stark when it comes to PT in the unit.
Slowly ducks behind a wall while reading lifelong… I was not briefed on that at Seps class.
