NROTC MSISR vs AROTC 3 yr

S

SomanyQuestions

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Hello all,
I've been a lurker in this forum since my DS started the scholarship process back in the summer. It's been extremely helpful in calming nerves while waiting for news. (Full disclosure the nerves were all mine. DS had a very "whatever will be, will be. It is now out of my hands" attitude as soon as he completed his applications and hit send) Speaking of news, congratulations to all of the winners! And to those that didn't recieve an award, don't give up! You are all amazing kids.
Here are some questions that I hope wiser and more experienced heads may be able to answer, how competitive is the Navy MSISR 4 year and is it influenced by the school's preference or is it merit based? DS did not receive a NROTC scholarship (ACT score was not very competitive) but he had expressed interest in the University of New Mexico. He had an interview with the Naval Science Officer that went very well and was informed his packet would be evaluated again for the MSISR scholarship during the April board. Navy is his first choice, but he had also applied for the AROTC scholarship and won a 3 year to VT, Creighton or Kansas State. He's been accepted into the Physics program to all three. VTCC is high on his list, but offering the least amount of aid. He has the EL scholarship but hasn't received any Fasfa info yet. Creighton awarded him a pretty decent scholarship and they have free room and board for ROTC national winners, Kansas State is offering a full ride with the AROTC 3 yr, freshman merit award, a separate Room and Board Scholarship and an additional Physics grant. He would actually make money while he's there so of course he isn't choosing K-State. That would make entirely too much financial sense. Worried that he is focusing on the MSISR scholarship to UNM and letting these other great options fall by the wayside. Is it worth it to wait and see? Should he accept the AROTC while he waits? Anyone have any experience with a MSISR option?
 
Yes accept it while he waits. There is nothing wrong with that. If the NROTC pans out then he can decline later. Even if he doesn’t earn an NROTC, he really needs to focus on which service he wants and put his focus there. He can enroll as a college programmer and continue to compete for scholarships if the Navy is where his heart is. If he is open to both, then by all means enroll AROTC.
 
Do you have to commit to a school first and then accept? Thanks for the reply, Navyhoops. I talked with DS this morning. He's 4th generation Navy so that's where he is leaning, but if the AROTC scholarship is the only one offered he is going to go Army. Looks like VTCC if UNM doesn't work out. End goal is he wants to commission and serve. Bonus, if he goes Army, my dad (only green in a sea of blue) will finally have someone cheering with him during the Army vs Navy game. Still not finding a whole lot of info online about the MSISR scholarship process.
 
You can accept, and may need to indicate the school when you do, but that's different from accepting the college's offer which won't be due until May 1. You have time to wait. It will also give time for additional FAFSA related financial aid info to come through. If he does change his mind about which colege he can apply for a transfer of the scholarship.

Unfortunately I can't answer any info on the MSISR scholarship. You did find this page, right? http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/MSI.html
I don't think the scholarship is any different from a regular NROTC scholarship except it's limited to Navy options and is tied to the minority institutions listed on that page. But I expect you know that much.
 
Thank you for the information, kinnem! I did read everything I could on the Navy site first, but was hoping there was someone who had gone through the process. The Chief, who has been coordinating all of the scholarship packets for our region, mentioned it was a very under utilized option, but the competition this year for NROTC in general has been the most fierce she has seen. The average packets that were coming across her desk had 30 or better ACT scores and 4.0 or better GPAs and the truly outstanding ones were perfect scores. Definitely says something about the quality of kids that are willing to serve!
 
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