NROTC Officer Interview

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guydelarosa

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Oct 1, 2019
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To reiterate my interest in being an officer, I told the interview that I have the money to pay for college out of pocket, and the military is something that is a monetary necessity, but rather a personal necessity. I basically just mentioned that my family set aside money for college since I was born so I can go debt free, but scholarship or not I am going to serve, because I truly want to be an officer in the Navy. I also said that if I didn't get a scholarship I would still do NROTC, because my goal is to lead and protect my fellow sailors.

My question to you guys is if I ruined my chances at getting the scholarship by letting the board know I have the financial means to pay for my education? What I meant to do was show that I'm not in it for the money, but upon reflection I questioned if I did told them improperly by notifying them of my family's financial situation.

Other then this, I thought the interview went well. I provided insightful answer into my personality, and demonstrated interest in a military life. Also, if it helps my grades and test scores are quite competitive, and I have been involved in competitive sports since I was 3 years old.

Thanks!!!
 
Probably not an issue if you explained it as stated above. My son is in a similar situation.

See the thread on the long term implication of college programmer status. under MO College Progression: Up or Out.
 
@guydelarosa i dont not believe that financial means is something that the NROTC considers when selecting scholarship winners. more important to them is: do you really want to be in the Navy and are you dedicated to serving, and are you strong enough to handle the physical and academic demands. if you are selected for a scholarship you will be tested before college even begins, as they will send you to boot camp to determine your dedication to navy discipline. are you currently a senior in high school or are you already in college? good luck with your application!
 
I like your message about your drive to serve being from personal necessity and your reason stated. It sounds like your intent was to convey that you are applying not because you need the money, but because of a strong desire to serve. Sounds like you accomplished that, and I trust an experienced interviewer could understand your intent and message. I do think you were trying to convey you are not the candidate who says she or he only wants to join ROTC because they don't see another way to pay for school and they need the money - so that's all good. Sounds like it went well. Good luck and keep going in lining up plans b-c-d-e-f just in case.

I would say moving forward you may want to consider whether there should be a need to again mention things like the size of your personal financial portfolio or parent's ability to pay for school without help to others. I think you can make the salient points you want to, without those details.
 
Not to pile on but I thought of H. L. Mencken's line: “When somebody says it’s not about the money, it’s about the money.”
As with politics and religion, best not to discuss money at all in the interview.
 
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