Nrotc question

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I’m a junior in high school, and plan to do nrotc navy option in college. I will apply for the 4 year scholarship, and if I don’t receive it, I will join the college program. My question is regarding getting a sideload scholarship. By the time I graduate high school, I will have already taken calculus and physics. I understand that to get a side load scholarship, you need to have taken both of these classes and passed them. But if I take these classes in high school, how would that work? Would the board look at my high school grades in calculus and physics? Would I have to take those classes again in college? Also, can someone explain to me how competitive the side load scholarships are? I’ve read that if you pass calculus and physics you have a good chance of receiving a scholarship. Is that all there is to it? How competitive is advanced standing if I don’t get a scholarship?
 
Others more expert than I will address details. I say only this: Beware dismissing college-level calculus and physics (or any other class) because you took them in high school.

Some colleges, depending on major, will require you to “take them again.” (Of course, others will allow you to skip them, say due to excelling in the AP exam). In any case, no shame or waste in “retaking” them. There’s a world of difference between high-school level and college level courses. And in many cases, particularly in STEM, college major courses will build on college-level prerequisites.
 
Navy Option NROTC (but not nursing) need to take 2 semesters of Calc and 2 semesters of Physics during their studies.

  • Calculus (one year WHICH IS 2 SEMESTERS) by end of sophomore year) (not required for Nurse- or Marine Corps- option students)
  • Physics (one year, WHICH IS 2 SEMESTERS) of calculus-based physics by end of junior year) (not required for Nurse- or Marine Corps- option students)
  • i believe those who took Calculus AP or dual credit in HS to satisfy Calc I then take the next calcs (calc 2 and 3). As other posted, no shame in retaking calc 1 your first semester as you acclimate to college or some other semester.
Good luck.
 
On sideloads, short answer no that is not all there is to it. There was a programmer excelling in math and with a 3.8 GPA who did not pick up this spring - the only chink in his armor was one failed PFT - on the run, which he corrected pretty quickly. Sideload availability and awards vary - I will tell you that a handful of seemingly very qualified MS4 college programmers this year are leaving the program after not picking up = We don't know why more sideloads were not given this past year. A lot of surprises from what I consider high potential and engaged college programmers. In short, it's not a guarantee. You will hear though of great success stories of people picking up for 3.5, 3, 2 year sideloads who go on and excel as officers. So I do encourage you to go for it if you don't get a national scholarship - just want you to have eyes open. Again GL.
 
I'm not certain, but I believe NROTC may require you to take the classes at the college you attend. I know for certain, they do not allow math requirements to be met during summer at other colleges (say near home). Also, physics must be calculus based physics, which you may have but didn't go into that level of detail.

I can state that from past statistics (posted here: https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/nrotc-sideload-2017.56644/#post-562903 )
that you do not need to complete Calculus or Physics to win a sideload scholarship but most have completed at least Calculus to get a 3 year and have definitely completed calculus and most completed physics for a 2 year. Of course each year can be different and it is a competition, after all. I'm sure the folks who have been awarded a sideload without completing these courses must have some outstanding leadership qualities or other outstanding attributes.
 
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I can't comment on the specific requirements for NROTC, but my DS (NROTC-MO) is an engineering major and had taken physics and calculus in high schools. I advised on him not taking the credit and taking them again his 1st year. He has to be in school for 4 years, so go ahead and have a few classes that you are comfortable with. The 1st year is hard enough, give yourself some cushion. I also agree that Calc and calc based physics are different in college. Good luck to you.
 
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