NROTC Questions.

[King Twix]

Hello,

I was feeling fairly confident about my chances until recently. The root of this comes from my major.
I would like to major in computer science(I've already prepared myself for this, I've taken AP compsci, and really enjoy the subject), however I am aware that the majority of scholarship are awarded to Tier 1 majors.
I don't see any Tier 1 majors that interest me, however I am willing to switch if it will significantly improve my chances.

My "stats":
-Eagle scout + Senior patrol leader
-Varisty football, 1 letter, current captain
-Varsity basketball
-Two years of varsity weight lifting, former captain
-Three years of JV track, former captain
-4 years of varsity orchestra
-3.4 GPA. This coming year I will be taking 3 AP classes.
-My latest ACT was a 25, 26 math 22 English.
-My latest SAT hasn't come in yet, however I expect improvement. Last was a 1080.

I haven't had my officer interview, however I am confident that it will go well.

 

[NavyNOLA]

First, about 85% of scholarships go to Tier 1 AND Tier 2 applicants, not just Tier 1. In fact, the Navy doesn't actually differentiate between Tier 1 and 2 for scholarship selection purposes- both are considered "technical" and fit with the 85% rule. Bottom line, a given applicant is equally competitive regardless of whether they chose Tier 1 or Tier 2. So, go with computer science.

You need to up your standardized test scores. Unfortunately, you're not going to get selected with your current scores, especially a 22 in English. As a general rule of thumb, an applicant is unlikely to be competitive for a Navy scholarship unless they are around ACT 28+ / SAT 1280+. Those scores would be the absolute bottom range of what I'd even consider "competitive". It would require that the rest of the application was beyond stellar. Realistically, at least ACT 29-30+ / SAT 1300-1340 + is required. The average last year was ACT 31 and SAT 1369.

Keep in mind, the Navy doesn't look at the composite ACT score, just the math and English sub-scores (so my figures above would be an average of the math and English sub-score). Also, the SAT score is only math + critical reading/verbal; the writing portion is not looked at.

The board will accept SAT and ACT scores from tests through December 2016. To be a serious applicant, you need to put time in test prep and prepare to take these tests more or less monthly from now until December. With your current scores, selection is unlikely.

 

[King Twix]

First, about 85% of scholarships go to Tier 1 AND Tier 2 applicants, not just Tier 1. In fact, the Navy doesn't actually differentiate between Tier 1 and 2 for scholarship selection purposes- both are considered "technical" and fit with the 85% rule. Bottom line, a given applicant is equally competitive regardless of whether they chose Tier 1 or Tier 2. So, go with computer science.

You need to up your standardized test scores. Unfortunately, you're not going to get selected with your current scores, especially a 22 in English. As a general rule of thumb, an applicant is unlikely to be competitive for a Navy scholarship unless they are around ACT 28+ / SAT 1280+. Those scores would be the absolute bottom range of what I'd even consider "competitive". It would require that the rest of the application was beyond stellar. Realistically, at least ACT 29-30+ / SAT 1300-1340 + is required. The average last year was ACT 31 and SAT 1369.

Keep in mind, the Navy doesn't look at the composite ACT score, just the math and English sub-scores (so my figures above would be an average of the math and English sub-score). Also, the SAT score is only math + critical reading/verbal; the writing portion is not looked at.

The board will accept SAT and ACT scores from tests through December 2016. To be a serious applicant, you need to put time in test prep and prepare to take these tests more or less monthly from now until December. With your current scores, selection is unlikely.

Thank you, I feel a lot better.

I hate taking ACTs, it is not my kind of test. I feel much more confident about the SAT scores. I will be testing every opportunity I get leading to that December deadline.

Thank you so much

 

[SpartanDM]

At my school you would need at least a 28 math to have a tier 1 major. As a mech e, unless you really want it, don't go for an engineering degree cause you think it will help your chances. Although I know of a lot of people who put a tier 1 to get the scholarship and then change it when they get to school.