NROTC tier 3 major

J

Justin HELPmomStocksPosts

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I’m currently a 4/C tier 2 major at the University of Florida. I really want to change to a tier 3 major (economics). I got a 3.9 GPA for my first semester of college with an -A in Calc 2. I also max pushups and plank and run sub 10 minutes on PRT. My freshman advisor just sent me an email with the statement

“I was informed by the point of contact at NSTC that there will be no 4/C considered for a change to tier 3 due to a recent update in NSTC instruction”.


Why would this be the case. Is their anything I can do. I’m on scholarship and need it to pay for college but am really unhappy with the choices of majors available as a tier 2 major.

I plan to take generic gen ed classes next semester regardless of my major and then I could reapply I guess but it would be a lot off my shoulders if they just let me be a tier 3 major. Thank you!
 
NSTC is the Immediate Superior in Command for all of NROTC. This means the policy is coming from our Admiral. The chance of changing this is next to zero.

The reason is that by statute, we cannot drop below 85% of MIDN 4/C being Tier 1 or 2. There are just too many people that are playing the game of saying they want to be a T1 or T2 and then wanting to drop down once they get the scholarship. Those days have come to an end.

If your current GPA is 3.9 then it seems you are doing fine. One last point on this, and I mean this more for applicants this year. On your application, there is a question regarding your choice of major and what you have done to prepare for it. That question is intended to make you reflect on your choice and ensure it is the right one for you.

You might be able to change next year but the same Admiral will still be here. So it is risky to bet on something changing.
 
GWU PNS said:
NSTC is the Immediate Superior in Command for all of NROTC. This means the policy is coming from our Admiral. The chance of changing this is next to zero.

The reason is that by statute, we cannot drop below 85% of MIDN 4/C being Tier 1 or 2. There are just too many people that are playing the game of saying they want to be a T1 or T2 and then wanting to drop down once they get the scholarship. Those days have come to an end.

If your current GPA is 3.9 then it seems you are doing fine. One last point on this, and I mean this more for applicants this year. On your application, there is a question regarding your choice of major and what you have done to prepare for it. That question is intended to make you reflect on your choice and ensure it is the right one for you.

You might be able to change next year but the same Admiral will still be here. So it is risky to bet on something changing.
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Is it just this year that no 4/C will be considered? My own class advisor as well as a lot of upperclassman told me that UF has such a good reputation that 99% of tier 3 applications get approved from our unit. They made it seem like I had nothing to worry about and this would be a quick and easy process. This is super upsetting that I did the entire application and it won’t even be considered.
 
Justin HELPmomStocksPosts said:
Is it just this year that no 4/C will be considered? My own class advisor as well as a lot of upperclassman told me that UF has such a good reputation that 99% of tier 3 applications get approved from our unit. They made it seem like I had nothing to worry about and this would be a quick and easy process. This is super upsetting that I did the entire application and it won’t even be considered.
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If the total number of MIDN 4/C is 1000 across NROTC, then the number of tier 3 majors is capped at 150. I won't get into the comparison of units as they are all different shapes and sizes. But whether or not NSTC approves or disapproves a tier shift does not hinge on reputations of any particular unit.

I don't know of an application to change tiers. We staff a letter to NSTC that includes a student statement and PNS endorsement. It isn't something a board votes on.

I will leave the matter with you and your unit. You can let them know your are disappointed with higher headquarters and go from there.
 
If you are trying to avoid engineering, I recommend majoring in Statistics or Mathematics. At most universities, Statistics is in the school of business. You can still get a minor or double major in Econ.

Every website I have seen for Navy and Air Force clearly states they want technical majors and that hasn't changed for 30+ years. I wanted to major in business, so I chose Army. Marine Corps takes any major, so you might be able to switch to Marine Corps easier than switching to Tier 3.

Tier 2 Academic Majors​

Agricultural/Biological Engineering & Bioengineering

Agricultural and Environmental Technologies

Architectural Engineering/Architectural Engineering Technologies

Astrophysics Biochemistry

Biochemistry

Biological Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Bioprocessing Sciences

Botany

Chemistry

Civil Engineering

Computer Engineering

Computer Science/Info. Tech.

Construction Engineering

Engineering

Environmental Engineering/Science

Engineering Science

Geology

Industrial Engineering

Materials Engineering

Marine Science

Mathematics

Meteorology

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

Paper Science & Engineering

Physics

Physiology, Pathology & Related Sciences

Polymer and Color Chemistry

Science Education

Science, Technology, and Society (BS)

Statistics

Textile Technology & Engineering
 
I was about to say this exact thing^ — I was thinking what advice I’d give my son and it would be stay the course and pick up an Econ minor if you want to. I’m not an expert in NROTC just a mom of a high school senior who is in the thick of the application process, but I am an expert in business school and what business employers want in their hires if that is something you might be interested in down the line, so thought that perspective might add to the advice you’ve already been given. ANY of these Tier 1 or 2 majors + an Econ minor is more appealing than just a major in Econ. Sounds like you’re good at whatever you put your mind to, and with a high GPA in your current major I wouldn’t worry too much about your being able to handle that course load. Heck double major if you want to (if that’s allowed in NROTC rules). Good luck but truly you’re in an enviable position already.
 
Is their any information as to why they wound not be allowing any 4/C to apply for tier 3. Is their already 15% of MIDN at tier 3 majors. Regardless why would 4/C be the ones not able to apply. Isn’t it a lot harder for 3/C and up to change because they would be behind in credits if they change majors. Do we know if 4/C can apply next semester?

It’s really important to me that I get a tier 3 major. I don’t think I would drop the scholarship for it but I would at least consider it. I definitely don’t want to double major as I’m already about to start working and currently play intramural sports. I just don’t have the time/ drive to major in something that is uninteresting to me. Over 50% of undergrad students change their majors. Yes I might have wrote an essay why I wanted to do whatever tier 2 major I was when I applied but I have since had a change in passion like the other 50%+ students.

Besides I feel like an economics degree (tier 3) is much more of a technical degree than marine science (tier 2). It’s not like I want to get an art degree.
 
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GWU PNS said:
NSTC is the Immediate Superior in Command for all of NROTC. This means the policy is coming from our Admiral. The chance of changing this is next to zero.

The reason is that by statute, we cannot drop below 85% of MIDN 4/C being Tier 1 or 2. There are just too many people that are playing the game of saying they want to be a T1 or T2 and then wanting to drop down once they get the scholarship. Those days have come to an end.

If your current GPA is 3.9 then it seems you are doing fine. One last point on this, and I mean this more for applicants this year. On your application, there is a question regarding your choice of major and what you have done to prepare for it. That question is intended to make you reflect on your choice and ensure it is the right one for you.

You might be able to change next year but the same Admiral will still be here. So it is risky to bet on something changing.
Click to expand...
My DS, who is currently a HS junior, is interested in pursuing an NROTC scholarship like his older brother did, but he wants to major in Finance, what is the probability of him securing the scholarship? My older DS won the scholarship a year ago, but he's an ME/AE major.
 
flightdeck said:
My DS, who is currently a HS junior, is interested in pursuing an NROTC scholarship like his older brother did, but he wants to major in Finance, what is the probability of him securing the scholarship? My older DS won the scholarship a year ago, but he's an ME/AE major.
Click to expand...
It is very hard to make a prediction based solely on a college major. But NROTC is already competitive and with Tier 3 majors being capped at 15 percent,
It becomes more challenging.
 
Justin HELPmomStocksPosts said:
Is their any information as to why they wound not be allowing any 4/C to apply for tier 3. Is their already 15% of MIDN at tier 3 majors. Regardless why would 4/C be the ones not able to apply. Isn’t it a lot harder for 3/C and up to change because they would be behind in credits if they change majors. Do we know if 4/C can apply next semester?

It’s really important to me that I get a tier 3 major. I don’t think I would drop the scholarship for it but I would at least consider it. I definitely don’t want to double major as I’m already about to start working and currently play intramural sports. I just don’t have the time/ drive to major in something that is uninteresting to me. Over 50% of undergrad students change their majors. Yes I might have wrote an essay why I wanted to do whatever tier 2 major I was when I applied but I have since had a change in passion like the other 50%+ students.

Besides I feel like an economics degree (tier 3) is much more of a technical degree than marine science (tier 2). It’s not like I want to get an art degree.
Click to expand...
"It’s not like I want to get an art degree" is not a great way to look at your peers in the Navy. When you hit the fleet you will find a multitude of majors, from art degrees to music technicians. I know two at flight school and they are near the top of their class, scoring near perfect 100s in NIFE academics, while other STEM majors are struggling, including aerospace engineers.

I myself studied two subjects in college that often get mocked; all I'll say is, I'm still in it while others have DOR'd.
 
FastFood44 said:
"It’s not like I want to get an art degree" is not a great way to look at your peers in the Navy. When you hit the fleet you will find a multitude of majors, from art degrees to music technicians. I know two at flight school and they are near the top of their class, scoring near perfect 100s in NIFE academics, while other STEM majors are struggling, including aerospace engineers.

I myself studied two subjects in college that often get mocked; all I'll say is, I'm still in it while others have DOR'd.
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Well that proves my point. Why wouldn’t they let me do whatever degree I want lol if it doesn’t really matter
 
Justin HELPmomStocksPosts said:
Is their any information as to why they wound not be allowing any 4/C to apply for tier 3. Is their already 15% of MIDN at tier 3 majors. Regardless why would 4/C be the ones not able to apply. Isn’t it a lot harder for 3/C and up to change because they would be behind in credits if they change majors. Do we know if 4/C can apply next semester?

It’s really important to me that I get a tier 3 major. I don’t think I would drop the scholarship for it but I would at least consider it. I definitely don’t want to double major as I’m already about to start working and currently play intramural sports. I just don’t have the time/ drive to major in something that is uninteresting to me. Over 50% of undergrad students change their majors. Yes I might have wrote an essay why I wanted to do whatever tier 2 major I was when I applied but I have since had a change in passion like the other 50%+ students.

Besides I feel like an economics degree (tier 3) is much more of a technical degree than marine science (tier 2). It’s not like I want to get an art degree.
Click to expand...
It was explained, quite clearly by @GWU PNS, that there are statutory requirements that dictate the needs of the Navy.

They said no.

What else do you want to happen?

Keep in mind, going forward, you may be told ‘no’ to your service selection 1st choice.

You may be told ‘no’ to your first choice location.

You may be told ‘no’ to leave requests, shift swaps, hours of work, watch schedule requests, JO task assignment, blah blah blah.

Not trying to be rude, but 3,000 pct you signed up for ‘the needs of the Navy’. And apparently, they don’t need any tier 3’s this year. Period.
 
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