NROTC - USMC Scholarship PFT

Bmart173

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Has it ever been possible to receive a scholarship with a minimum (120) to mid-range (200) PFT score?

I have a GPA of 4.0, SAT non-superscored of 1500, hold officer positions in many clubs, no HS varsity sports, in many academic honor societies, and plenty of community service. Let's say I aced the officer interview. Would there be some sort of leeway with my PFT score or is there a "standard" of 200+?
 
@Bmart173 - 120-200 is going to be tough. The average for scholarship winners is in the 270+ range. 200 is the minimum score your must have to activate and keep your scholarship The PFT is much more important to the NROTC-MO application package than the other branches. The 3 legged stool - Academics, Athletics & Leadership. You are fine on the academics. I don't see any leadership or athletics. Are you working out trying to improve your PFT? What kind of leadership roles do you have/had?Do you play any club sports?

Remember - you are competing against other young men and women that have high academic stats, leadership and athletics. It's a competition.

You have 0% chance if you don't apply.

Why do you want to be a Marine Officer?
 
Has it ever been possible to receive a scholarship with a minimum (120) to mid-range (200) PFT score?

I have a GPA of 4.0, SAT non-superscored of 1500, hold officer positions in many clubs, no HS varsity sports, in many academic honor societies, and plenty of community service. Let's say I aced the officer interview. Would there be some sort of leeway with my PFT score or is there a "standard" of 200+?

What is your current PFT score? I assume you are somewhere in between 120-200?
 
I was in a similar position as you. Had great academics but never played sports in high school and had a lower PFT score. Here’s my insight...

As you know, the Marine Corps values physical fitness. A pft score under a first class will most likely be the deciding factor on your scholarship application. It’s paramount that you bring that up.

When I decided that I wanted to become a Marine Officer, I did a personal pft to see where I stood. 12 pullups, 80 crunches, and a 26 min three mile.

I started a run training plan and did calisthenics everyday. My score improved. Ended up running a 250 for my application and got the four year. Now with more training under my belt, I consistently score a 280. Physical fitness is something anyone can improve upon with the right amount of motivation and dedication.

It would be foolish to settle for a 120-200 pft score. Start training now. Like I said, if you want to be a Marine Officer you will put in the work.
 
@Bmart173 - 120-200 is going to be tough. The average for scholarship winners is in the 270+ range. 200 is the minimum score your must have to activate and keep your scholarship The PFT is much more important to the NROTC-MO application package than the other branches. The 3 legged stool - Academics, Athletics & Leadership. You are fine on the academics. I don't see any leadership or athletics. Are you working out trying to improve your PFT? What kind of leadership roles do you have/had?Do you play any club sports?

Remember - you are competing against other young men and women that have high academic stats, leadership and athletics. It's a competition.

You have 0% chance if you don't apply.

Why do you want to be a Marine Officer?
I am working to improve my PFT score, thanks for putting things into perspective. I am treasurer of Robotics and BPA and president of NTHS. I play golf recreationally every week. Aside from the obvious educational/financial benefits, I don't want to go through the traditional route of every other student in the US. Nothing but postgraduate schooling sounds tedious and NROTC provides an opportunity to get my degree and lead Marines in the process. Becoming a Marine Officer would mean a chance to serve my country, grow leadership skills, and lead the greatest fighting force in the world. NROTC would, on top of that, allow me to obtain a paid degree in the process.
 
Just wanted to throw out there that I was exactly where you are last year. I was running a 180 this time last year but I was able to get it up to a 280 by the second board and was awarded a four year scholarship. My point is that if you are willing to put in the work you can get there. If you want any advice about what worked for me just let me know and I'll be more then happy to help.
 
You're going to need to score a 235 or higher just to activate your scholarship, but yeah like others have said, you should strike for 275+ to ensure you have the best chance at a scholarship.
 
You're going to need to score a 235 or higher just to activate your scholarship, but yeah like others have said, you should strike for 275+ to ensure you have the best chance at a scholarship.


This is not accurate. "Marine Option midshipmen must obtain a PFT score of 200 for their current age group for
scholarship activation
. 3/C and 2/C Marine Option midshipmen must obtain a 235 for their current age
group as outlined in MCO 6100.13A. Although not required, it is recommended that Marine Option
students maintain a PFT score of 265 or higher to successfully complete the 6-week OCS course. The
CFT minimum score is 235.
"
 
@OSU-NROTC is keeping it correct. But will share DS's experience as Nat Scholar applicant. Tested 269 and did not receive the scholarship, joined as CP, ran track in Spring including to State Meet in distance. Stopped running/workout and coasted through Senior summer. Tested 207 in Fall. Had his first full-contact marine officer counseling session shortly thereafter. Remedial PT. Tested 279 by end of Fall. Spent Spring and Summer of the pandemic like Rocky in Siberia... 293. To quote Stu Smith: "Don't ask me what the minimum standards are. I don't know them."
 
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