d.mcknight
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2010
- Messages
- 265
So here's my background. Last year I applied to USNA. Was 3Q'd and had a nomination, but was not appointed. I did however receive a NROTC scholarship ultimately assigned to Maine Maritime Academy. I knew I wanted to reapply so as soon as I could open a new application, I did. Although I'm not 100% decided on what I want to do in the Navy, I've been leaning fairly heavily into going Nuclear Surface.
As of right now, I am done with my first semester of college with a 3.64 in an engineering major, I am a squad leader next semester for NROTC, my application is complete with the exception of my Calculus professor's eval and my first semester transcript, and I have a congressional nomination secured and a ROTC nomination lined up. (My CO wanted to wait until the first semester was over.)
Now here's my dilemma. I haven't been offered an appointment, but my BGO and area coordinator both think I have a very good chance of receiving one this time around. I'm not getting my hopes up too much, and I have a solid set up if I don't get one, but if I do, I'm not sure if I should choose to go to USNA or stay with Maine Maritime and continue NROTC. I've come up with some positives and negatives on both sides and I could use some input from others.
I know all the benefits of USNA. I don't think I would have any problem in the type of environment at the school. Here are some things that have made me really think about this decision though. If I were to stay at MMA and graduate in 3 1/2 years from there, not only would I have a BS in engineering and a commission in the Navy, but I would also have a CG 3rd Assistant Engineer's License. If something were to happen with the Navy, I could always fall back on that. Because of the type of school MMA is, I get a lot of hands on training with working and living on a ship. Also, by the end of this school year, I will have 50+ college credits. I know I might be able to validate some classes through tests at USNA, but that's still quite a few credits to lose.
One of the major concerns I've had in this decision though relates to my career after I graduate. Like I said, I'm highly considering going Nuclear Surface. Where would I stand a better chance getting a slot? As far as getting promoted goes during my career, is it going to make a difference if I came from ROTC vs the Academy? And if the Navy goes through a major RIF like other services are, could where I graduated from make a major difference in whether or not they keep me or say adios?
Sorry this is so long-winded, but if you're still actually reading this I'd really appreciate any comments or advice or anything really. Thanks.
As of right now, I am done with my first semester of college with a 3.64 in an engineering major, I am a squad leader next semester for NROTC, my application is complete with the exception of my Calculus professor's eval and my first semester transcript, and I have a congressional nomination secured and a ROTC nomination lined up. (My CO wanted to wait until the first semester was over.)
Now here's my dilemma. I haven't been offered an appointment, but my BGO and area coordinator both think I have a very good chance of receiving one this time around. I'm not getting my hopes up too much, and I have a solid set up if I don't get one, but if I do, I'm not sure if I should choose to go to USNA or stay with Maine Maritime and continue NROTC. I've come up with some positives and negatives on both sides and I could use some input from others.
I know all the benefits of USNA. I don't think I would have any problem in the type of environment at the school. Here are some things that have made me really think about this decision though. If I were to stay at MMA and graduate in 3 1/2 years from there, not only would I have a BS in engineering and a commission in the Navy, but I would also have a CG 3rd Assistant Engineer's License. If something were to happen with the Navy, I could always fall back on that. Because of the type of school MMA is, I get a lot of hands on training with working and living on a ship. Also, by the end of this school year, I will have 50+ college credits. I know I might be able to validate some classes through tests at USNA, but that's still quite a few credits to lose.
One of the major concerns I've had in this decision though relates to my career after I graduate. Like I said, I'm highly considering going Nuclear Surface. Where would I stand a better chance getting a slot? As far as getting promoted goes during my career, is it going to make a difference if I came from ROTC vs the Academy? And if the Navy goes through a major RIF like other services are, could where I graduated from make a major difference in whether or not they keep me or say adios?
Sorry this is so long-winded, but if you're still actually reading this I'd really appreciate any comments or advice or anything really. Thanks.