PMS interview was blunt... Thoughts?

A

armybrat0401

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Jun 11, 2017
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Had my AROTC interview this morning with the local PMS. He was very blunt and asked many “gotcha” questions and I knew he was just trying to see how I respond to being drilled with quick questions. However I am somewhat concerned with the fact I was not asked any questions about my character, did not fill out a questionnaire as I was expecting to, and the interview was only 15 mins. He asked many questions he already had the answers to, like my academic standings and scores. Should I be concerned and do you recognize any red flags? I live in a high populated area so do y’all think this could’ve been because of many applicants needed to be interviewed? Thanks.
 
What made you think you’d fill out a questionnaire? Was the school on your list of schools on your application? PMSs do things differently, so there is no way for us to know whether this is just the way this PMS operates, or if you just picked the wrong PMS.
 
Are you in Northern Virginia and travelled to the university where all the kids do their interview but they don't wish to go to school there?
You might call cadet command/ROTC recruiting to see if you cannot get another interview at a different school--one that you wish to actually attend and join the Corps of Cadets. You might even call the school you wish to attend's ROTC and ask for another interview.
 
He may just have wanted to hear you express yourself verbally, even if he already knew the info. So many possible explanations. I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Mine was the same way. I felt like I wasn't even being interviewed, but speaking with some of my father's close friends that are PMS's, it turns out I was being interviewed. Turns out I did very well and got the 4 Year Scholarship.
 
ontothefray22 said:
Mine was the same way. I felt like I wasn't even being interviewed, but speaking with some of my father's close friends that are PMS's, it turns out I was being interviewed. Turns out I did very well and got the 4 Year Scholarship.
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Our DD had her interview with the PMS at the closest school not the school that was her first choice. Time wise it just wasn't practical to travel to her first choice. That said she had met the ROO at her first choice many times. Her PMS interview was 45 minutes. She looked at it like a job interview. She printed out her latest grades, dressed appropriately, and practiced, practiced and practiced. You are there to sell yourself. Good luck!
 
DrMom said:
Are you in Northern Virginia and travelled to the university where all the kids do their interview but they don't wish to go to school there?
You might call cadet command/ROTC recruiting to see if you cannot get another interview at a different school--one that you wish to actually attend and join the Corps of Cadets. You might even call the school you wish to attend's ROTC and ask for another interview.
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Is this possible to have another interview? I am in northern VA. I just went to the closest university and did my interview. I’m applying to schools that are far away and would not be able to interview in person
 
Not sure about a second interview, but I wouldn't think so unless you had a valid reason beyond what you described. Of course you may check with your processor at Cadet Command. Every PMS has his/her own way of conducting the interview, but they are following Cadet Command directive to be impartial as to whether the applicant applied to their program or not. We must all confirm the things we "already have the answers to" and you actually get additional points as the PMS marks them off and loads them into the database. Beyond that, we try to do our best to gauge you as a candidate and must address our thoughts on your motivations and potential to succeed in college and in ROTC. How that is accomplished is up to the individual PMS. Best wishes.
 
One of my son's interviews was very bizarre. Like we still joke about it at our house!! Son even remarked in the car on the way home, "Well, that was weird. We can just say I'll probably be getting a no email soon." We talked about how any interview is a good experience and that it was not a wasted trip. Then bam... a few weeks later... awarded a scholarship.
 
AROTC-dad said:
Can you elaborate more on how was the interview "different?"
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Interview part was like all his other ROTC, ALO, Blue and Gold, congressional etc... Same types of questions. Then when interview was over the interviewer told son what an impressive resume he had and that he had a daughter his age. Showed son her picture... Son panicked. Lol. He was so confused... He didn't want to appear not interested at all, but didn't want to appear too interested. Son has a little sister and knows that's a very fine line.

He joked about it at home and said it was a trap. Ha! Son just deflected, stayed professional and said "You must be very proud of her."

I guess it was a good answer... He got the scholarship.
 
AROTC-dad said:
CLEARLY....this was the right answer! Congratulations on raising a DS with solid common sense.

Thanks for sharing a great story and lesson for all candidates.
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My husband and I said that the officer probably doesn't even have a daughter. LOL. He just uses this line at interviews as a character test on candidates. Ha!
 
DD’s interview was at the required school (not school on his list) and was all scenario based rather than congressional type. More to see how he would react as an officer. His ap is in Board review now. Accepted to his top 3 school choices so far to, so here’s hoping!
 
jaglvr said:
DD’s interview was at the required school (not school on his list) and was all scenario based rather than congressional type. More to see how he would react as an officer. His ap is in Board review now. Accepted to his top 3 school choices so far to, so here’s hoping!
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My DD's was also all scenario based a few years ago, it was also at the closest school, it was on her list as her required in state choice (only in state nursing school available) but she had not considered going there. She ended up with a 3 year scholarship and to our surprise (and delight) she ended up choosing that school. Since they had interviewed her and got to know her, after she received the scholarship they actively recruited her. She hasn't regretted her choice. Sometimes those "required schools" open amazing doors!
 
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