Prep school

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Blackout

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I am currently on the national waiting list and looking into rotc because I'm preparing for the worst. I'm having difficulty because I missed the national rotc scholarship deadline. If you don't get an loa from West Point but have a decently competitive file, do they give you an offer for prep school or do you have to make that move on your own? Sorry if this is a basic question, just a little confused
 
As many on here will tell you this type of question has been asked many times. If you are found highly competitive for admission and they want you at the academy, you will get a direct appointment. But if your file isn't as competitive or you have weakness in some area, but you are someone with great potential to succeed at the academy and hopefully become a good officer then they may offer you prep school. There is nothing in the world you can do to get into the prep school, it is up to the Board to determine your faith.
 
My son didn't apply for the ROTC scholarship; I have no idea why. He didn't get accepted to West Point when he first applied. His back up plan was to attend University of North GA, which is a senior military college. Imagine our surprise and delight when a few days after getting the TWE from West Point, he received a letter and email from ROTC command that said something like, "We know you didn't get into West Point. If you are interested in becoming an Army officer, we would like to offer you a 3 year ROTC scholarship." The scholarship pays either tuition or room and board, books, stipend monthly. We were thrilled! It would have kicked in for his 2nd year...but he really wanted West Point, so he worked his butt off and reapplied. Most people take 5 years to get through college, so why not? He joined ROTC, did well, took hard classes, reapplied and is now a yearling. While the waiting is hard, you will know within a few months...but you do have options. Don't count out ROTC scholarships--you might get one like my son did, or you might get one awarded by your school...and if you don't get in and want it, try again!
 
My DS got the same letter last year. West Point shares the qualified candidates who were not offered admission with ROTC cadet command. I talked with a few classmates who work in ROTC and they try to use all of the funds available. If they have excess funds towards the end of the year, they award more of these. It is still the government and budgets are typically use it or lose it. While you cannot depend on getting a National scholarship in this manner, you can visit ROTC units at the colleges you are interested in attending. All of them have some sort of campus based scholarship program that allows students to compete. These are the same as the National based ones, but you are only competing against other non-scholarship cadets in your battalion. You would need to talk with the recruiting coordinator at the school

Typically, the prep school is reserved for individuals who are not fully qualified and need to improve their academics. If you are on the NWL, your chances of being offered the prep school are pretty slim.
 
mom3boys said:
My son didn't apply for the ROTC scholarship; I have no idea why. He didn't get accepted to West Point when he first applied. His back up plan was to attend University of North GA, which is a senior military college. Imagine our surprise and delight when a few days after getting the TWE from West Point, he received a letter and email from ROTC command that said something like, "We know you didn't get into West Point. If you are interested in becoming an Army officer, we would like to offer you a 3 year ROTC scholarship." The scholarship pays either tuition or room and board, books, stipend monthly. We were thrilled! It would have kicked in for his 2nd year...but he really wanted West Point, so he worked his butt off and reapplied. Most people take 5 years to get through college, so why not? He joined ROTC, did well, took hard classes, reapplied and is now a yearling. While the waiting is hard, you will know within a few months...but you do have options. Don't count out ROTC scholarships--you might get one like my son did, or you might get one awarded by your school...and if you don't get in and want it, try again!
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I agree with mom3boys. Last year, shortly after DS2 received the dreaded QNS letter he received an email from ROTC command that informed him WP admissions had recommended him for a scholarship. The email went on to state that he would not receive a scholarship. He, too, had not applied for a ROTC scholarship. Subsequently, DS2 received letters, emails and phone calls from at least three colleges' ROTC departments offering him a three-year ROTC scholarship. Two of the colleges offered free room and board, in addition to the ROTC scholarship. DS2 had not applied to these colleges. DS2 declined the offers, took a different path, and is a reapplicant to WP this year and a first time applicant to Navy.

The waiting game is a difficult one, but you will know your path within the next four to six weeks. Good luck and remember your drive and hard work got you to where you are today. Continue to work hard, exercise good judgment, and you will go far in life, regardless of where you go to college.
 
Blackout said:
I am currently on the national waiting list and looking into rotc because I'm preparing for the worst. I'm having difficulty because I missed the national rotc scholarship deadline. If you don't get an loa from West Point but have a decently competitive file, do they give you an offer for prep school or do you have to make that move on your own? Sorry if this is a basic question, just a little confused
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You are only eligible for Prep school if you are found academically unqualified, but show promise in other areas.
 
The only thing I will add to the above response is that is correct for usmaps but if you are 3q with a nom civil prep is an option but there are only 50 slots (AOG scholarships to civilian prep schools) and the RC has input as to who gets awarded the AOG civil prep option. This is for 3q with nom competitive candidates who may not receive a direct appointment. It is an incredible opportunity....
 
JWP said:
The only thing I will add to the above response is that is correct for usmaps but if you are 3q with a nom civil prep is an option but there are only 50 slots (AOG scholarships to civilian prep schools) and the RC has input as to who gets awarded the AOG civil prep option. This is for 3q with nom competitive candidates who may not receive a direct appointment. It is an incredible opportunity....
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Our DS is 3Q and is offered an AOG from his RC to civil prep. We have 5 to choose from but zeroing in on MMI and GMC. Still trying to figure out how he would get another nom from his congressman if he's in another state. Any input would be appreciated.
 
jjcjammer said:
Our DS is 3Q and is offered an AOG from his RC to civil prep. We have 5 to choose from but zeroing in on MMI and GMC. Still trying to figure out how he would get another nom from his congressman if he's in another state. Any input would be appreciated.
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MOC office staffers are accustomed to prepsters, re-applicants, college applicants. He will be away at school; his state of residence is still your home. Get as much done before he goes on nom app.
 
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My 2018 cadet chose MMI (incredible experience for him) and they help set up the moc interview which he did by phone from Alabama. They also helped him secure an ROTC nomination. Basically, if a cadet is offered an AOG scholarship, they really want that cadet at USMA...it really is their appointment to lose. All 26 AOG cadets at MMI in my DSs class received their USMA appointments...congrats!
 
Let me add some clarity to this issues. There are two types of "Prep" Schools.

1. USMAPS-Is a prep school located at West Point but far from the academy. There is very little interaction. MAPS is reserved to underrepresented for class goal composition, athletes, and prior enlisted. You can not apply for MAPS. And "may" be academically DQ'd. This programs helps with academic skills needed to succeed in the academy. There are no "guarantee" of an appointment upon completion and you will need another MOC.

2.Civil Prep-Civil Prep schools come in all different sizes and colors. There are two types of students, "sponsored" and "free agent"
"Free agent"-are students who put themselves through the school in hopes of becoming more competitive before the next cycle of applications.
"Sponsored"- are those who received a scholarship like "AoG" from Army and "Falcon" from Air Force. Depending on the year, 40 to 50 AoG scholarships are given to those who show talent enough to graduate from a SA but need just a little more polishing up. To receive a sponsored scholarship the RC makes the recommendation to AoG. You will need another MOC as required for admission into WP. And no "guarantee" of an appointment

In both cases, the students, need to be polished up academically. Generally, "preparers" do better because they are a year maturer, and better equipped academically. You can ask your RC for his blessing.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
JWP said:
My 2018 cadet chose MMI (incredible experience for him) and they help set up the moc interview which he did by phone from Alabama. They also helped him secure an ROTC nomination. Basically, if a cadet is offered an AOG scholarship, they really want that cadet at USMA...it really is their appointment to lose. All 26 AOG cadets at MMI in my DSs class received their USMA appointments...congrats!
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Why did your DS choose MMI over the other schools? We're looking at MMI, GMC and Greystone. Did MMI other a scholarship? Sorry for the bombardment of questions.
 
DS made the choice for MMI after speaking to several of the eligible programs. Why MMI over the others? Cannot really say as he really owned the decision. NMMI was high on his list but MMI won out. What I can share is the experience at MMI prepared him extremely well for his time at USMA. However, from what I understand all the options are strong. And yes... MMI did have a tuition break.to go along with the AoG scholarship but it did not cover the entire cost. Hope this helps.
 
I think experience with academy life would be a huge advantage. My so was a direct appointee to WP, and was 17 years old until last Sept. He had no military perspective from family, and basically went in as a very green kid. He did fine, and really liked beast (particularly Buckner). His grades weren't bad, but we're not nearly as good as we had hoped. This semester they are A's and B's so far. I believe the difference mostly is learning from last semester.

I think the prepsters have not only the experience of Academy life, but also have the advantage of going through the first year classes they will have. Huge boost.

But on the other hand, attending a year of regular college would be great too, particularly if you are doing ROTC. Either way, it provides that year of maturity that direct appointees don't have.
 
My DS did receive a 4yr AROTC scholarship but his focus has been nothing but USMA. My biggest concern is that he does a year of civil prep and doesn't get in.
 
jjcjammer said:
My DS did receive a 4yr AROTC scholarship but his focus has been nothing but USMA. My biggest concern is that he does a year of civil prep and doesn't get in.
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If he has the ROTC scholarship, that should be a no brainier. He does a year in college, and ROTC, with the scholarship, and reaply. The academies love Reaplicants. Have your son ask his RC if he looks competitive for next year, and exactly what he should shoot for to be very competitive as a Reaplicant. Worst case scenario is he completes a year of college towards his degree, and also is closer to his goal of being a commision officer. Best case is an admission to WP next year. He may even chose to stay with ROTC.
 
Jjc...if your ds secured an AoG sponsorship...his seat for the next class is secured...it is his to lose. All 26 AoG sponsored prepsters at MMI who were in mt DSs class received their appointments. It is not a 100 percent guarantee but pretty close.
 
He's being offered an AOG scholarship. We should know all the details within a few weeks. MY DS spoke to the RC personally.
 
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JWP said:
Jjc...if your ds secured an AoG sponsorship...his seat for the next class is secured...it is his to lose. All 26 AoG sponsored prepsters at MMI who were in mt DSs class received their appointments. It is not a 100 percent guarantee but pretty close.
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That's what I figured. Why would USMA go through the trouble of giving out these scholarships if they're not going to take the student the following year. Thanks
 
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