Reapplying: NROTC or not?

[FutureNavyPilot]

I didn't receive any nominations this year, and I am beginning to doubt I am even triple qualified for the Academy anyway because of the C's I received in IB Chemistry.

I am of course already beginning my plan to re-apply to the Naval Academy, and I have my major/classes picked out at whatever college I will attend. I am stuck between two colleges: University of Florida and University of Central Florida. UF is a bigger name with a bigger reputation, but I believe UCF has an equal good Aerospace Engineering program; I also like UCF better as a college environment.

However, UCF does not have an NROTC program and UF does. To the Academy, do they prefer you do ROTC in college, or does it just benefit those who want to and then have a leg up at the Academy if they get in the second time?

I truly respect all NROTC and USNA candidates equally, but I know the path I want to take personally is USNA and I'm not giving up the dream!

 

[nhpb1]

Well, NROTC is beneficial if you don't get into the Academy the second time around. That way you'll have a fall back option, and you'll end up with the same commission that everyone at the Academy gets.

However, many say (my regional director included) that doing ROTC won't give you a leg up in terms of admissions to the academy; the most important goal is to receive good grades. You need to prove to the academy that you can handle the academic course load you'll be facing.

If your goal is USNA, then you technically have just as good of a chance getting in from either school, you just need to take into account a back up plan if things don't work out with the Academy. Hope this helped, and good luck.

 

[Ectriso]

Doesn't ROTC give you another nomination source? I am not sure about this, but if it is the case, then you have a fall back plan and a better chance at a nomination. Again, I am not 100% sure about that.

 

[CandidateElias15]

I didn't receive any nominations this year, and I am beginning to doubt I am even triple qualified for the Academy anyway because of the C's I received in IB Chemistry.

I am of course already beginning my plan to re-apply to the Naval Academy, and I have my major/classes picked out at whatever college I will attend. I am stuck between two colleges: University of Florida and University of Central Florida. UF is a bigger name with a bigger reputation, but I believe UCF has an equal good Aerospace Engineering program; I also like UCF better as a college environment.

However, UCF does not have an NROTC program and UF does. To the Academy, do they prefer you do ROTC in college, or does it just benefit those who want to and then have a leg up at the Academy if they get in the second time?

I truly respect all NROTC and USNA candidates equally, but I know the path I want to take personally is USNA and I'm not giving up the dream!

Sorry to hear about the IB Lifestyle.. I've fallen victim to a C in English
However, I do think they would take the "IB" factor into consideration, I dont think it would stop you from beign 3 qd.
But what I would ask is this: Is your goal to become a commissioned officer in the Navy by any means, or is the idea of Officership only appealing if you graduate from USNA?
Because if you want to become an Officer in the Navy, go NROTC, and reapply. If you're 3 Q next year, I doubt any nomination will be withheld from your congressional district; my congresswoman's board told us that those who reapply the following year (for a nomination, an appointment is different) they hardly ever deny because that shows dedication.
Personally, I wouldnt go NROTC because it looks better for reapplying. I'd take courses similar to Plebe year and then reapply, and hope for the best. I dont think NROTC shows much more dedication than reapplying to USNA with a good courseload.

 

[usnajosh]

It's great that you're not giving up, but as you are going to find out, you are going to view your dreams and goals for the academy through a somewhat different light. Please don't mistake this as negativity, it's just that if a commission is your ultimate goal, and if the academy has become less of a feasible option, then it would be prudent of you to pursue other routes as well.
NROTC would get you to where you want to be, even if it may not be the way you would have preferred. NROTC also gives you a basic introduction to military life, which would make plebe year that much easier. It's up to you of course, but I would say that you would be prudent to choose NROTC, assuming you were confident you could do that and make good grades.

Best of Luck.

 

[FutureNavyPilot]

Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I'll have a tough decision to make! I appreciate all your opinions.