swingchopchop

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Currently in the process of looking into schools and their NROTC programs. I've got a (hopefully) simple question here that may sound silly, but I wish to make sure that I don't get trapped in anything if that makes sense.

Can I apply to a school's ROTC program even if I haven't enrolled in the school yet. As in - I've been accepted but getting into their ROTC program is a make or break. Or do I have to enroll after being accepted and then just hope I get in?
 
Well if you get the scholarship, then you are automatically enrolled if you choose to take the scholarship.
Some top schools completely fill their ROTC slots with scholarship people, which makes me think that it would be difficult to participate as a programmer? Unsure.
You can definitely reach out to your desired ROTC branch's unit now and see what opportunities they might have for you.
 
Currently in the process of looking into schools and their NROTC programs. I've got a (hopefully) simple question here that may sound silly, but I wish to make sure that I don't get trapped in anything if that makes sense.

Can I apply to a school's ROTC program even if I haven't enrolled in the school yet. As in - I've been accepted but getting into their ROTC program is a make or break. Or do I have to enroll after being accepted and then just hope I get in?
I'm not sure this is true in all cases, but I believe for AROTC you can enroll in the military science classes your first two years, but you may need permission to continue beyond that. Your best bet is to contact the ROO at the school(s) you're interested in to ask.
 
Some top schools completely fill their ROTC slots with scholarship people, which makes me think that it would be difficult to participate as a programmer?
@shiftyblock, what’s your basis for saying this? All things point to ROTC being open to both scholarship winners and programmers, at least for the first two years. Which makes sense, since the attrition rate is fairly high, even among scholarship winners. Making ROTC open allows for the participation of highly promising candidates who didn’t win a scholarship, and for the filling in of slots vacated by cadets.

Not sure what you mean by “top schools,” so maybe something I don’t know?
 
ROTC is definitely open to non-scholarship students to include the labs, PT, etc.

Can I apply to a school's ROTC program even if I haven't enrolled in the school yet. As in - I've been accepted but getting into their ROTC program is a make or break. Or do I have to enroll after being accepted and then just hope I get in?

This is a rather unusual question. I've never seen it asked during the many years I have been on these boards.

It's usually fairly easy to get accepted without the scholarship. There are some forms to fill out and a high school type sports physical to complete. I suppose some programs might become full and you would be unable to join, but I've never heard of that happening. Your best bet is to contact the school(s) you wish to attend and ask them that questions, especially since you would be applying through the school anyway. Follow their guidance, which could be different for each school.

My personal opinion is that you would apply after getting accepted at your college, but the unit can give you better guidance.
 
Well if you get the scholarship, then you are automatically enrolled if you choose to take the scholarship.
Some top schools completely fill their ROTC slots with scholarship people, which makes me think that it would be difficult to participate as a programmer? Unsure.
You can definitely reach out to your desired ROTC branch's unit now and see what opportunities they might have for you.
Do you know if it's possible to apply to be a programmer before enrolling in the school? I understand the scholarship part.
 
ROTC is definitely open to non-scholarship students to include the labs, PT, etc.



This is a rather unusual question. I've never seen it asked during the many years I have been on these boards.

It's usually fairly easy to get accepted without the scholarship. There are some forms to fill out and a high school type sports physical to complete. I suppose some programs might become full and you would be unable to join, but I've never heard of that happening. Your best bet is to contact the school(s) you wish to attend and ask them that questions, especially since you would be applying through the school anyway. Follow their guidance, which could be different for each school.

My personal opinion is that you would apply after getting accepted at your college, but the unit can give you better guidance.
Case by case basis, got it!
 
@shiftyblock, what’s your basis for saying this? All things point to ROTC being open to both scholarship winners and programmers, at least for the first two years. Which makes sense, since the attrition rate is fairly high, even among scholarship winners. Making ROTC open allows for the participation of highly promising candidates who didn’t win a scholarship, and for the filling in of slots vacated by cadets.

Not sure what you mean by “top schools,” so maybe something I don’t know?
Kinnem's response is definitely the official one to go to, and covers what I only alluded to as some programs potentially "being full". Since it doesn't happen much(?) it shouldn't be a problem.
 
Do you know if it's possible to apply to be a programmer before enrolling in the school? I understand the scholarship part.
Definitely can contact before enrolling, but you'll have to enroll in the school before becoming a programmer
 
You can certainly reach out to the program to convey your intentions. That can help get things rolling with needs they may have to walk on as a college programmer (physical, etc.). Then, when you are accepted into the school, you can formally start things.

If you get the scholarship and accepted to the actual school, then I believe you are enrolled. Then the fun part starts with the DoDMERB work and getting ready for NSI!
 
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