ROTC at Princeton versus Duke

[WMSMOM]

The AROTC program at Princeton is really good, that school also has a long history with the Army. The most recent CJCS (Gen. (Ret.) Mark Milley) was a Princeton grad. I am pretty sure they were also the only Ivy to not kick ROTC off campus during the Vietnam War. NROTC is also definitely doable at Princeton too, but a little more complicated because you have to commute to Rutgers for it.

Duke is a good school as well of course, I’ve heard the NROTC program is great there too.

I think it ultimately comes down to deciding which branch of service he wants to pursue and then comparing the two schools together. For example, Navy top choice for him? Narrow it down to Princeton NROTC vs Duke NROTC to make it easier. Also, definitely visit both schools during their admitted students’ days in April to help with the decision. During those days, get involved with/reach out to the chosen branch unit at the respective schools to get more of a feel for what life is like as a cadet/midshipman at Princeton/Duke. I know Princeton AROTC will set him up to stay with one of their cadets during Tiger Tuesdays (or whatever they call it now).

I think you need to be on Host campus with a HSSP, so if its crosstown you can't use it. I'd double check but I remember going thru that with my son. So look at which schools host that branch and double check. I know my son didn't apply to schools when they didn't host.

 

[GrilledCheese94]

I think you need to be on Host campus with a HSSP, so if its crosstown you can't use it. I'd double check but I remember going thru that with my son. So look at which schools host that branch and double check. I know my son didn't apply to schools when they didn't host.

You can absolutely use HSSP with a crosstown school.

Son has AFROTC HSSP and is hoping to get accepted at Princeton; he's already talked to the host unit at Rutgers.

NROTC at Princeton is also at Rutgers and my son has already talked to them as well.

 

[kinnem]

I think you need to be on Host campus with a HSSP, so if its crosstown you can't use it. I'd double check but I remember going thru that with my son. So look at which schools host that branch and double check. I know my son didn't apply to schools when they didn't host.

That's incorrect

 

[mike1979]

DS has been accepted to Princeton and Duke and has AROTC, NROTC and AFROTC scholarships. He is in his final decision phase on this matrix of choices and would love to hear the thoughts of this group on the pros/cons of both schools and the various ROTC options. A great problem to have but a very tough decision.

Congratulations. Could you let us know when did you hear back from Duke about the acceptance?

 

[FastFood44]

Definitely go visit, ask to shadow a student at each school's ROTC, and see if the schools offer any overnight programs... at the end of the day, the school IMO matters more than the unit. If they don't enjoy the school/major, ROTC is gonna be a bumpy ride.