ROTC Chances

[The Big Slides]

Hey, I am currently a junior in high school who plans to apply for both NROTC (Marines) and the Army ROTC scholarships.

Academic and Extracurricular Stats:
1. 4.2 GPA weighted | 4.0 GPA unweighted
2. 1100 on PSAT (taking actual SAT on April 9)
3. Class President
4. President and Founder of Military Club (knockoff future soldiers)
5. Speech and Debate JV Team

Physical Stats:
1. Club sport for Jiu-Jitsu and MMA (7 years)
2. 50 push-ups in one minute.
3. 70 crunches in one minute.
4. 20 pull-ups as my highest record.
5. 6:30 one mile run as my best mile time.
6. 10:00 one and a half mile run as my average time.

I have typed up a 570-word essay on why I want to be an officer on both branches (individual essays) based off prompts from the previous scholarships, but I am not certain that these prompts will still stand.

 

[FutureSoldier44]

I would say that your chances are fairly good. That being said, you can't truly say if one's chances are good because it only matters on how you stack up against the others that are applying for the scholarship. Anyways, I wish you luck and patience. And even though I'm biased, go Army, it's way better.

 

[Impulsive]

Before you think about the ROTC Scholarship, make sure you visit, and/or apply to three schools where you would like to go. Get accepted at the schools before you file for ROTC, speak with your prospective PMS or ROO at the colleges to see what the scholarship covers (some cover tuition only, other tuition and room and board or some R&B), how many of their graduates got their first choice, how many got active duty, and how many made field grade, plus options for additional military training.

For ROTC purposes, only a 1 mile run, push-ups in one minute and sit-ups in one minute are used (at least in Army ROTC). Nothing else matters. But a one on one with your prospective PMS/ROO is a really good idea, they have a lot of input with the selection boards as to who they want in their Cadre. You are very competitive, especially if your class rank is high (top 10%), if you take some AP or DE classes, have community service, and if you and the future Cadre are on the same page you should be good. Just be aware and don't get disappointed early on, most Scholarships are offered in April, only the top few get October or February Scholarships.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

You have a lot of impressive statistics and accomplishments. And good job on getting your essays in place early. But if you're asking, your PSAT score is low and potentially a significant concern if it doesn't go up from there on your SAT. I would recommend checking with your guidance counselor on getting a login to the Khan academy (http://www.khanacademy.org). Check your PSAT scores/ SAT registration - there maybe a link on that for Khan. They will provide free online instruction and mock exams in preparation for the SAT. They have a customized tool that will review your PSAT /SAT performance and provide enrichment on areas you may need to improve. After you start performing well in practice exams, take the SATs again at the end of the summer. I'd also ask for tutoring from your school in any areas you are not thriving in.

Also, in describing your activities, point out where you made a difference - were an officer, or leader (nicely done here), or were recognized for performance. in MMA club, did you teach Jiu-Jitsu others? As the Class President, what did you do that made an impact?

Lastly, I respectfully agree with almost all of @Impulsive's guidance and I especially agree about getting a jump on college choices and applications. BUT, you would be at a disadvantage to wait to apply to ROTC after college acceptances. You'd miss out on the early boards. I would recommend getting your ROTC, SA, and college applications tackled in August and in for the first rounds if you can. I'd also speak with your teachers about recommendations in May and get them lined up before your teachers get flooded with requests later on. There are a lot of hoops to run through - do this before you get into your senior year, then update the portal when you get updated SAT scores, ACT scores, college acceptances, etc.

Hope that helps and it's great you want to serve.

Best of luck!

 

[kinnem]

Get accepted at the schools before you file for ROTC

One NEVER waits to apply to ROTC until you've been accepted by the schools. These processes are independent and must be pursued in parallel.

speak with your prospective PMS or ROO at the colleges to see what the scholarship covers (some cover tuition only, other tuition and room and board or some R&B),

An ROTC scholarship will only cover tuition OR room and board. An NROTC MO scholarship will only cover tuition. Some colleges will offer free room and board to ROTC program participants, but that's independent of the scholarship. It doesn't hurt to ask the PNS or PMS about the colleges policy on room and board discounts for ROTC program participants.

how many of their graduates got their first choice, how many got active duty, and how many made field grade, plus options for additional military training.

All people commissioned by NROTC get active duty. The CO ia almost certain to have no idea of how many graduates made field grade. The other questions are applicable to all programs.

For ROTC purposes, only a 1 mile run, push-ups in one minute and sit-ups in one minute are used (at least in Army ROTC

While true for AROTC, it certainly is NOT true for NROTC MO, where you'll do a three mile run, situps and pull ups. It's the same test active duty Marines must successfully complete each year.

Some applicants (especially high school juniors) do not understand these programs and their differences yet. When one is talking about AROTC stuff, one should clearly specify AROTC vs ROTC, especially when the applicant is interested in multiple programs. Accurate information is important. Hope this helps the OP.