ROTC PMS Interview

E

EastRound

West Point Candidate C/o 2026
Joined
Jul 8, 2020
Messages
150
Hello,

Does the PMS interview have to be with a PMS of my #1 school or can it be from my #2 school, which is much closer to my house?

Thank you.
 
I did my interview with a school that wasn’t on my list. My regional coordinator (liaison?) from USMA suggested I interview with a specific school, so I did.
 
You can do the interview with any PMS. There are some reasons why you might want to do your test with a school on your list, but it is not required. Cadet Command will send you contact info for the closest schools, but you can easily find contact info for most programs. Keep in mind that due to Covid many programs are offering interviews virtually, so distance won’t be an issue.
 
clarksonarmy said:
You can do the interview with any PMS. There are some reasons why you might want to do your test with a school on your list, but it is not required. Cadet Command will send you contact info for the closest schools, but you can easily find contact info for most programs. Keep in mind that due to Covid many programs are offering interviews virtually, so distance won’t be an issue.
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Out of curiosity, what may be some benefits for doing it with a school on your list?
 
EastRound said:
Out of curiosity, what may be some benefits for doing it with a school on your list?
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My DS did his at his first choice 3 years ago even though it was a 5 hour drive. Remember that ROTC scholarships offer Tuition or Room and board, not both. He wanted to interview at his first choice which he then got an additional scholarship that covered room and board. I think it can be worth the drive if your first school is a priority. It was worth the drive for us.
 
EastRound said:
Hello,

Does the PMS interview have to be with a PMS of my #1 school or can it be from my #2 school, which is much closer to my house?

Thank you.
Click to expand...

My son did his US Army PMS interview at George Mason but got the 4yr Army ROTC scholarship to VA Tech. He interviewed with a Captain and not the CO of the unit. All you need is a good interview. Be confident, answer questions in a clear voice (no mumbling), and give reasons why you want to join (family members who served, etc), explain what you will study, and what you have done to prepare (athletics, volunteering, schools clubs/activities). My son showed up in his US Army JROTC uniform. Dress to impress in suit, suitable haircut --- professional.
 
I think if you can swing it at your first choice and you are a legitimate candidate for that school, you should make the trip or do it virtually with your #1 choice. Some PMS's have more sway with admissions than others and if so, it can really help to have done the interview with your top choice. I am pretty sure it helped for my son at Vanderbilt. He was well-qualified and got a 4-year scholarship, but 2 kids from his high school had already gotten into Vandy ED1, so we think the PMS's support likely helped him get accepted ED2.
 
If at all possible, highly recommend with your top choice if possible. Networking and connecting, making a strong first impression can only be helpful. A name with a face kind of thing.

When my 2nd son interviewed with NROTC Captain at his first choice...that person asked how his older brother was doing (older brother had also interviewed with him a few years earlier for NROTC). Inquiring about things from that interview. I was surprised. Probably shouldn’t be, but my point is that there was a connection...a name and a face. That Captain liked both of my guys.

Also, I would encourage a visit if you are able. My guys gained very valuable insight and info during their visits. And it also was another opportunity to make an impression. EVERYTHING is an interview!
 
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General comment here: Not mutually exclusive to interview at your closest local school AND build relationships with the cadre at your top school choice which may be farther away. My DS did both and received scholarships and admissions at his top choices for each branch.
 
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