ArmyROTCApplicant
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2023
- Messages
- 36
Hello everyone, I am currently applying to the Army ROTC scholarship but am having doubts over my ability to receive one. For anyone that was awarded one, what did your resume look like?
Thank you for the insight and advice! Having to compete with SA applications does worry me a bit as I am one of those individuals that is applying to somewhere that isn't a service academy. As for the interview, I've just reached the step of scheduling it, is there anywhere that can help indicate what questions they will ask and such?You’re not going to get much insight by looking at a few scattered resumes here. It’s a very small sample size and surely not a representative sample. Also ROTC isn’t just about stats but about the “whole candidate.” You won’t divine the entire story by just looking at a candidate on paper (the interview, for one, is a major piece).
While not everyone in ROTC wants to attend an SA, much of your competition for an ROTC scholarship will be SA applicants. So to get one view — certainly more reliable than random postings on SAF — see the latest class profiles for USMA, USNA and USAFA. Those stats can be very indicative.
Some observers will say to take that profile and shift it down a notch (a bit less competitive). Others will say shift it up a notch (a bit more competitive), because ROTC scholarships are awarded on a national basis while SA appointments are (at least initially) a local completion. Either way, you’ll have something more concrete to consider.
My DS had his AROTC interview back and said it was a great interaction, he felt very good about it when he left. He thought they were mostly standard interview questions. However, he just had his NROTC-MO interview last week. He said it was the hardest interview he's ever had. (has already competed FFR, BGO, Boys' State, student cabinet, job, volunteer, Scouts...) Marine Captain had his résumé, and he dug DEEP into it. Some of the activities he asked 9-10 questions about before moving onto the next line. My DS got the impression that he was testing him to see how truthful he was in his involvement in these activities. Also asked some very intriguing questions, that my DS said, had he not been so involved and dialed in during high school, he would have had NO answer. I was happy to hear this. It shows they are really trying to get to know the students and choose the best candidates. Being involved in extracurriculars that you have a passion about, an interest in, and can talk about makes a difference!Thank you for the insight and advice! Having to compete with SA applications does worry me a bit as I am one of those individuals that is applying to somewhere that isn't a service academy. As for the interview, I've just reached the step of scheduling it, is there anywhere that can help indicate what questions they will ask and such?
Looks great so far. With regard to the SAT, if you dont improve by much, get yourself a hired tutor. That is the one mistake I made with my son. He kept getting similar scores each time he took the SAT. Keep shooting for 1300+Thank you all for the advice and information! I definitely feel a lot more confident about my application, after looking through all these responses. I will be applying mainly to SMCs, primarily VMI, The Citadel, and Norwich University. For reference my list of accomplishments:
- 1 Year Cross Country Varsity
- 2 Year Indoor Track Varsity
- 3 Year Outdoor Track Varsity
- Team Captain of all three teams
- Have around 3-4 years of work experience
- GPA: 3.5
- World Language Honor Society
-SAT: 1200( Going to take it 1-2 more times. Aiming for 1300>)
Along with having taken 2 AP classes and 7 honor classes
I think the experiences these all have gave me more confidence to apply now especially after looking through all these responses emphasizing traits such as leadership. Probably going to be doing my interview in around a month. I still have to do the PFA and complete the essay responses.
They're going to ask vague, open ended questions about your motivations, your goals, what leadership challenges and successes you've had. They'll ask about influential people in your life (at least for me they did). The only thing you need to practice is speaking clearly, and remember everything of why you want to be a Marine/Soldier/Sailor/etc.Thank you for the insight and advice! Having to compete with SA applications does worry me a bit as I am one of those individuals that is applying to somewhere that isn't a service academy. As for the interview, I've just reached the step of scheduling it, is there anywhere that can help indicate what questions they will ask and such?
I recommend trying out the ACT. I got a 1270 on my SAT in March. Took an ACT in July after studying relatively little (next to nothing lol), and got a 31. The tests may speak to you depending on what type of person you are, I highly recommend taking both and seeing which you're stronger in.Thank you all for the advice and information! I definitely feel a lot more confident about my application, after looking through all these responses. I will be applying mainly to SMCs, primarily VMI, The Citadel, and Norwich University. For reference my list of accomplishments:
- 1 Year Cross Country Varsity
- 2 Year Indoor Track Varsity
- 3 Year Outdoor Track Varsity
- Team Captain of all three teams
- Have around 3-4 years of work experience
- GPA: 3.5
- World Language Honor Society
-SAT: 1200( Going to take it 1-2 more times. Aiming for 1300>)
Along with having taken 2 AP classes and 7 honor classes
I think the experiences these all have gave me more confidence to apply now especially after looking through all these responses emphasizing traits such as leadership. Probably going to be doing my interview in around a month. I still have to do the PFA and complete the essay responses.
Here is my take on the interview https://goldenknightbattalion.com/2017/12/29/the-interview-2017-edition/. There is no way to tell you what questions to expect because each program and interviewer is different. Find the score sheet that the PMS will use (it’s in the link above). That will give you some idea, but just come ready to have a good conversation and you’ll be fine.Thank you for the insight and advice! Having to compete with SA applications does worry me a bit as I am one of those individuals that is applying to somewhere that isn't a service academy. As for the interview, I've just reached the step of scheduling it, is there anywhere that can help indicate what questions they will ask and such?