ROTC Scholarship or Prep School?

Cadet35

Cadet35

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2019
Messages
458
What would be the most wise to pick? I realize it’s truly preference but I’m unsure if prep school is guaranteed admission to the following year??
 
What academy are you asking about and what ROTC school? Also, have you been offered a prep admission through the service academy you are talking about?
 
They are very different paths, both with their own benefits and risks. Some will tell you to go with the ROTC path and smash the academics/physical fitness while enjoying a traditional college experience while earning actual college credit. Some will tell you that Prep (SA style, sponsored, or self prep) can give you the boost to be highly competitive for the next admissions cycle. Since there isn't a guarantee of appointment with Prep, that is a year of your life that you must be willing to commit in the pursuit of what you want. My own opinion, seek a solid ROTC scholarship (Army has the best deal) and do everything you can to dominate that program and get your commission. Another factor that I have learned from reading comments from several on here who claim to have significant direct experience.....they usually only offer Prep to those who weren't in the running for an appointment during this cycle (low SAT/ACT, deficient fitness scores, etc) while leaving the "3Q" applicants who were not appointed to carry on with their Plan B. That mindset doesn't quite jive with me, why would you invest in a 25 ACT with the hopes of bringing them to a 30 instead of investing in a 30 ACT hoping to bring them to a 35...but hey....that's why this process is so secretive.
 
Cadet35 said:
USAFA Prep or Army ROTC- school undecided.
Click to expand...

Do you want to be an AF officer via USAFA?

If you have been offered USAFA prep, then they have seen something in you they want after looking at the totality of your application, but think you need polishing in a certain area to put you in a better place for success at USAFA. It is not all about just one score or stat. They are essentially saving you a place in the Class of 2025, provided you complete prep satisfactorily, and though there is no guarantee, they are investing in you as one of the few chosen for USAFA Prep. You still have to apply for noms from the usual sources in the next cycle, but USAFA will likely find you one if you are unable to get one. The SA prep schools are often called the “golden ticket.” You have an essentially no-cost prep year putting you in good shape for USAFA academics, you have a year away from home to gain additional maturity and coping skills, you soak up AF culture/military skills, get used to the altitude, and have a ready-made set of friends to attend USAFA with. You’ll be exposed to prior enlisted and learn a great deal from them.

If you want to be an Army Officer and have found a school you think you would thrive at, and want to get on with that, that is a perfectly fine path as well. That scholarship is a wonderful thing.

You have no bad choices here. You have earned a vote of confidence from both services. Just decide between blue and green, looking carefully at post-commission career paths, and commit to your choice, when your heart, head and gut align.
 
Last edited:
USAFA_2024_Candidate_Fam said:
Another factor that I have learned from reading comments from several on here who claim to have significant direct experience.....they usually only offer Prep to those who weren't in the running for an appointment during this cycle (low SAT/ACT, deficient fitness scores, etc) while leaving the "3Q" applicants who were not appointed to carry on with their Plan B. That mindset doesn't quite jive with me, why would you invest in a 25 ACT with the hopes of bringing them to a 30 instead of investing in a 30 ACT hoping to bring them to a 35...but hey....that's why this process is so secretive.
Click to expand...

You invest in that 25 ACT candidate because they have some outstanding traits that the 30 ACT candidate does not. The military is trying to find the smartest people who will become great warriors. If that 30 ACT candidate doesn't have what it takes to be a good military leader/warrior, then the 25 ACT candidate who does have those qualities is the better choice. That is why the selection process relies on the "whole person" concept and subjective inputs like interviews. The process isn't really secretive, it's just not understood by everyone.

Stealth_81
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top