ROTC-Scholarship Questions

U

US21

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Jun 11, 2018
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Hello all,
I am interested in Army ROTC program for my local college, but I am confused on how the application process for this works. I am also applying to WP. Would any of you mind explaining how ROTC applications work (for high schoolers).
1. Do I apply to the SA and ROTC program separately?
2. Do I apply for the ROTC through the college website, or through SA website?
3. Is there a difference between joining ROTC, ROTC acceptance, and an ROTC Scholarship?
4. Is it generally more likely to get ROTC Scholarship or an appointment to a SA?
5. Is it possible to get ROTC acceptance and appointment to a SA?
6. What does ROTC application include? (CFA, DoDMERB, etc?)
Any other info. would be great.
Thank you very much.
 
  1. Do I apply to the SA and ROTC program separately? Yes.
  2. Do I apply for the ROTC through the college website, or through SA website? Neither...use the AROTC website. https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html (But you still have to apply to the college).
  3. Is there a difference between joining ROTC, ROTC acceptance, and an ROTC Scholarship? Yes. Almost anyone can join Army ROTC during freshman (MS-1) and Sophomore (MS-2 year. To advance to MS-3, you must earn either a scholarship contract (Form DA-597-3) or Non-scholarship contract (DA 597-1).
  4. Is it generally more likely to get ROTC Scholarship or an appointment to a SA? Chances are higher to earn either a 4 or 3 year scholarship via AROTC. Also, no congressional nomination is required for ROTC.
  5. Is it possible to get ROTC acceptance and appointment to a SA? Absolutely yes. It happens all the time. Then you have to make a tough choice!
  6. What does ROTC application include? (CFA, DoDMERB, etc?) No CFA (only for SA's), Yes to PFT or APFT (not both), and then DoDMERB qualification OR a DQ with waiver. See ClarksonArmy's blog on PFT vs APFT. https://goldenknightbattalion.com/2011/09/03/pft-or-prt-that-is-the-question/
It is also worth it to review Clarkson's blog on the application process: https://goldenknightbattalion.com/2018/06/06/how-and-where-to-start-2018-edition/​
 
Last edited:
US21, your questions are very basic. Use primary sources — as others here have said, click on every link, tab and pulldown on the websites for the academies and ROTC. They are brimming with this information — the latest, most accurate information. AROTC-dad has given you a running start, but take charge from here.

You need to demonstrate this kind of resourcefulness and problem-solving throughout the application process, whether it’s for academy appointment, MOC nomination or ROTC scholarship. Those who’ll be making those decisions will want to know that you can effectively use primary sources and connect the dots. Those are foundational skills for mids/cadets and officers.
 
+1 MidCakePa

Also, I am going to recommend that this thread be moved to the ROTC forum.
 
US21 said:
6. What does ROTC application include? (CFA, DoDMERB, etc?)
Click to expand...

the application for AROTC includes a PT test (1 mile run, 1 minute sit ups, and 1 minute pushups), an interview with a PMS from a local university with AROTC program, 3 essays but 1 of them is optional, HS transcript and college transcript if you have taken any college classes, and DoDMERB (which includes a physical and an eye exam). This is all i can think of as of now
 
Here is more clarity on question 6: (from the AROTC scholarship application website: https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html
REQUIREMENTS
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be between the ages of 17 and 26
  • Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Score a minimum of 1000 on the SAT (math/verbal) or 19 on the ACT (excluding the required writing test scores)
  • Meet physical standards (click the link for the specifics)
  • Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on Active Duty or in a Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard)

YOUR COMMITMENT
  • An eight-year service commitment with the Army.
  • Serve full time in the Army for four years and four years with the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
  • Selected Cadets may choose to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career
 
AROTC-dad said:
4. Is it generally more likely to get ROTC Scholarship or an appointment to a SA? Chances are higher to earn either a 4 or 3 year scholarship via AROTC. Also, no congressional nomination is
Click to expand...


+1 AROTC-dad

The only tweak I would offer is that there are approximately 1200 USMA slots each year, and while there approximately 2500 AROTC national scholarship slots each year (little over double the number of WP slots), only about 600 of the AROTC national scholarships are for 4 years. The majority of the AROTC national scholarships are for 3 years. There are similarities in the things USMA and AROTC look for, and there are differences in each process that can cause someone offered a WP appointment to not earn an AROTC scholarship, and vice versa. I agree with AROTC-dad, apply for both. Both can be great paths to become a military officer. If you earn both...great! You have choices. If you earn only one ... great! You still have a path to serve as an officer.

Work hard. Build the best record you can in academics, varsity/travel sports, club/community leadership. An SA quality record will work well for earning a 4 yr AROTC national scholarship too!
 
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