Self-scheduling NROTC interview (with who?)

FØB Zero

Enthusiastically American
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Jul 30, 2019
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Since I cannot get a hold of any coordinators, I am going to schedule an interview with one of the colleges listed. Do you recommend I do a local university or my top choice NROTC scholarship school (which is more prestigious)? Both will be virtual.
 
If you can do it at your first choice college that would be great. If not, then a local unit will do. Prestige will play no part. These folks have been professional officers, usually O6 level, with many years of service.
 
I did a virtual interview with my #1 choice, which was located halfway across the country. You both have more "skin in the game." The officer knew that the school was my #1 choice and I think that helps the approach and focus of the interview. If you do super-well, they can even help in some way with admissions (I guess the downside is if you do poorly, or even just average, that can be a double whammy - a ding with ROTC generally an a ding for your #1). My local university was not even listed in my school choices, so that would have been an awkward question if I had been asked why. That said, if we were not in the middle of the pandemic where officer interviews were mainly virtual, I'd likely have gone with the local university. It would not have been easy to pay for for the travel to my first choice college, and I'd also have to miss school and practice. I also present much better in person than on a screen (I think this is likely true for most people).

Good luck!
 
I did a virtual interview with my #1 choice, which was located halfway across the country. You both have more "skin in the game." The officer knew that the school was my #1 choice and I think that helps the approach and focus of the interview. If you do super-well, they can even help in some way with admissions (I guess the downside is if you do poorly, or even just average, that can be a double whammy - a ding with ROTC generally an a ding for your #1). My local university was not even listed in my school choices, so that would have been an awkward question if I had been asked why. That said, if we were not in the middle of the pandemic where officer interviews were mainly virtual, I'd likely have gone with the local university. It would not have been easy to pay for for the travel to my first choice college, and I'd also have to miss school and practice. I also present much better in person than on a screen (I think this is likely true for most people).

Good luck!
Just want to point out a couple "misconceptions"
1. Some units can help with admission to the school if you're borderline. Others cannot help under any circumstances.
2. Your ROTC program interviews have absolutely nothing to do with the college acceptance process. The only way it could ding you, is if you can't afford a school without the scholarship.
 
1. Some units can help with admission to the school if you're borderline. Others cannot help under any circumstances.
In case you're wondering if this is the case at any of your potential schools, just ask! The active duty staff will tell you how much they can help, and might be able to give you a good idea of your chances of acceptance at that particular school.
 
Our son did his in person last year. He didn't travel 3000 miles to his number 1 choice (really his only choice, he only applied to that college in addition to SA's). He did it at a local university who happened to be last on his list. It was the first question he was asked, why was U of X his last choice? He answered it honestly. The interview continued. When it was over he was told not to worry about the ranking order, it was not the interviewer's first choice school either. They chuckled.
He received a first board scholarship.

Being able to interview with your 1st choice is great. But, if it isn't possible, don't sweat it. Practice interviewing, be your authentic, professional self.
 
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