Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals

[bookjustice]

Good evening,

I’m a current junior applying for SAs and NROTC-Marine Option. It’s been my goal for the past few years to commission (after my dad told me not to enlist like he did haha), so USNA and NROTC have been my focus (while still being open to other SAs). I’m worried my academics have slipped in the past year due to overpiling/overconfidence on that end, and what areas I can improve in to become a better person and candidate. Do I stand a chance against the people that are great studies?

Some quick stats:
3.68GPA unweighted (6.58/8.00 weighted).
1270 SAT (Taking ACT summer).
54/646 rank (~8% percentile).
Model UN Sec. (Political Club)
Attending Boys State (This June)
Swim (2 Year Letter).
150+ CS hours.
Close to being BNCO for MCJROTC… we have selections this Friday, and I’m confident in that aspect.
Was Company CO this year (40-ish people.)
Eagle Project in works.


I left some stuff out, but my question to you is: is it realistic for me to be optimistic about an appointment to USNA or a 4-year scholarship? I think the biggest bottleneck is going to be my academics that slipped this year which is probably going to reflect in my GPA. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket by focusing way too much on those avenues to commissioning, so would you guys recommend me applying for some 4-year schools and then retrying for USNA/NROTC?

 

[BJD16]

If you want Marine Option, you left out one of the most important points which is PRT score. Pull ups are harder than push ups, and the 3 mile run separates the best candidates from the weaker candidates, as most athletic teens can gut out a decent mile time. Finish the Eagle Scout project, raise the SAT score before the test goes digital in 2024, and workout like a madman this summer. Since you are not on a team sport and also not a Captain, the PRT score and Eagle Scout are even more important.

 

[Gearhead5]

BJD16 is right on about the PRT score for Marine Option, it is no joke. Pull ups are harder and take working on your back and lats. If you are new to this Go Slow! Same with the 3 mile run. If your not running now build up to the 3 miles and beyond.

As for your academic stats it’s always hard to say as what is good one year is not the next. You are wise not to put all your eggs in one basket. Check out the other branches; Army ROTC, AFROTC, NROTC. Maybe OCS/OTS after college would work for you as a path to commission.

My DS has a lower unweighted GPA and SAT score than yours. He is a math and physics nut and did ok on the reading comprehension with the SAT. He also took the ACT first and did better on the SAT when comparing the ACT score to the SAT score. My DS never had any desire for a SA and has decided on the non-scholarship ROTC, hopefully, path to commission. My DS also opted out of applying for a ROTC scholarship because he already qualified for first choice university academic scholarship and one from our state. I’ve included this information about my DS to show you may have other options outside of a SA or a ROTC scholarship. You can also start ROTC as a College Programmer/Non Scholarship cadet and earn a side load or in-college scholarship after you start.

Best of luck to you!

 

[bookjustice]

Thanks for the advice- I definitely am working on the physical aspect. Right now I can score ~250 on a USMC PFT, but my goal is getting a 300+. (My run is probably my strongest point, I’m almost at 18:00. Pull-ups weakest, 15 max). From the info I’ve gathered, NROTC-MO is more physical that other branches due to USMC’s mission, right? I’ve talked to the recruiters some and that seems to be the consensus. Thank you guys for your time, it’s appreciated. (Edit: 2 years of varsity swim to clarify.)

If you want Marine Option, you left out one of the most important points which is PRT score. Pull ups are harder than push ups, and the 3 mile run separates the best candidates from the weaker candidates, as most athletic teens can gut out a decent mile time. Finish the Eagle Scout project, raise the SAT score before the test goes digital in 2024, and workout like a madman this summer. Since you are not on a team sport and also not a Captain, the PRT score and Eagle Scout are even more important.

 

[Southern]

Thanks for the advice- I definitely am working on the physical aspect. Right now I can score ~250 on a USMC PFT, but my goal is getting a 300+. (My run is probably my strongest point, I’m almost at 18:00. Pull-ups weakest, 15 max). From the info I’ve gathered, NROTC-MO is more physical that other branches due to USMC’s mission, right? I’ve talked to the recruiters some and that seems to be the consensus. Thank you guys for your time, it’s appreciated. (Edit: 2 years of varsity swim to clarify.)

Any advise on running a 6:00 mile? I can hold a little over 7:00 for the whole 3 and am trying to drop sub 21:00, but as a non-XC runner without the coaching, I'm having a rough time.

 

[Gearhead5]

It’s more than just the mission. Officers are expected to lead in all aspects of their duties. Kind of difficult for a squad or platoon of enlisted Marines to follow a Lieutenant who is running at the back of the squad or platoon.

 

[bookjustice]

Any advise on running a 6:00 mile? I can hold a little over 7:00 for the whole 3 and am trying to drop sub 21:00, but as a non-XC runner without the coaching, I'm having a rough time.

I ran XC/track in middle school so I already kinda have a basis in running, but for someone that isn’t on it, maybe see if your XC/track coach will let you run with them sometimes. They are a great resource for running tips. Some of my own tips is to mix in sprint training (<400s) and a mix of endurance/long distance (5+ miles). You don’t have to do them the same day, but it helps to have both. Also, cross training is great and swim helps me a lot with running and overall body strength. Running is really hard on your own, don’t worry, I have the same issues. Also, run at least 5 days a week with 1 recovery run in the middle, maybe just 3 miles at 60-70% pace.

 

[BJD16]

Thanks for the advice- I definitely am working on the physical aspect. Right now I can score ~250 on a USMC PFT, but my goal is getting a 300+. (My run is probably my strongest point, I’m almost at 18:00. Pull-ups weakest, 15 max). From the info I’ve gathered, NROTC-MO is more physical that other branches due to USMC’s mission, right? I’ve talked to the recruiters some and that seems to be the consensus. Thank you guys for your time, it’s appreciated. (Edit: 2 years of varsity swim to clarify.)

15 pull ups and max run has you well on your way. I was assuming you can come close to max planking (3:45 I believe).

 

[BJD16]

I ran XC/track in middle school so I already kinda have a basis in running, but for someone that isn’t on it, maybe see if your XC/track coach will let you run with them sometimes. They are a great resource for running tips. Some of my own tips is to mix in sprint training (<400s) and a mix of endurance/long distance (5+ miles). You don’t have to do them the same day, but it helps to have both. Also, cross training is great and swim helps me a lot with running and overall body strength. Running is really hard on your own, don’t worry, I have the same issues. Also, run at least 5 days a week with 1 recovery run in the middle, maybe just 3 miles at 60-70% pace.

Look up the term Fartlek. You jog for a while, then sprint for a while. I believe 40 seconds jog and 20 seconds sprint is good to start. 1/2 mile warm up, do this for 3 miles, then 1/2 mile cooldown. This will help you get your time down.

 

[TCartens]

Any advise on running a 6:00 mile? I can hold a little over 7:00 for the whole 3 and am trying to drop sub 21:00, but as a non-XC runner without the coaching, I'm having a rough time.

If you get a chance, runs some 5k Fun runs. There is always some charity or organization hosting a 5k. Good way to train for the 3 mile and still have fun.

 

[wammatron]

Thanks for the advice- I definitely am working on the physical aspect. Right now I can score ~250 on a USMC PFT, but my goal is getting a 300+. (My run is probably my strongest point, I’m almost at 18:00. Pull-ups weakest, 15 max). From the info I’ve gathered, NROTC-MO is more physical that other branches due to USMC’s mission, right? I’ve talked to the recruiters some and that seems to be the consensus. Thank you guys for your time, it’s appreciated. (Edit: 2 years of varsity swim to clarify.)

Almost maxing the run with 15 pullups should get you into the 260s to 270s range I believe.

 

[Sargon]

Your stats are solid but the USNA is super competitive. Everyone will tell you that you have to apply and wait, it's hard to predict. It would be good if you're a leader on the swim team, i.e. captain. Finish the Eagle Scout requirements for sure and I'd also look at the USMMA. It's a different twist but uniquely cool. Good luck.

 

[Southern]

I ran XC/track in middle school so I already kinda have a basis in running, but for someone that isn’t on it, maybe see if your XC/track coach will let you run with them sometimes. They are a great resource for running tips. Some of my own tips is to mix in sprint training (<400s) and a mix of endurance/long distance (5+ miles). You don’t have to do them the same day, but it helps to have both. Also, cross training is great and swim helps me a lot with running and overall body strength. Running is really hard on your own, don’t worry, I have the same issues. Also, run at least 5 days a week with 1 recovery run in the middle, maybe just 3 miles at 60-70% pace.

I work for the track and XC programs as an assistant during my off seasons, so I may try to run with the XC athletes more. I appreciate the help!

 

[Day-Tripper]

Good evening,

I’m a current junior applying for SAs and NROTC-Marine Option. It’s been my goal for the past few years to commission (after my dad told me not to enlist like he did haha), so USNA and NROTC have been my focus (while still being open to other SAs). I’m worried my academics have slipped in the past year due to overpiling/overconfidence on that end, and what areas I can improve in to become a better person and candidate. Do I stand a chance against the people that are great studies?

Some quick stats:
3.68GPA unweighted (6.58/8.00 weighted).
1270 SAT (Taking ACT summer).
54/646 rank (~8% percentile).
Model UN Sec. (Political Club)
Attending Boys State (This June)
Swim (2 Year Letter).
150+ CS hours.
Close to being BNCO for MCJROTC… we have selections this Friday, and I’m confident in that aspect.
Was Company CO this year (40-ish people.)
Eagle Project in works.


I left some stuff out, but my question to you is: is it realistic for me to be optimistic about an appointment to USNA or a 4-year scholarship? I think the biggest bottleneck is going to be my academics that slipped this year which is probably going to reflect in my GPA. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket by focusing way too much on those avenues to commissioning, so would you guys recommend me applying for some 4-year schools and then retrying for USNA/NROTC?

Naval Academy & NROTC are awesome goals but highly competitive.

But don't give up on avenues like OCS & PLC. The vast majority of jarhead officers come throught these programs, unlike the other services.

Become a Marine Corps Officer | Marines

Becoming a Marines Corps Officer is about proving your footsteps are worth following. Learn about eligibility requirements & the path to become a USMC Officer.

www.marines.com

I get the desire to be a Marine. Believe me, I get it.

But don't disregard Army officer routes. They've got the numbers & dollars.