So... you didn't get that scholarship

[Jarhead713]

Figured I'd make this since I felt upset and angry two years ago when I was a non-select.

I can tell you firsthand, it sucks. I got passed up 5 times and watched my buddy with a 19 on his ACT get a 3-year offer. It happens. Sometimes the board sees things you don't.

BLUF: Scholarships don't dictate how good a cadet is. I know 4-year scholarship cadets who can't be bothered to show up to PT, and I know non-contracted guys who give 110% at lab and PT. Your work ethic, physical fitness and GPA will determine how far you'll go. When you show up to your first unit, 0 people will care if you were on scholarship or paid for school yourself.


Things you should do:
-Get in shape
-Talk to cadets at your future school
-Tell the ROO you're interested in a campus-based scholarship
-Focus on getting good grades
-Volunteer for literally everything you can
-Make sure the PMS knows your name

But most importantly: MAKE FRIENDS. I can't emphasize that enough.


You will be ok, take some time to wallow and feel bad about yourself, then get back into that grind. Prove. Them. Wrong.

 

[Mammal Fur]

Figured I'd make this since I felt upset and angry two years ago when I was a non-select.

I can tell you firsthand, it sucks. I got passed up 5 times and watched my buddy with a 19 on his ACT get a 3-year offer. It happens. Sometimes the board sees things you don't.

BLUF: Scholarships don't dictate how good a cadet is. I know 4-year scholarship cadets who can't be bothered to show up to PT, and I know non-contracted guys who give 110% at lab and PT. Your work ethic, physical fitness and GPA will determine how far you'll go. When you show up to your first unit, 0 people will care if you were on scholarship or paid for school yourself.


Things you should do:
-Get in shape
-Talk to cadets at your future school
-Tell the ROO you're interested in a campus-based scholarship
-Focus on getting good grades
-Volunteer for literally everything you can
-Make sure the PMS knows your name

But most importantly: MAKE FRIENDS. I can't emphasize that enough.


You will be ok, take some time to wallow and feel bad about yourself, then get back into that grind. Prove. Them. Wrong.

I don't think I could've said it better myself. I just want to emphasize further what I agree cannot be emphasized enough. Making friends is truly one of the most amazing things ROTC has had to offer for myself.

Here's a bit of my story, and my takeaways. Maybe the incoming freshman can pick some stuff up:

Hanging out with other cadets was one thing I ended up doing naturally (well, I can't say I started doing it a ton... I made a friend coming into ROTC who helped branch out and was keen on making friends in the unit, and I just took after him). Looking back on it, I'd say that while it should feel natural, it should also be a deliberate thought process to reach out to others in case you don't already have that habit built up.

When I was a 1, I remember thinking the 2s and 3s (especially 3s) were too cool to hang out with us... but we're all just people! And all cadets! I can say now, looking around (as only a 2nd semester 2) and listening (the current 1s and 1/2s have been known to say similar things to what I was thinking) just know the CDTs should be sticking together, and that the older cadets almost definitely want to be approachable for you guys. Reach out to them if you need help, and shoot them an invite to hangout with the 1s some time... it's a great way to grow the friend group with some great people. It also will build the unit to be a family, and who doesn't want that, when we can have it?

 

[EEBTTF]

Figured I'd make this since I felt upset and angry two years ago when I was a non-select.

I can tell you firsthand, it sucks. I got passed up 5 times and watched my buddy with a 19 on his ACT get a 3-year offer. It happens. Sometimes the board sees things you don't.

BLUF: Scholarships don't dictate how good a cadet is. I know 4-year scholarship cadets who can't be bothered to show up to PT, and I know non-contracted guys who give 110% at lab and PT. Your work ethic, physical fitness and GPA will determine how far you'll go. When you show up to your first unit, 0 people will care if you were on scholarship or paid for school yourself.


Things you should do:
-Get in shape
-Talk to cadets at your future school
-Tell the ROO you're interested in a campus-based scholarship
-Focus on getting good grades
-Volunteer for literally everything you can
-Make sure the PMS knows your name

But most importantly: MAKE FRIENDS. I can't emphasize that enough.


You will be ok, take some time to wallow and feel bad about yourself, then get back into that grind. Prove. Them. Wrong.

My man! Great to hear from you and sage advice as always. Don't be such a stranger