Strategy for listing Navy ROTC Programs on application

N

NavyUMO

Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2020
Messages
244
My DS is a 2024 applicant for NROTC scholarship and is beginning to fill out his application and has a strategy question... Yes I know we are a bit crazy as it just opened today!

What is the best strategy for listing the 5 schools they request? Should they all be the more expensive, "reach" schools and then just assume (if he were to be accepted) that he could shift into one of his in-zone or safety schools that he will likely get into if he doesn't get accepted into the "reach school? Or do your put In-zone/safety schools in your list of 5 schools?
 
Suggest you don’t overthink this or try to game it in some way. Just list them in order of preference, from the one he’d most like to attend to the one he’d least like to attend. They should all be schools he’d be willing to attend. And yes, his preference may change in the coming months. Which is why there’s no need to rush to submit first. Submit the best application possible as soon as possible. If he can firm up his choices over the summer, all the better.
 
I would suggest doing admissions tours over this summer, and include meeting with the unit. Often, ROTC’s are listed as a visit option during an admission visit. He can get a feel for the school, and the unit. All three of my boys did this.

It’s always recommended to pursue an option that’s doable without the scholarship. In case medical, academic, or other issues cause loss of it. Happens every year that a family is scrambling to decide between transferring from a place that she/he has made connections and friends, or staying but enduring financial hardships.

Choose the best fit, that makes the most sense.
 
There will be many wide varying opinions on how to choose schools. All of them will be right and wrong based on personal preferences of DS and of the parents.

DS needs to think through some if not all of the following:
Location preference.....near to home or far away or near the coast or whatever is appealing.
Size....really big school.....tiny remote or somewhere in between.
Size of the NROTC unit......this isnt a big deal for most but some prefer a smaller unit with more individual attention by Navy or Marine advisors.
Major Desired....Tier 1 or 2 increases odds of selection. But don't pick a major he will hate and perform poorly.
Cost: assume the worst and that no offer of scholarship is made. Pick one within the price range or know the financial aid options.

Many pick based solely on the unit.....not recommended. The vast majority of college life is away from the unit unless you pick one of the Corps of Cadet schools.

Shifting gears a bit. How well does DS know his guidance counselor and math teacher? What will they say about him? Do not wait until the last minute to let them know he is applying.

And has been said many times......sending in an early package that is half baked is NOT GOOD......not good at all. Send the best package possible.

You will get lots of advice on here and other places. Read it all and take it in. You are getting an early start which is good. But this process is an absolute marathon and not a sprint.......so slow and steady is best so neither he.....nor you.....have application fatigue. Good luck!
 
ahhhhh.....forgot my closing point. Are you bound to those 5 on the list. Inside secret (well not really a secret) you can change to a school not on the list if you have an acceptance letter. Not guaranteed but happens more than people know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top