Timing for ROTC Service Connected Appointment to USMA

[IrishBrewer]

My DD is a freshman on a 4-yr ROTC scholarship starting this fall. However, she is also interested in seeking an appointment to the USMA. She is applying via the normal channels of a congressional nomination but I also saw that there is a service connected path to appointment via ROTC. With that in mind, at what point in the school year should she pursue this path? I'm assuming she should at least let her professors and instructors of military science get to know her but I'm not sure how long that might be. I know she won't want to get off on the wrong foot with her ROTC cadre by making it looks like she wants to leave the moment she sets foot on campus.

She will still pursue congressional nominations and meet all of the associated deadlines for that.

Any thoughts?

 

[FutureSoldier44]

I would think to wait out the first semester or even the year and stay in ROTC and be up-front with the cadets and PMS about seeking the appointment, if they really want to see your DD succeed I think they will be happy to see her pushing for excellence and wanting to pursue the highest possible achievement. I'm not an expert, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Humey]

I would assume that Rotc commanders would have to give a good recommendation in order to get into the academy. That isnt going to happen in the middle of the first semester as they barely know the cadets

 

[IrishBrewer]

I would assume that Rotc commanders would have to give a good recommendation in order to get into the academy. That isnt going to happen in the middle of the first semester as they barely know the cadets

I know that this is typically the case but with my DD, she transferred her scholarship to a college local to us (wasn't on her original list) and the commander also lives in an adjacent neighborhood so we have gotten to know him to a degree. She wants to get into the SA after her freshman year so waiting until the end of the first semester would be too late I'm guessing. Perhaps the service connected nomination isn't too practical in this situation. I do know that there aren't that many ROTC slots so it would be a long shot even with a stellar recommendation.

 

[Jcleppe]

The ROTC PMS can give a ROTC Nomination, she should continue to pursue congressional nominations as well. She should let the battalion cadre know right away that she is applying to WP. Most of all she should NOT wait a year or even a semester to start her application, she should start the process as soon as the application process open for next year.

 

[NavyHoops]

This is a delicate one that comes up each year for those in this situation. It’s all about approach. It’s saying, I want to re-apply, it’s brought up that one time, and then gives 100% while on scholarship. She doesn’t want to burn any bridges, but needs to ask for an endorsement to get that nom too. So after she gets there, crushes her PT test and starts to get settled, she should set up time with the PMS. Let them know she is reapplying, but is there to give 100% regardless of the outcome of that reapplication then go you there and show it. She does that, she will be supported.

 

[Humey]

Forgeting about Rotc, dont you have to show based on your classes and grades that you are doing well in college as to demonstrate that you could be sucessful in a SA. How would go about doing so after 1/2 or even one semester

 

[Jcleppe]

Forgeting about Rotc, dont you have to show based on your classes and grades that you are doing well in college as to demonstrate that you could be sucessful in a SA. How would go about doing so after 1/2 or even one semester

They'll see enough in that first semester that they took classes that mirror a first year at WP and they'll have the semester grades. Remember those that get the appointment the first try have no college grades to be reviewed, so even one semester gives them more to look at.

 

[kinnem]

Forgeting about Rotc, dont you have to show based on your classes and grades that you are doing well in college as to demonstrate that you could be sucessful in a SA. How would go about doing so after 1/2 or even one semester

One semester is sufficient to send a transcript to admissions. Most re-applicants do just that.

 

[Humey]

ld be sucessful in a SA. How would go about doing so after 1/2 or even one semester[/QUOTE]
g

Forgeting about Rotc, dont you have to show based on your classes and grades that you are doing well in college as to demonstrate that you could be sucessful in a SA. How would go about doing so after 1/2 or even one semester

One semester is sufficient to send a transcript to admissions. Most re-applicants do just that.

Honestly, If i were in charge, I would want to see a full year. Go thing i am no in charge

 

[Humey]

ld be sucessful in a SA. How would go about doing so after 1/2 or even one semester

g

Forgeting about Rotc, dont you have to show based on your classes and grades that you are doing well in college as to demonstrate that you could be sucessful in a SA. How would go about doing so after 1/2 or even one semester

One semester is sufficient to send a transcript to admissions. Most re-applicants do just that.

Honestly, If i were in charge, I would want to see a full year. Go thing i am no in charge[/QUOTE]
Terrible spelling on my part. Good thing I am not in charge

 

[IrishBrewer]

A couple other details.

She did not apply to USMA while in HS so this will be her initial application. She has started the application and will be seeking MOC nominations.

She was a first round 4 yr ROTC selection and she will max out her APFT score easily so she's shooting for scores that would max out for the male scoring (runs an 11:11 2-mile). She should be able to run varsity track and XC within the first couple years at USMC if she makes it. SATs are about middle of the pack for incoming freshman at USMC (1650). Top 6% of HS class, team captain multiple times. Lots of leadership experience and drive and very self motivated.

So, she should have a decent shot but she won't put all her eggs in that basket and will go all out no matter where she ends up.

 

[USMA 1994]

Many ROTC students apply to Service Academies during the first year of college. Nominations are unlimited in this category and require the PMS to complete the paperwork. The academy will not consider applicants until after they receive the first semester transcripts so you have a little time. The nomination paperwork is just 2-3 pages that the PMS will email to the academy so it doesn't take long. You want to complete the rest of your application as soon as possible as you will need it for the Congressional Nominations.

My DD was a successful re-applicant from ROTC and here is the advice I gave and she took.

Show up to your ROTC unit in shape and make the best initial impressions. Work hard at PT and be involved in the unit. You have to make good grades in a challenging schedule similar to what you would take at a service academy. You do not need a 4.0 but Bs and Cs will not cut it. Come October, schedule a meeting with the leadership. Make sure you can articulate why you want to attend a service Academy. Most if not all PMSs will be supportive of your goals if you have done your part.

 

[u4Army2k18]

My DD is a freshman on a 4-yr ROTC scholarship starting this fall. However, she is also interested in seeking an appointment to the USMA. She is applying via the normal channels of a congressional nomination but I also saw that there is a service connected path to appointment via ROTC. With that in mind, at what point in the school year should she pursue this path? I'm assuming she should at least let her professors and instructors of military science get to know her but I'm not sure how long that might be. I know she won't want to get off on the wrong foot with her ROTC cadre by making it looks like she wants to leave the moment she sets foot on campus.

She will still pursue congressional nominations and meet all of the associated deadlines for that.

Any thoughts?

I'm reapplying to USMA as well. Luckily I'm at private college with a small ROTC unit (50 cadets more or less). I'm thinking I'm making a good impression so far with the cadre, PMS's and my fellow squad mates.

I did hear from other forums that even if you complete your package as early as right now, you won't hear back from USMA until the Spring since they would be needing first semester college grades. I'm doing everything slow and steady while making sure I'm not missing any deadlines with congressional nominations or the application in-general.

Now I do have a concern regarding how many credit hours I should be taking to "mirror" USMA's. I'm currently taking 15 credit hours (Computer Science) and I feel that it's already challenging for me. College in-general is another beast compared to high school and at the same time, my parents don't want me to overload myself with 17-18 right at the start... I know I'm not the smartest one in the bunch but I know that I must maintain a 3.0+ to keep my 3 yr AROTC scholarship and be placed higher in the OML.

 

[kinnem]

Now I do have a concern regarding how many credit hours I should be taking to "mirror" USMA's. I'm currently taking 15 credit hours (Computer Science) and I feel that it's already challenging for me. College in-general is another beast compared to high school and at the same time, my parents don't want me to overload myself with 17-18 right at the start

15 hours is a good load for a first semester freshman. Master the transition before trying to master a heavy class load. There will be time to gang up on credit hours later.

 

[Pima]

My DS opted to go AFROTC scholarship over USAFA. His CoC knew this while he was still in HS, when DS did a meet and greet with the unit . His CoC stated that if he decided to re-apply for USAFA as a freshmen he would support him whole heartedly because in the end it was not USAFA vs AFROTC, but creating the best AF officer. Within a few weeks after school started his freshmen year the CoC approached our DS and asked if he wanted to reapply, DS said no.

The reason I state this is to illustrate how a good CoC wants to know this from the get go. They understand that for some it is the whole cadet lifestyle that entices them to want to an SA.
~ I don't know about AROTC, but for AFROTC CoCs it is also something that like to see occur from a review or recruitment aspect. They can say to cadets X amount of kids that got the TWE from USAFA last year got the BFE this yr. That is very tempting for kids to opt one unit over another when they get that TWE.

It is also a win for the det. in different ways that people do not think about.
1. If you look through these threads, both SA and ROTC you will see a drastic drop regarding those right after the TWE in the spring of their HS sr yr and re-applying the fall of their freshmen yr.
~ Kids will swear up and down that they will re-apply, but forget how emotions work. They get to the school, love the campus, love their major, love ROTC and enjoy their free time too. All of the sudden they start to think do I want to postpone going AD 1 more yr for me to attend an SA, leave my friends and start this all over again?
~~ Not saying anything either way. Just saying that many cadets/mids start to question how badly they want the SA ring knocker, and for many, especially on ROTC scholarship they opt "NO"
2. The unit knows how many are coming on board as a scholarship recipient. If your child informs them upfront, than the cadre can watch out for them. They can make sure that their packet is ready and the best they can submit for a ROTC nom.

I wish your child the best. I hope that all of her dreams come true. Thank you and your family for wanting to support her desire to defend this great nation.

 

[Pima]

Now I do have a concern regarding how many credit hours I should be taking to "mirror" USMA's. I'm currently taking 15 credit hours (Computer Science) and I feel that it's already challenging for me. College in-general is another beast compared to high school and at the same time, my parents don't want me to overload myself with 17-18 right at the start

15 hours is a good load for a first semester freshman. Master the transition before trying to master a heavy class load. There will be time to gang up on credit hours later.

OMG I am actually going to disagree with kinnem!

None of my kids ever did less than 17-18 credits. All of my kids were dual majors, plus minors, plus core concentration. With that said here is my true reason for disagreement. I think the lowest gpa for any of my 3 ever was 2.8 and that happened at the much higher levels. They also walked in with AP/IB/Jump start credits, thus, they started with English 201 and not 101.
~ Colleges are businesses now a days and they play a little funky when it comes to the system.
~~ Typically they will offer certain classes that require pre-reqs 1x a yr. If that class is only offered in the fall and you decided not to take it, than you are boffed until next fall.

Just saying make sure you speak to the academic advisor for your fall classes that you won't have an issue in the spring.

Additionally, I think you need to prove you can handle 18 credits. ROTC as a freshmen is not demanding, except the O'dark thirty PT. Compare that to what SA cadets/mids go through.
~ Look at this forum, and to be brutally honest you have to see there other kids that right now are saying they will apply again. Your ROTC CoC is going to write a rec. Does he support you as number 1 with 15 credits, same gpa or the one with 18 credits? Just saying...and yes, I know there is more to it than the gpa, but if every single thing is equal, which one would you give the better rec?

 

[u4Army2k18]

Now I do have a concern regarding how many credit hours I should be taking to "mirror" USMA's. I'm currently taking 15 credit hours (Computer Science) and I feel that it's already challenging for me. College in-general is another beast compared to high school and at the same time, my parents don't want me to overload myself with 17-18 right at the start

15 hours is a good load for a first semester freshman. Master the transition before trying to master a heavy class load. There will be time to gang up on credit hours later.

Thank you Kinnem for your help!

The reason I state this is to illustrate how a good CoC wants to know this from the get go. They understand that for some it is the whole cadet lifestyle that entices them to want to an SA.

This is definitely a huge reason why I am reapplying to USMA. College life is good so far, but I feel that at times, it feels un-motivating (especially on weekends) and I want to be in an environment where I'm always doing something 24/7. Basically the broad idea of it.

Now I do have a concern regarding how many credit hours I should be taking to "mirror" USMA's. I'm currently taking 15 credit hours (Computer Science) and I feel that it's already challenging for me. College in-general is another beast compared to high school and at the same time, my parents don't want me to overload myself with 17-18 right at the start

15 hours is a good load for a first semester freshman. Master the transition before trying to master a heavy class load. There will be time to gang up on credit hours later.

OMG I am actually going to disagree with kinnem!

None of my kids ever did less than 17-18 credits. All of my kids were dual majors, plus minors, plus core concentration. With that said here is my true reason for disagreement. I think the lowest gpa for any of my 3 ever was 2.8 and that happened at the much higher levels. They also walked in with AP/IB/Jump start credits, thus, they started with English 201 and not 101.
~ Colleges are businesses now a days and they play a little funky when it comes to the system.
~~ Typically they will offer certain classes that require pre-reqs 1x a yr. If that class is only offered in the fall and you decided not to take it, than you are boffed until next fall.

Just saying make sure you speak to the academic advisor for your fall classes that you won't have an issue in the spring.

Additionally, I think you need to prove you can handle 18 credits. ROTC as a freshmen is not demanding, except the O'dark thirty PT. Compare that to what SA cadets/mids go through.
~ Look at this forum, and to be brutally honest you have to see there other kids that right now are saying they will apply again. Your ROTC CoC is going to write a rec. Does he support you as number 1 with 15 credits, same gpa or the one with 18 credits? Just saying...and yes, I know there is more to it than the gpa, but if every single thing is equal, which one would you give the better rec?

I'll be honest, there is no point of double-majoring, especially if I am reapplying to USMA. That's great your kids were able to handle such a load but I'm not going to stress myself to the point where I'm not going to do well (at least not until the next semester). I already did that with my first time doing AP during senior year at HS and I'm not going to have a repeat. I believe double-majoring is just for personal preference and it's not like after the Army an employer would choose someone who double-majored over someone who didn't (or got a M.S). For me, I'd rather focus on one major first and then earn a Masters. When I submit my first semester grades, I just want USMA to know that I can handle college at the very least. My goal within the next four-five years is to graduate college (or Academy if appointed) and commission as a 2nd LT.

College is another beast and dual-majoring will not help me.

 

[kinnem]

College life is good so far, but I feel that at times, it feels un-motivating (especially on weekends) and I want to be in an environment where I'm always doing something 24/7.

Motivation generally comes from within. What you get out of activities, including weekends, is a reflection of what you put into it... just as what you get out of ROTC is a function of what you put into it. Something to reflect upon while you re-apply. Just one man's opinion of course.

 

[u4Army2k18]

@kinnem you have a good point... I'll definitely think more about this. Thank you for your advice.