Was First board just the big 3 athletics gimmies?

My son is 16 and received a 4 year. Will be 17 before college starts. It looks to me like the college credits is probably the main issue. I'd call and ask to verify he wasn't deemed ineligible based on the already completed college credits. These are dual enrollment not projected AP credits, right?
What branch..and how.
 
I maybe 1000% wrong, but I always thought to get an HSSP (HS) you had to have less than 30 credits to compete for the HSSP.

Just wondering if somehow he got lost in the mix and they considered him ineligible for the HSSP because he has 33 college credits before the AP credits are added on. If so, than by their regs., he is not eligible for the HSSP.
We were told that his 33 credits were okay because all the colleges had accepted him as a Freshman which is the waiver to the 33 credits. We are hoping as a backup to that he has a 3yr offer at a school if he is not given the National they are going to have to look and see if he can then be accepted as a transfer and start as Sophomore if he has to use the 3yr school level. But since the first board was only 4yr from what has been said they may only want to give him a 3yr but we have to make sure if he gets a 3yr the college he is accepted to will have to see if he even has a full year of credits that will be accepted for their program. He did required classes in Fl but some are not required in other schools right now we think the for sure accepted will be ENC 1101 and 1102, Algebra and Trig. He also has a humanities course that most require and most require history but he has Am hist I &II and most want World History and not sure on World Religion, Fitness, MacroEcon, Digital Camera (Art) so most likely would still have to fund one semester. At least we know he will get the full PELL and try to only have to use at most 12 months of his Dependent education benefits since total entitlement is 48 months for VA education benefits. Dependent education benis is the lowest value so is better for him to have the full 36 months for his Post 9-11 for later ed needs or if he wants to pass on to his kids. He did add the HBC option and has now applied to Howard University in DC. He has his NROTC application and because of NJROTC he got his 'second look' application in with the NROTC app for the board that was last week. It sounds like Navy lets people know very quickly with less meladrama the 'big check' thing the Army is doing. So hoping he can get his college decided after this board his line up is Howard (AROTC/NROTC HBC &NJROTC second look-HBC), AUM (AROTC),Norwich (AROTC/NROTC), MMI (AROTC ECP), Valley Forge (AROTC ECP), FIU (AROTC), USF (AROTC/NROTC), not applied to yet but on NROTC Texas A&M and VMI .
I am just now starting to read the responses and see so many people talking so even though I was 'that mom' I hope it has given people the chance to really be real and open about our concerns, hopes and fears without feeling like someone is going to judge you for being open about the frustrations as well as the exciting news. I hope the parents sharing their excitement do not feel poopooed we are happy for all the kids but when you are on the other side of that 300 out of 1300 it is hard and we should also be able to share that as well. This is how we are getting other option info because there are other things like going for the school awards and knowing if your top picks have you in top of mind for those school based awards or even looking at the HBU option or if you are in JROTC/NJROTC/AFJROTC some do not know there is also Merchant Marine and cost guard SAs that people do not think about. Some will apply for every option and that is smart but if you know there are only two or even one service you would feel could fit your military career goals then like my son did and many others we have seen just apply for the ones that fit you. I am trying to buy the College Blue Book because our local college does not have access to it. This is the BEST college grants, loans and scholarships available so please go to your local colleges and try to find out who has it near you. I had my son looking on every scholarship/admissions pages for the schools he has applied to and talk to and keep in touch with ROTC people that are at his top school and to start talking to the other schools ROTC in case he is not able to get his number one school. He did add three applications to try to have other options in case things do not work out with a ROTC scholarship. Thanks everyone and keep sharing I'm sure I'll have some more replies as I read the feedback.
 
Wow! I don't blame you for venting!

Your son sounds like ISR-caliber! What I don't understand, is why didn't he also apply to a SA?!
He applied to both as part of his apps but he turns 17 46 days too late to make the only requirement in the military I have ever seen that doesn't have a waiver. They actually even had to have Congress approve waivers on age above the line for Prior Service.
 
KeyzCat, your son sounds like a great kid with lots of motivation and dedication and I am sorry for your situation. However, I do take offense with your quoted statement. My DD just accepted an appointment to USAFA and her goal is to be a general someday serving at the Pentagon. And BTW, she is not a recruited athlete. Not every student attending SAs are there without military goals and only want a free education. In fact, there are several recent posters who desire to serve as a career in the military. And even if they are only in for 5 and fly, it does not mean they are less deserving of an appointment or ROTC scholarship. I understand your frustration, but your blanket statement is far from true and diminishes the hard work and tremendous effort put forth by each candidate vying for a spot, including your DS. I truly hope your DS is able to serve, and by looking at his resume, it seems like he will make it happen if he truly wants it to come to fruition. Good luck to him. Aim High!
I will love to see more female Generals and look forward to seeing your DD as one of those. AF academy is extremely difficult to be selected for so this in no way was ment to deflate her SA if you read the topic is regarding AROTC slots of the males posting acceptances at least 80% are stating Football / Basketball and or Baseball as the sport on 'resume'. Girls top Sports are usually Softball and Basketball. What I am asking is are the 'top sports' weighted over others. For me I personally thing things like gymnastics and golf for both sexes show more as these truly are individual AND Team sports. In these sports you do have to compete not only with other teams but you are even competing with the team mates you then need to be supporting and trying to help for the team.
The other part that you are missing is that why aren't we allowed to share our frustrations when there ARE a lot of slots going to people that do NOT want a military career. Your daughter may want a serious career so had she not been selected and you saw someone else selected that you knew had no desire to serve would you not feel like your daughter was robbed of an opportunity?
In this case I do say I am sorry you are offended but we are allowed to speak about the results and not have to be sorry or feel like we did something wrong because it bothered you.. it is about as right as us that are still waiting saying not to share your joy because it makes us frustrated.
 
KeyzCat states : "He already had to give up goal of SA since he turns 17 46 days after the deadline." (This means his 17th birthday is ~Aug. 15th, 2016) + "The only thing we know he is having a possible issue is that he will be 16 for first couple of days of most of the schools Fall Semesters."

Like Falcon says, your son is simply too young this year. Yet, nobody flagged the fact that he is 16 ?!-

[From USNA Admissions: "At least 17 and not past their 23rd birthday on 1 July of the year they would enter the academy"]
[From US Army Website: "To be considered eligible to join the U.S. Army, you must be 17 years old or older...."]

I can't imagine that the AROTC or NROTC programs have an easier Age requirement than 17 ....
Actually for both NROTC and AROTC he only has to be 17 by Oct 1 for NROTC and before end of first semester for AROTC.
 
What is a T&P SCD Vet?

Service connected disability?
Yes Total and Permanent Service connected disability allows him to get Dependent Education benefits this is the lowest value VA education benefit. This benefit is a set monthly amount that you have to use to pay for your school/books/living right now it is just under $1000 a month vs post 9-11 or VR&E which pay tuition , fees and book stipend plus a living stipend.
 
No intention here to hijack this thread - just felt strongly. Focus here should be on OP's challenges.
Hijacks appreciated because it does give a different aspect and both of you so far that have commented on the 5 and fly/dive are appreciated for your service. I believe that was also part of the oldest WWI veteran that just died recently (enlisted). It does make a light bulb go off when people do give feedback that can kind of help with the understanding side which does help the frustration.
The difference I think is this post is not a "You are so horrid for sharing your feelings" There are two sides to these awards and it honestly does feel like those that are on the not selected side are left alone because it is this unspoken rule that if you share your frustration you are a sore loser. The reality is those not selected should be allowed to share their side too and support each other and have other options shared. This response however was a positive story of many that staid in and the behind the curtain of why those that are upfront that military career is not the goal.
We need help we need ideas of what could be done to pump up the resume for the next board. It is good to hear the top of mind things people think when they look at his resume as that may be the things that pushed him down. Just because he is within the age for ROTC vs SA it doesn't mean that these people that do not know our kids in person can think too young or even though the number of credits is covered because only 15 will most likely be transferred in let him try for a school based. I am not sure and maybe in later responses someone will say if the Military College ECP option scholarships may even be later board and since he has already been accepted to two ECPs they may be putting him in a different pile for that.
So please go off track, help all the people that are hopefully now feeling okay to say their story and ask for help for their kid's resume. Or other options if National and school ROTC is not option for them.
 
I was ECP'd to 5 schools but that is not the path I want to take. I want the 4yr school. Should I think differently?
 
Venting is good, ...... I would not second guess any of their accomplishments, and try to keep the frustration separate from bashing other kids.
Thanks for the feedback I see that the comments about those not planning to stay in from other views as well as stating what felt like a fact because the scores shared were lower can feel like a bash to someone else. I think I wanted to break that invisible barrier that keeps parents and kids not selected from getting support and tips for what to do to make a better showing at the next board and to have people help them find areas that are a problem we may be poopooing because like age and the credits there is a waiver and a just making the deadline. And I mean hell why are kids overlooked/excluded that use that amazing option of Duel enrollment to get even up to their AA done while in high school? Every college that he applied to said they would not take more than 15 credits because they take anyone graduating high school that year as a Freshman it is even in several colleges admission pages that duel enrollment courses are limited and you must apply as a freshman. He actually stopped taking duel enrollment because of that. Kinda of crazy in my mind to tell kids not to challenge them self at the highest level academically but we want you to have at least 2 sports and 25 extracurricular. I think I did not say it well and am not saying it well again I am sure. I guess my goal is a WTH is 'whole person' and here is my or my kid's resume what do you see as something this last 3 months can be added in or the options for if the National is not in the cards. Thanks will try to be a bit filtered but do want people to get to say the real feelings and not feel like they are going to be told they are bad for having thoughts and feelings. We do have a right to wonder WTH is right about someone with a 22 ACT but a highly recruited Football and baseball player going over someone that is a gymnast and a 30 ACT. Why shouldn't they be allowed to ask that there is a value to knowing if as I asked are top 3 sports going to be higher rated than test scores. Is there a place that tells us the scores each item gets? Under Sports/ Extracurricular does Football = 200 and Tennis = 30 we don't know but maybe those that have those peeks behind the curtain can tell us. But if you are made to feel like you can't ask then none of us will ever know. So I see a couple "put me in my place" posts and hey if you are on the other side of the equation and your feelings are hurt then don't post your kids resume for us to see where they are lacking compared to the kids overlooked. I posted my DS asking where are we missing what are these things weighted as so the offense they take in some ways I see a few things like the 5 and dive/fly but silly things like life's not fair only shows that the person most definitely would be asking the same questions I am if their kids was overlooked so I just find that amusing and hope those that do have questions and frustrations just overlook those posts and look at those giving qualitative and quantitative feedback and YES you ARE allowed to be hurt, frustrated and annoyed and you ARE allowed to ask WHAT the hell is the process what is the score system.
 
These boards are frustrating, but there is plenty of time and no real reason for concern as of right now.

I received a 4-Year ROTC Scholarship from the first board with similar credentials as your son, the only difference being that I have a 3.9 UW GPA, a 30 ACT, and a few more leadership positions. Nevertheless, I see your son receiving offers from AROTC or NROTC without much of a problem.

Assuming he isn't majoring in something irrelevant to the Army, he did a solid interview, and doesn't have a record, he should be fine.
CONGRATS and thank you for giving feedback on where he is more middle of the road on his extracurricular and leadership as well as the ACT and unweighted GPA.
 
I will love to see more female Generals and look forward to seeing your DD as one of those. AF academy is extremely difficult to be selected for so this in no way was ment to deflate her SA if you read the topic is regarding AROTC slots of the males posting acceptances at least 80% are stating Football / Basketball and or Baseball as the sport on 'resume'. Girls top Sports are usually Softball and Basketball. What I am asking is are the 'top sports' weighted over others. For me I personally thing things like gymnastics and golf for both sexes show more as these truly are individual AND Team sports. In these sports you do have to compete not only with other teams but you are even competing with the team mates you then need to be supporting and trying to help for the team.
The other part that you are missing is that why aren't we allowed to share our frustrations when there ARE a lot of slots going to people that do NOT want a military career. Your daughter may want a serious career so had she not been selected and you saw someone else selected that you knew had no desire to serve would you not feel like your daughter was robbed of an opportunity?
In this case I do say I am sorry you are offended but we are allowed to speak about the results and not have to be sorry or feel like we did something wrong because it bothered you.. it is about as right as us that are still waiting saying not to share your joy because it makes us frustrated.

As far as sports, my older son's only sport was Tennis, so it is misplaced to think that the sports you listed somehow are given preference.

Nobody is saying that you or anyone should not be able to share your feelings or frustration. After each board there are always those that look for guidance if they were not selected. The difference is most do not ask "Why them but not me", most ask what options are available without questioning others level of commitment to service. This brings me to a question, where and how are you getting the idea that slots are going to those that don't want a military career or have a desire to serve. What posted on this board has lead you to that conclusion.

On that subject, why do you feel that someone that decides to serve for only their initial obligation has a somewhat less desire to serve. It's naive at best to think that everyone that joins the military needs to have the desire to make it a career. For young people like your son they have a long road before they even commission, and even longer before they make a decision that they wish to make the military a career. Even then the choice is not always theirs to make, every year there are officers that are given a pink slip, officers that do not make it through the promotion boards and and are released from service.

These young people just starting the journey often have certain goals in mind, but things often change. Many who started looking to have a career in the military change their mind after they commission and start serving, some change their mind even before commissioning. This is why when an applicant states in the interview that they want to make the military a career, most interviewers just smile.

The offense most people have taken with your post is the fact that you question others commitment to service. The same respect should be given whether they serve 4 years or 20.

Feel free to ask questions, get perspectives, ask for advice, that's what this board is for. Just try and refrain form questioning the motives of other applicants.

In one of your posts you asked what your son could do to make himself look better for the next board, for AROTC there is not much he can do. Your son's application can't be updated since he has already been boarded and reviewed by the first board. What happens now is his file will be ranked among those that were also carried over from thew first board as well as all the new applications that were submitted in time for the second board.
 
To be honest, your son's stats are about average. He is the member of several organizations and has some awards and some leadership..
Thanks for that resume look it does help those of us in the waitign game see those areas that do we assume get higher ranking like the Class president and Scouting (especially the Eagle Scout). Your Son's resume is exactly what we are asking we all can see GPA and SAT/ACT scores but what do these things rank. Is JROTC on the same level as scouting , is being involved in Community politics the same as being a class leader. The real deal of did your son's track and CC count the same as someone else's Football and Baseball. Thank you also for the feedback on the way I said things and I definitely understand that and will work on the be open but don't intentionally try to belittle someone else. Thanks and CONGRATS to your son!
 
Thanks for that resume look it does help those of us in the waitign game see those areas that do we assume get higher ranking like the Class president and Scouting (especially the Eagle Scout). Your Son's resume is exactly what we are asking we all can see GPA and SAT/ACT scores but what do these things rank. Is JROTC on the same level as scouting , is being involved in Community politics the same as being a class leader. The real deal of did your son's track and CC count the same as someone else's Football and Baseball. Thank you also for the feedback on the way I said things and I definitely understand that and will work on the be open but don't intentionally try to belittle someone else. Thanks and CONGRATS to your son!

Yes, Track and CC counted the same as any other sport, what counted more was that he was Captain of both teams. JROTC can be a help depending on the leadership positions he held. One of the things that are looked at is whether the applicant held a leadership position in any organizations rather then being a participant, example; an applicant may be a member of the student body government, but they will gain more points if they are the President or one of the other elected positions. The same goes for any group they belong to, leadership is one of the big three with AROTC: Academics/Leadership/Athletics, and athletics doesn't mean just football or basketball. I've seen some receive scholarships with Golf being their sport, like I said my older son played Tennis and received a scholarship.
 
I was ECP'd to 5 schools but that is not the path I want to take. I want the 4yr school. Should I think differently?
Has anyone answered you? the ECP was my son's first path choice but after talking to the ROTC command at AUM he did talk to my son a lot about the negatives that University had seen with ECP transfers and they are actually very cautious with taking ECPs. The downfalls that he told my son was the official requirement when you go to your BA school they only require you to check in with the ROTC once a month and I think that is when you do a PT test but not sure if that was every month. He said many ECPs had not been following through on the Physical requirements (avoiding weight gain and/or not doing PT) They even had some that because you go from a regimented school the freedom and not really having that support if you are not choosing or required by your school to stay involved with the unit grades slipped and/or personal issues tripped some up. So think not just about the ECP school but BA school. In his case his Top pick BA school doesn't really like ECPs so that made him rethink it but there is the economic issues too that if there is a better economic offer if the National doesn't come through he knows it will be a battle to get the top school choice so if he has to go the ECP route what are the back up schools if top says hey we warned you no thanks... But you also have the huge plus that you are earning retirement days and time in grade during the second 2 years. But you could maybe also look at the program that allows you to be a NCO in a reserve unit while in ROTC. If in same age situation as my DS that you can't do your BT the summer before the first year because you are not 18 you can take the Ft Knox ROTC training however at 16 so ECP wins there. Mine had acceptances for all but because of wanting to add more 4yr schools had to pick the top 2 ECPs so with 7 options maybe staret talking to your two 4yr schools and really getting that feedback from them on what they are going to require and how they work with the incoming ECPs. Great luck to you and I hope you are able to get the feedback you need to help you make your decision. In a lot of ways it is soooo hard while being in this limbo since some schools are a can't do it if don't have a 4yr national so you kind of can change every day because it does give you too much time to think. I tell my son to have his pros and cons list going as we wait so when this board comes back he can make his choice. Sadly he really can't wait and I guess since you said you are looking at the MJCs you are in the same boat since they all want deposit and decision by March 1st.
 
Yes, Track and CC counted the same as any other sport, what counted more was that he was Captain of both teams. JROTC can be a help depending on the leadership positions he held. One of the things that are looked at is whether the applicant held a leadership position in any organizations rather then being a participant, example; an applicant may be a member of the student body government, but they will gain more points if they are the President or one of the other elected positions. The same goes for any group they belong to, leadership is one of the big three with AROTC: Academics/Leadership/Athletics, and athletics doesn't mean just football or basketball. I've seen some receive scholarships with Golf being their sport, like I said my older son played Tennis and received a scholarship.
Thanks
 
For reference, our son received a scholarship offer during the first round for AROTC and he was not in a single high school typical sports program (ie football, baseball, basketball, swimming, etc). He was on the ROTC Sandhurst teams and is a practicing Martial Expert (Brown Belt) that is scheduled to test for his black belt in June.
Awesome feedback thanks and Congrats
 
Has anyone answered you? the ECP was my son's first path choice but after talking to the ROTC command at AUM he did talk to my son a lot about the negatives that University had seen with ECP transfers and they are actually very cautious with taking ECPs. The downfalls that he told my son was the official requirement when you go to your BA school they only require you to check in with the ROTC once a month and I think that is when you do a PT test but not sure if that was every month. He said many ECPs had not been following through on the Physical requirements (avoiding weight gain and/or not doing PT) They even had some that because you go from a regimented school the freedom and not really having that support if you are not choosing or required by your school to stay involved with the unit grades slipped and/or personal issues tripped some up. So think not just about the ECP school but BA school. In his case his Top pick BA school doesn't really like ECPs so that made him rethink it but there is the economic issues too that if there is a better economic offer if the National doesn't come through he knows it will be a battle to get the top school choice so if he has to go the ECP route what are the back up schools if top says hey we warned you no thanks... But you also have the huge plus that you are earning retirement days and time in grade during the second 2 years. But you could maybe also look at the program that allows you to be a NCO in a reserve unit while in ROTC. If in same age situation as my DS that you can't do your BT the summer before the first year because you are not 18 you can take the Ft Knox ROTC training however at 16 so ECP wins there. Mine had acceptances for all but because of wanting to add more 4yr schools had to pick the top 2 ECPs so with 7 options maybe staret talking to your two 4yr schools and really getting that feedback from them on what they are going to require and how they work with the incoming ECPs. Great luck to you and I hope you are able to get the feedback you need to help you make your decision. In a lot of ways it is soooo hard while being in this limbo since some schools are a can't do it if don't have a 4yr national so you kind of can change every day because it does give you too much time to think. I tell my son to have his pros and cons list going as we wait so when this board comes back he can make his choice. Sadly he really can't wait and I guess since you said you are looking at the MJCs you are in the same boat since they all want deposit and decision by March 1st.
Thanks for the advice.
 
I was ECP'd to 5 schools but that is not the path I want to take. I want the 4yr school. Should I think differently?

Besides the issues KeyzCat mentioned above, there is the issue of Active Duty. Many who completed the two year ECP program last year that thought they would be able to have the option of competing for Active Duty found out at the end that they would not have that option. These cadets were forced Reserve/National Guard. If your son has a desire to go Active Duty I would advise him to stick with the 4 year program.
 
If I am reading this correctly. Than my guess is what clarkson stated his age is a factor. I would think that the ROO that refused to return phone calls, realized he is too young. The FIU PMS impo, politely told them that they would need a waiver and thus going to a junior college would be a better option.

Thus, as USMC stated rules are rules, and it did come out during the vetting process. The fact that they had to fly out to a school to get an interview and than drive to another school leaves me with more questions? Mainly, if you drove 3 hrs., why did you not interview there?
~ No flaming here, but I am totally mystified by your posts.

I get the financial aspect. Truly, I do. This is my 1st yr since 2008 that I only have 1 kid in college. It feels like we won the lottery! However, what I don't get is the other post...flew out to number 1 school for an interview while in my quote you can't afford 20K a yr.
~ You said he, not we. If it was we than, that had to set you back several hundred dollars for just an in and out (flight, hotel, rental car, food, etc). Yet, going back to the other post he interviewed a 2nd time at FIU, 3 hr drive.
~~ 1 post he had to fly out to get an interview, and another it appears you drove 3 hrs. Did you fly out because you did not like what the FIU interviewer said and wanted a 2nd opinion?

I get the venting, however, I am with USMC, you are a vet. That means you should know the system regarding regs and waivers. IE: FIU CoC stated that he would need an age waiver for his application, and that was unlikely. They were being honest.
He does meet the requirement is 17 by Oct. 1 for NROTC and before end of first semester for AROTC which the other schools knew the regs.
He flew on a family member's air miles who took him to several schools in that state and the neighboring state. Because of my disabilities I can not fly nor would I have been able to spend the money to do so. Having a family member that not only gave up their miles but also took time off to give him that experience many of us have not been able to experience and our kids could not experience under normal circumstances. He also was able to do a couple other college visits thanks to the school feeling he was competitive enough to deserve a fly-in scholarship. (I never knew there was an option like that for anyone not being seen for their sport) *** Note to others with limited means ask the school you or your kid wants to visit if they have Academic/Non-Sports Fly-In visit travel scholarships Norwich and the Service Academies are two we know do)
 
What branch..and how.
NROTC and AROTC both age is 17 by October 1 for Navy and before end of first Semester for AROTC. Parent has to sign at beginning of semester for the National and then some schools accept the Parent signature at start and some when case is like my DS where school starts one day or 3 days before the BD they just wait till bday for him to sign the school stuff. Several of the MJC send ECP s that are 16 to Ft Knox in the Summer before school starts. GMC laughed when my son told him that a school told him he was too young and told him he regularly took 16 yo to Ft Knox and has many that then transfer over to SA but also many that are being commissioned through ECP at 18.
 
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