West Point nomination and/or ROTC application question

ntrero

USMA '03
Joined
Nov 6, 2019
Messages
7
Good evening, all,

Looking for some advice that perhaps someone smart on the topic can provide. My son received Congressional nominations for all three Academies and has just finished his USMA and USAFA applications (just awaiting USNA’s receipt of his transcripts). Now, the waiting game begins regarding the admissions decision, which we’re told can delay into the spring.

Ever the contingency planner, he started his ROTC applications for fallback schools in the event something happens and he doesn’t receive an appointment. In doing so, the Army ROTC portal asked him if he had applied to West Point with verbiage underneath it that stated information in his ROTC application would be shared with the USMA admissions office. I advised him to cease work, pencils down for the moment until we got clarity on the following:

Is there any negative to him finishing up the ROTC application? The kid wants to serve, but would be elated with a Service Academy appointment, specifically his old man’s alma mater. I thought it would message that he’s committed to service one way or the other, but we also didn’t want it to connote that he’s not completely dedicated to USMA. He also doesn’t want to miss the application deadlines for an Ivy League or similar school if he isn’t appointed.

For the record, he did reach out to his FFR, but I thought it would be a good idea to see what folks on this forum have to say. I’ve seen great advice dished out on here.

Thx.
 
They just want to see the different sources you are applying to because some of the information can be shared between sources. No need to worry, it is common for service academy applicants to apply for ROTC as well.
 
Absolutely ok to finish applying. I recall seeing similar verbiage but it didnt phase me...I would actually expect some info be shared: DODMERB for example. I took it as more of a ‘legal notice’ type thing that your info can be shared.

I recall two years ago, that AROTC pulled from USMA applicants somehow. I recall discussion about that here. Kids were being solicited for arotc with only applying to usma.

It’s more the norm than not that students with the qualifications to attend either program (rotc/sa) apply to both. In fact, it’s commonly recommended to apply to the other as a “plan B”’
 
Not an issue. DS current WP plebe was awarded 4 year AROTC scholarship during first board last year. Received appointment to USMA 1/19/2019.
 
It would be more of a positive than a negative to be interested in serving your country, through different sources.
 
Good evening, all,

Looking for some advice that perhaps someone smart on the topic can provide. My son received Congressional nominations for all three Academies and has just finished his USMA and USAFA applications (just awaiting USNA’s receipt of his transcripts). Now, the waiting game begins regarding the admissions decision, which we’re told can delay into the spring.

Ever the contingency planner, he started his ROTC applications for fallback schools in the event something happens and he doesn’t receive an appointment. In doing so, the Army ROTC portal asked him if he had applied to West Point with verbiage underneath it that stated information in his ROTC application would be shared with the USMA admissions office. I advised him to cease work, pencils down for the moment until we got clarity on the following:

Is there any negative to him finishing up the ROTC application? The kid wants to serve, but would be elated with a Service Academy appointment, specifically his old man’s alma mater. I thought it would message that he’s committed to service one way or the other, but we also didn’t want it to connote that he’s not completely dedicated to USMA. He also doesn’t want to miss the application deadlines for an Ivy League or similar school if he isn’t appointed.

For the record, he did reach out to his FFR, but I thought it would be a good idea to see what folks on this forum have to say. I’ve seen great advice dished out on here.

Thx.
DD completed both processes. Won a couple ROTC scholarships, then got an appointment. With a little digging, you will find that it is not uncommon to find that the two Commands share info on candidates. In my humble opinion, have your DS complete both applications. A little more review of past posts will certainly encourage having a Plan B, and a Plan C.

Best!
 
It shows a willingness to make a commitment and serve your country, through several different paths. I can't see that as being viewed in any light other than favorable.
 
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