<p>I've been around this board and in the admissions world long enough to see that a lot of people really like Rose-Hulman and what it has to offer, but can't get over the price tag. I was in that same boat. I went to Operation Catapult, had an absolutely great experience and was deadset on coming to Rose, but spent my senior year worrying about how I could make that happen.</p>
<p>What I did is certainly not the solution for everyone, but I feel like I should throw it out there. I found out that an Army ROTC scholarship at Rose-Hulman would pay for my tuition, room and board for all 4 years, plus money for books each quarter, and a generous monthly stipend for any extraneous living expenses. Getting this scholarship was a relatively simple process. I had no background with the Army, no close family who had been in the military, did not do JROTC, I was not even in that good of shape in HS. I worked my senior year, but I was so clueless about physical fitness that I was not well prepared and failed my initial physical fitness test when I got to campus. I freaked a bit because that presented me with the possibility of coming up in November and all of a sudden owing ~$15 000 with no way to pay it. Well, my worrying was for nothing, because they took care of me, gave me some basic guidance, and got me to pass that test a month later.</p>
<p>Here I stand 3 years later. I'm in the best shape of my life and I can truly say that the experience has transformed me as an individual and a leader. Before I came to Rose I was introverted, quiet, and nerdy. Now you could only really describe me with one of those words. (Yeah, I'm still definitely a nerd. Everyone at Rose has at least a little bit of nerd in them if they're being honest with themselves).</p>
<p>My commitment after this is 4 years on active duty as an officer in the Army. It is possible to be assigned to reserve/national guard duty though also, if that is your wish (and in some cases even if it is not your wish). So you can go to Rose scotch free, have a fun 4 years, get a degree from one of the best engineering schools in the country, get some experience in leadership, then either go the distance and retire at around age 42 and start a second career, or get out after 4 and take your chances in the civilian world with the backing of your Army experience and that great degree. If you're wondering about what that's like, just google 'junior military officers.' I think the results speak for themselves.</p>
<p>Sorry if this sounds preachy or you think it's inappropriate. Sorry if it's been a waste of your time, but I felt like this is something that someone out there could use. I know Army ROTC opened a great door for me, but like I said earlier, I know it's not for everyone.</p>
<p>Any questions about Army ROTC or Rose-Hulman, I'm always willing to field them here, via PM, or at <a href="mailto:nicholas.kirkland@rose-hulman.edu">nicholas.kirkland@rose-hulman.edu</a>.</p>