<p>My S is interested in Naval ROTC and Duke is one of his top choices. Looking for info on the unit, expectations, interaction with students on campus, greek life, etc. Have already explored the NROTC site, so what I'm really looking for is hearing from folks on their personal experiences. Thanks</p>
<p>I don’t have personal experiences, but know many people who have done NROTC at Duke (as it’s fairly popular), and they all have positive things to say about it. They are certainly incorporated into the rest of student life (joining fraternities, etc.). Apparently, there used to be ROTC-centric frat about 10-15 years ago, but it no longer exists. Overall, I think you’d find NROTC at Duke to be spoken of very highly and students are incorporated with the rest of students flawlessly. Most of the time, you’d have no idea they were in ROTC. Navy also like to make fun of Army - I’m sure that’s the case everywhere. </p>
<p>If you want more information, I’d contact Michael Gustafson. His contact info should be easy to find. He’s an engineering professor (teaches the intro engineering course that EVERYBODY has to take) who is incredibly friendly and would be happy to answer your questions about NROTC. He did his undergrad and grad work at Duke and has been involved in NROTC in some capacity for the last 15+ years. He gives students his AIM sn, so I’m sure he wouldn’t mind an e-mail from a prospective student.</p>
<p>Bluedog: Appreciate the informative feedback. I’m especally happy that its all positive</p>
<p>I recently talked with a Navy ROTC recruiter (my son was thinking about it), they are really begging for top students, with the ideal candidate being extremely good in math and showing good leadership with varsity sports EC’s also.</p>
<p>I was Navy ROTC years ago, and did 4 years in the military then.</p>
<p>But the “top” schools are Duke, Cornell, Notre Dame, Northwestern, and MIT.</p>
<p>Also, if your son gets into one of these schools but doesn’t get a Navy scholarship , then join as a college program (no money) and if he is in engineering and has decent grades and a good recommendation, he will get a scholarship soph year.</p>
<p>the Navy is in deep need for nuke officers, so that is what drives the science orientation</p>
<p>my son has a friend who went this route…he is an exceptional guy, deeply involved in Duke life, fan of Duke sports, active in a frat, active in the arts, and he will be reporting to work in a nuclear related position. Duke has a very high quality of social life if you are up to the hard work required in the classroom. Dr. G above has his own website and blog and is a perfect source for you for an online QandA. Son’s friend has been at the heart of Duke…and also done Duke Engage…Duke’s signature outreach/service program in a foreign country. go for it!</p>
<p>MiPerson and Faline: thanks for the good info. I’ll definitely check out Dr G’s website. Also, if I understood correctly, you can do a study abroad semester while in NROTC? That would be a BIG positive for my son since he really wants to do that and was unsure if he was able with the normal semester ROTC lab/class obligations.</p>
<p>this particular friend did not do a semester abroad but students we know in engineering…did semesters in Australia which included credits that fit into requirements, so I can’t answer if this is possible in ROTC…Navy ROTC friend did what I think was a summer on a mission trip with fellow Duke student engineers that was vetted and approved by the Gates funded Duke Engage. He was also “gone” I believe parts of summers in Naval options for training. Dr. G knows the scoop and is very personable and responsive to emails.</p>