<p>Hey, basically I need some advice about my upcoming blue and gold officer's interview for the NROTC scholarship. I will be having my interview hopefully sometime this week. I have most of the basics covered such as " why do I want to be a Naval Officer?and "what can I bring to the table?".... my friend who has already gone through the process gave me some of these pointers but I know that I should probably be ready for some curveball questions, I'd like to be as prepared as possible. So, I was wondering if anybody who has already done the interview can help me out, or give some crucial advice. I dont really know how it is setup or how it goes along, so anything would be appreciated. Anybody know any details?</p>
<p>My son went thru both the NROTC and USNA and USAFA interviews (and got into the Air Force Academy) so here is some real advise. Don't try to have fancy answers worked up - the interviewers are working men and woman of the military and they want to know who you are as a person, not some fancy statement. Be prepared to explain when you first started thinking about a military career, why you want to serve your country, and avoid cliches like "I've always wanted to fly jets or drive ships". They want to hear that you want to be an OFFICER, a leader of men into battle, to protect the US. Make sure YOU are ready for the committment you are talking about also - if all you want to do is to get a free education and bail out in 5 years, they'll see right thru you. On the otherhand, if you want to be an officer for many years they're recognize that regardless of how fancy your answers are.</p>
<p>Be ready to emphasis your past / present Leadership experiences! Ditto sports where you excelled as a team player. Knowledge of history, espeically of the branch you are interviewing for as well as what your career will be like 5 - 10 yrs from now. And for gosh sakes, dress nicely (no jeans or faded tee shirts) and be polite. The guy you'll be interviewing under has been weaned on tightly pressed uniforms and he'll be looking to see how you handle yourself in the same conditions. Get a haircut the week before so you look clean cut (shorter is better but not necessarily a buzz cut :) And be on time and with any paperwork in an organized file (resume, letters of recomendation, certificates that relate to the military / leadership, etc).</p>
<p>Lastly, be prepared to ask HIM some questions about what he thinks of his career and how it might apply to your future. Interest goes a long way.</p>
<p>Thanks very much, I will be taking this advice very seriously and it helps that it comes from someone who has already seen how the process works first hand. I AM planning on wearing a nice suite and Yes, I also DO need a haircut! I was really thinking hard about my answers but now I think I will just answer his questions simply but still with some effort, because in the end I trust what I say. Thanks again for the advice, I appreciate it very much</p>
<p>and if anyone else has any input.. I am always happy to read and acknowledge your help, thanks everyone</p>
<p>MO614 -
My daughter went through these interviews a couple of years ago. I would suggest that you make a one page resume. Highlight your activities and major awards. Remember that ROTC is looking for the scholar/athlete/leader model. Stress any varsity athletics including if you have won a varisty letter in a sport, any leadership activities including offices held and your academice achievements including high level coursework and your senior year schedule.</p>
<p>Make several copies, keep one for yourself to look over and refer and pass the others out to your interviewer(s).</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for taking time to help me out with advice for my NROTC scholarship interview. If anyone has any other pointers dont hesitate to write! I have been informed that my interview is on Wednesday this week! I am nervous and excited but I know that your advice will come in handy. </p>
<p>All officers ask different questions. Just make your answers honest and sincere. Be sure to look him in the eye when talking, no mumbling,fidgeting or looking around the room. I think one of the questions asked of my S was "What experience in high school meant the most and had the greatest impact on you?" Good luck on your interview.</p>
<p>HEY!, thanks everyone for the help. I had my interview yesterday and I feel that all the help you've given me made an impact. PackMom, that is exactly what I did, thank you. I thank everyone again! The best advice I can give is just to be yourself. And I hope that if someone is going through the same process, that they will find this thread usefull for some help.</p>
<p>MO614, how was the interview. Any advice? Things you wish you'd done better?
I'm currently working on my application. My recruiter has told me to expect the interview some time around October... but idk.</p>
<p>The interview could be anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. My interview was about 35-40 minutes. You have to remember that the recruiter knows what you are feeling, probably excited or nervous, so dont worry. When I was talking to my recruiter he told me that I can take my time with questions, time will not be a factor so take some time to think of your answer. I also realized that they like when you relate your qualities or your characteristics with personal events that have occured in your life. Relating personal experience is always helpful to the recruiter I would say. Make sure that before your interview whether its a day before or a couple of hours before.... make sure that you go over your essay information. The recruiter will have thouroughly read your essay(s) and he will be basing some of the questions on things you wrote in your essay(s). Some questions don't have a right or wrong answer. The recruiter will be looking for HOW you handle yourself in answering the questions. Also dont be afraid to brag a little bit, they encourage you to describe a lot of accomplishments. Basically when your interview reaches the end, I would strongly advise you have have some questions prepared and ready to ask your interviewer. I think that they like when you display such interest in the program. The BGO told me that he was more than happy to answer some questions about the program.</p>
<p>DONT WORRY, just be yourself and take your time....</p>
<p>Thanks MO614.
If I may, when going through the application process, did you ever have to actually enter DEP or sign any other such "commitment" such that, should you be declined for the scholarship, that you would automatically enter active duty following high school graduation? As I assume that you too are a high school senior. I'm still in the midst of my application as I'm waiting for a response from my teachers for the recommendations... as well as a guidance counselor that I'm not to fond of.
Once again, thank you for all of your help.</p>
<p>Don't sign that DEP. That's going to commit you to enlisting. If you don't get the scholarship, just go to a college with an ROTC program, join ROTC (you'll get the stipend and book allowance), and graduate with a commission. You can reapply for a 3-year scholarship in your first year of college and a 2-year scholarship in your second year.</p>
<p>I got the NROTC scholarship when I was in high school (and got recruited for the USNA, which...no.) I didn't take it (I got an institutional full scholarship), but I kind of wish I had joined ROTC anyway. I still think I might want to go to the military, especially the Navy. Two of my closest college friends graduated and were commissioned as officers in the Navy at graduation. I mean, I'm kind of glad I didn't, because I'm headed to grad school. After I finish my Ph.D I might do OCS and become a research psychologist.</p>
<p>But, anyway, good luck with the scholarship competition. My interview was really laid back and I LOVED the ensigns who interviewed me, they were sooooo chill. I think I had as many questions as they did and they liked that :)</p>
<p>OK… I know this convo is really old and maybe things have changed but I’m in dep right now and I’m also applying for the scholarship. If I get it my enlisted contract is void. Its no big deal</p>