<p>So as I am applying to college, I'm thinking about doing the NROTC/ROTC programs in college but I had a few questions I hope that some of you can answer for me. </p>
<p>First of all, is it possible to join the ROTC program after I am admitted into college? Or do I have to go through the application process beforehand during the normal college application time? </p>
<p>Also, how rare are the scholarships for the ROTC programs? And also, no matter whether or not you get the scholarship, by completing the 4 year ROTC program, you'll become an officer am I right?</p>
<p>ROTC scholarships are very difficult to get now. It takes good grades, scores and ECs. You CAN get a scholarship after you’ve been in college but it is also difficult. Once you complete ROTC and pass any physicals, etc you will be commissioned an officer.</p>
<p>For NROTC you can join Freshman year without a scholarship. You are just like the scholarship Midshipmen except you obviously have no scholarship and you don’t receive a stipend. You still have to take all of the extra Naval Science classes. </p>
<p>It’s called being a College Programmer. Google it. The information is all out there on the NROTC site. As a future officer you should show initiative. </p>
<p>As a College Programmer you have to either pickup a scholarship along the way or receive Advanced Standing without a scholarship. If you are not picked up for Advanced Standing you are dropped and do not receive a commission. Erin’s Dad is incorrect in saying all you have to do is complete NROTC. You have to be allowed to complete by getting Advanced Standing. It is NOT guaranteed and I know of Midshipmen who were dropped. </p>
<p>For NROTC you also have to take (and get at least a C) a full year of calculus and a full year of calculus-based physics.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure that the decision point for either picking up a scholarship or getting advanced standing happens well before graduation (maybe between sophomore and junior year?). So no, a student could not normally complete NROTC as a senior and still not be commissioned. I say “normally” because something can always happen to delay or take away the commission, such as a change in medical condition.</p>
<p>^^^^^
Correct, you have to pickup a scholarship or advanced standing prior to senior year. </p>
<p>Anyone (scholarship or advanced standing) can be dropped at any time prior to graduation and commissioning if there are rule violations, below min grades, or PT issues. </p>
<p>I know of one case where a senior was dropped just prior to graduation due to not meeting the weight requirement by a few pounds. No commission AND the former Mid had to pay 4 years of tuition back to the Navy!</p>