<p>Since I still possess I slight grasp on reality, I know that I, like most, have to think of alternatives to WP. So I thought I'd ask if anyone had any experience or impressions of these ROTC programs:</p>
<p>Dartmouth (I'm most curious about this one because it's so damn small and because overall I like the school) Dartmouth</a> Army ROTC</p>
<p>These just the programs I'm most curious about, but of course not all the school's I'd apply to. I'm also really curious about what makes a good ROTC program. </p>
<p>Thanks and sorry about all these threads I've been posting lately. But coming from a nonmilitary family this is really my only resource for such info.</p>
<p>IMO - Pick the school and not the ROTC program. Being an Ivy or "top" school doesn't necessarily mean their ROTC program is "best".<br>
The Army no longer ranks ROTC programs and they all use the same curricula. That said - when you go for your interview for a scholarship be prepared to ask questions.
Ask how many cadets get their first or second choice or branch. Ask how they do at LDAC. Ask what opportunities the cadets have and take advantage for in summer training.</p>
<p>One more thing- if you pick a program because you "like" the Prof of military science or staff - remember this is fluid and those officers may not be there in a year when you get there.</p>
<p>Thanks again JustAMomOf4
I was actually worried about the quality of ROTC at these schools precisely because they're "top-tier" schools academically. I was afraid that since Ivies and the like have a record of shunning ROTC that the programs therefore would be worse off than they would somewhere else. However, besides WP these are my top choices ("reaches" would be more appropriate). </p>
<p>I guess then I should choose the school before the ROTC program, but if a school's ROTC was notoriously bad, then that would influence my decision a bit considering my long term goals. </p>
<p>And I will keep those questions in mind, and try to come up with some of my own when the time comes.</p>
<p>Don't worry about a program being "notoriously bad" - the ROTC programs are funded and staffed by the Army, not the college - so don't worry that these programs are "inferior". Not only that the Army recognizes the value of programs at top schools in recruiting bright kids to be officers.
If enrollment is a problem the Army will close the program and offer enrollment in a cross town program.</p>
<p>One more piece of advice - most of these schools are difficult to gain admission even for a top applicant. In any case you won't find out until Spring. Add a "safety" school in there. One that has an ROTC program, that you would be happen to attend and has "rolling admissions". It is nice to have something in your back pocket. Remember that the awarding of an ROTC scholarship and admissions are not dependent on each other. It is possible to have been awarded a scholarship to a school and not gain admission come April.<br>
One final piece of advice, it looks like you are applying early - that is great, IMO the early bird gets the worm.</p>
<p>Yeah these of course are just a few of the schools I'm considering applying to. They're at the top of the pile, and I'm considering applying early to one of them (except Princeton since you can't). In choosing one for the early application I thought the quality of ROTC would come into play, along with a lot of other factors. Aside from 3 or 4 "elite" schools such as these I'll be applying to a nice handful of in-state safeties. </p>
<p>But yeah I hadn't thought about that ... that the funding comes from the army, not the college. That's a consolation for sure.</p>
<p>I would suggest doing research on both the school and the ROTC program. My son met with staff at the Duke ROTC program and the Georgetown program. Duke had a very laid back attitude, while Georgetown was a lot more intense. If I recall correctly Duke only required a commitment of a few hours a week - Georgetown required ~20 hours a week.</p>
<p>When i visited the colleges I applied to, I talked to those in the ROTC programs there. Everyone was extremely helpful and informed me about schedules and commitments. I don't know about the ROTC programs you listed, but some ROTC programs are also combined with different universities and you may have to travel to a different school for classes. One of my friends is in a situation like that and she enjoys it because she has friends from multiple universities now.</p>