<p>My son is absolutely set on going to the USNA and has his application in, is physically qualified, waiting to hear on nomination (met with the two senator's teams 10 days ago), waiting to see if he is 3Q'd. He did well on the PFT. Again his deepest desire is to go the academy then into a marine corp as a career. </p>
<p>So what we are trying to plan for now is the "what if I don't get in this year". After reading all I could find and read it is still unclear if going ROTC is helpful or hurtful. Presently my guidance to him is:
- finish this year absolutely strong. ( Although his present gpa is 3.46 it is due to lack of direction the first two years. Now he is having a 3.85 this year with AP physics, AP calc, AP english, 5th year german and taking private tutoring in arabic at the university in town so he can go into 2nd year Arabic next year.)
- then go to the state university here and take real college courses including math, english, history and science.<br>
- take the ACT/SAT and get it as high as possible (right now a 28)
- reapply.</p>
<p>He is applying to NROTC but here is the question...does this help him in getting into the academy??? As I understand it each ROTC commander can nominate 3 applicants, but the catalog says there are only 20 spots for ROTC. </p>
<p>.</p>
<p>Having said that, if he doesn't ever get in he would be interested in ROTC as it will bring him to his final goal.</p>
<p>I heard recently that up to 30 % of those who get in do so after another year of college? </p>
<p>It seems to me his odds are almost better if he doesn't go ROTC</p>
<p>
[quote]
As I understand it each ROTC commander can nominate 3 applicants, but the catalog says there are only 20 spots for ROTC.
[/quote]
This is for a nomination not an appointment. While there are only 20 nomination spots available for ROTC students, all ROTC students should be applying to their MOC's for a nomination as well and most get a nomination from their MOC. Far more than 20 ROTC candidates gain an appointment.</p>
<p>ROTC is a plus on the application. No doubt about it.</p>
<p>You're playing a risky game if you try to over-analyze and scoop this, especially in a year in which allegedly they're combining applications for USNA & NROTC. Use your good judgementand what you can gleen that the Academy seeks and make your best call. Sounds like you've a very good, strong candidate. Good luck.</p>
<p>btw, it's quite safe saying you'll get no satisfaction asking this kind of question on this site. Just opinions. Ask your Regional Admissions officer. And if he/she has no definitive, clear answer, you probably have a definitive, clear if unfulfilling answer.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. We are not trying to scoop or game. Just trying to understand. I do think I have a good idea of what they are looking for and do feel my son is very much that person. Hopefully they undersand that. While NROTC will lead to being an officer it is not the same as the academy as all are aware. I am glad to hear they do take more than 20 from ROTC programs as that makes it an easier decision.</p>
<p>On Friday my son received notice that he has been awarded the NROTC scholarship for his first choice civilian school but USNA is still his overall first choice. Should he contact USNA admissions and let them know he has the scholarship? Can it help or hurt his chances?</p>
<p>My daughter was in almost the same boat last year, having received both an LOA and an NROTC scholarship. I would strongly suggest that your son should accept the NROTC scholarship (if he hasn't already). It is perfectly OK to accept it now, then release the scholarship to someone else if he receives an appointment. It seems to me that notifiying USNA admissions of the scholarship would be a good thing, so long as he makes it clear that his first choice is USNA.</p>
<p>I was wondering the same thing - just yesterday my son got notification of NROTC via email - but USNA is his first and only goal. Once my son gets letter (his birthday is sunday so I thought the award would be gret present) wondered how to guide him - he is going to worry that this means he won't get appointment. Our state senators DONT interview, letters just say they will advise in december. Our congressman's board did interview - currently - they say they will advise in january. My son is also eglible for presidential and don't know exactly when those are awarded. My son enjoyed CVW and was pleased he took ACT- composite of 31. Felt that really helped his SAT Creading #.
Its just a holding pattern for now.</p>
<p><<i heard="" recently="" that="" up="" to="" 30="" %="" of="" those="" who="" get="" in="" do="" so="" after="" another="" year="" college?="">>
I think the stat is that 30% of the incoming class don't come directly from high school -- it's a mix of NAPS, prep school, and college applicants. </i></p><i heard="" recently="" that="" up="" to="" 30="" %="" of="" those="" who="" get="" in="" do="" so="" after="" another="" year="" college?="">
<p>That said, I've heard the Academy is impressed by candidates who applied from h.s., didn't get the prize the first time, went to college, and applied again. This is, of course, hearsay. But when you're 18 or 19, a year is an eternity. It takes a truly committed young person to say, "I want it so much I'll put another year into it." The academy seems to like that. </p>