<p>I am a high school junior preparing to apply for the scholarship. I have a 3.98 unweighted gpa, 2120 on the SAT, haven't taken the ACT yet, varsity swimming and cross country, captain of cross country, and have 120 volunteer hours as a camp councelor plus 30 or 40 other hours helping out with other groups. However, I heard that they also factor ethnicity and economic status into the scholarships, so does the fact that I am 100% white and middle-class pretty much kill any chance of the scholarship?</p>
<p>I don’t know who told you that but it’s illegal for them to consider race - whether it’s black, white or whatever. That’s not at all true. They also don’t consider financial means of your family. Some scholarships do but not the military. Also keep in mind that this scholarship is not like others. If you don’t make it through the program, you have to pay the money back once you start your sophomore year unless they need people in which case you can serve to pay them back. It’s their call though not yours. They decide if it’s money or time and right now it’s money.</p>
<p>I will warn you that the program is very tough and has become even more so over the past year or two. Only about 15% of those who start out actually get commissioned and even then some of them get booted. If you do get the scholarship, make sure you have a backup plan in the civilian world. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply, but what are your sources for the facts about scholarship criteria? My recruiter said that they are looking for minorities, and he said that my ethnicity puts me at a disadvantage, so I must assume that they can and do discriminate on the basis of race. Also, thank you for the advice.</p>
<p>I have some first hand experience with this. My son was in the Naval ROTC program for 3-1/2 years and during that time I had significant exposure to how this program works. As for the “discrimination” thing - that’s the law. If your recruiter told you this, he should be reported. </p>
<p>You apply for the scholarship on line. I’m not sure exactly when you have to do this but I recall that my son applied in the Fall of his Senior year. Once you apply, they bring you in for an interview. Your credentials look very good so the recruiter was really out of line to discourage you in this way.</p>
<p>As I indicated, though, the military is cutting back in a big way so the competition is tough. Even if you don’t get the scholarship up front, if you go to a college with the ROTC program, you can enroll through the College Program and if you prove yourself you can get the scholarship that way.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>No, being white and middle class does not kill your chances of a scholarship. The only time race plays a factor is for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), where minority scholarships can be awarded to any student attended a qualifying school (so your ethnicity does not matter at all). </p>
<p>You have good stats but so does everyone applying for these scholarships. I’d try to bring that SAT score up a bit if you can. And if you haven’t stated yet, start that application! The first board meets in August/September and ideally you should have your app in by then. Good luck!</p>
<p>First, no, you do not need to raise your SAT score (despite a previous post). A 2150 SAT is amazingly good, putting you in the top 3% nationwide. I know that I am posting almost two years after the fact, but this is an important point for anybody who encounters this forum. A 2150 SAT will even get you into Yale (or Harvard, or Stanford, or Notre Dame), if you have the grades and extra-curricular activities. Do not take the SAT again.</p>
<p>Regarding the racial preferences; no, it will not hurt you to be white. Also, financial need is not considered at all. In fact, NROTC does not even know what your financial situation is. The NROTC scholarship is 100% merit based (all ROTC scholarships are, actually) .</p>
<p>Be aware, however, that a major issue is physical fitness – especially for Marine Option. Keep your grades up, and workout as much as you can. Check the NROTC website for physical fitness test details. Especially pay attention to pull ups. This has sunk many an otherwise excellent candidate.</p>