rotc essay body

EWU Army ROTC

Eastern Washington University

10 Tips for a Successful Army ROTC National Scholarship Application

Each year between October through March is the ROTC National Scholarship season where high school seniors apply for ROTC scholarships through the GoArmy website . The Eastern Washington University Army ROTC office helps dozens of applicants each year navigate the ROTC scholarship process. Based on this experience we have some tips we recommend to all ROTC National Scholarship applicants to maximize their opportunity to be awarded an ROTC scholarship.

1. Submit Your Application Early : The first scholarship board usually meets in October, the second board in January, and the third board in March. Getting your application completed before the first board will increase your chances of receiving a scholarship because the application will be seen three times. Additionally the first board is where a lot of four year scholarships are awarded from as well. If you really want a four year scholarship get your application complete prior to the first board. Key things that need to be done to have the scholarship ready for the first board is to upload your high school transcripts, upload your SAT or ACT scores, complete the physical fitness test, and conduct an interview. Here at Eastern we can complete both the fitness test and interview for you. Contact us at [email protected] to schedule.

2. List 5 or More Schools on Your Application : Applicants need to be realistic when putting down universities on their application. Putting down only Harvard and MIT on the ROTC application, but only having an 1150 on the SAT means you are probably not getting a scholarship for those universities. However, if you list Harvard & MIT plus three or more other schools you could likely get admitted to with an 1150 SAT score will increase your chance of receiving a scholarship to a school other than Harvard or MIT. A scholarship to your third of fourth school is better than no scholarship at all. Each university’s ROTC office has a Recruiting Officer called a “ROO” that can assist with learning what the admissions requirements are for each university.

3. Find Out What Type of ROTC Program You Are Applying to : Something to keep in mind is that not all ROTC programs are created equal. If you are planning to attend a university that has a host ROTC program you are likely going to have more military cadre and resources to better prepare you for the challenges ahead in ROTC. Other universities have ROTC programs that are extension or satellite campuses. Extension programs may require their students to drive to the host program to take courses. If going to an extension program find out how far you have to drive to do physical training and ROTC classes. The amount of driving to do ROTC may influence your decision to attend that school. Satellite campuses may have very limited cadre, as little as two full time ROTC instructors. If going to a satellite campus find out how many instructors they have assigned. At EWU Army ROTC we are a fully staffed host program with a proven track record of getting Cadets ready to succeed in both ROTC and the Army.

4. Visit Multiple ROTC Programs : The best way to figure out if an ROTC program is right for you is to visit it. If possible try to visit multiple ROTC programs to compare and contrast them. This will also help you determine if you are attending a host, extension, or satellite program. If attending a host program make an appointment with the ROO and ask to meet with the Professor of Military Science (PMS) who is usually a Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the ROTC battalion. Ask about how well the program scores at Advanced Camp? How many first branch choices did the MS-IV class receive? Ask about where they train at? How many Cadets are on scholarship? How does the program perform at Ranger Challenge competitions? This should give you an idea of how well the ROTC program is performing. Also bring your parents to the ROTC program to meet the ROO and PMS. At EWU Army ROTC, our ROO and PMS always makes time to visit with parents. We want you and your parents to be as comfortable as possible with your decision to dedicate four years of your life being part of our ROTC program.

5. Ask What Other Scholarships Are Available : Even if you do not receive an ROTC National Scholarship talk to the ROTC program you are interested in about other scholarship options. They should be able to inform you about ROTC campus based scholarships, Minuteman Scholarships , and Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) Scholarships. Some schools also have various academic and alumni scholarships that Cadets can apply for as well. For example at EWU we have four Cadets on a fraternity sponsored Randy Van Turner ROTC Scholarship and another on the Chertok Memorial Scholarship which is an academic scholarship awarded through the College of Social Sciences.

6. Train to Take Your Fitness Test: Applicants that are not in the best of shape should spend a month training to improve their fitness prior to taking the fitness test. ROTC scholarships are highly competitive and running a seven minute mile could be the difference between receiving a 4 year or 3 year scholarship. If possible try and take the scholarship fitness test while visiting the ROTC program you are most interested in. Fitness is a very important attribute of being an Army officer and preparing for the test and doing well on it will make a good first impression with the ROTC Cadre.

7. Prepare for Your Interview: The interview for the ROTC National Scholarship is very important since it is worth 200 points. Additionally the interviewer who is usually a Professor of Military Science, will write an assessment of you that will be read by the scholarship board. Making a good first impression is critical, show up on time and come dressed for success. Don’t wear torn up jeans and t-shirts to an ROTC interview. Business dress for both males and females is very appropriate for a scholarship interview. Don’t be taking calls or answering texts on your phone during the interview. Yes I have seen this happen! Be prepared to answer simple questions like, “Tell me a little about yourself”. Remember you are selling yourself to the PMS to write the best assessment possible of you to the scholarship board. Be well prepared to answer questions and think on your feet. Finally be prepared to ask the interviewer some questions at the end of the interview. This further demonstrates how prepared you were for the interview.

8. Spend Time Writing a Quality Essay: On the ROTC application you will have the opportunity to write a little bit about yourself. Make sure to spend the time to write a quality essay, personal statement, and achievements. You especially should highlight why you want to be an Army officer. Make sure you use proper grammar and don’t have misspellings. Writing is an important skill for Army officers to have, so show the board you can write a quality narrative. In the narrative make sure to highlight aspects about you that will make you stand out from the crowd. Mentions things like if you ranked nationally in some event, how many hours you were per week at your job, any awards you have received, volunteer service, etc.

9. Play a Sport: Points are awarded on the ROTC scholarship application for sports played. Remember that Cadets in ROTC are scholar athletes, just like members of the university’s sports teams. The Army wants its officers to be athletic. If you know you plan to apply in the future for an ROTC Scholarship than find a sport to play in high school, preferably two of them. Having all-conference and all-state sports honors on an ROTC application will really help the application stand apart from the crowd.

10. Get Involved in Organizations: On the scholarship interview there are points that can be awarded for being involved in school and community activities. For example being elected to student government and being a member of the National Honor Society are worth points. Being involved in Scouting or Civil Air Patrol are examples on community organizations that points can be awarded for. Volunteering for local organizations are other great things to include on the application and mention during interviews.

Following these tips will help you be competitive for an ROTC scholarship. However, these tips cannot overcome poor performance in the classroom. Keeping a high GPA and scoring well on the SAT or ACT are very important for being competitive for an ROTC scholarship. The Army is looking for Scholar, Athlete, Leaders so try to work towards meeting all three of these criteria in your application. Good luck to everyone pursuing an ROTC scholarship and feel free to leave a comment or email us at [email protected] with any questions.

2 thoughts on “10 Tips for a Successful Army ROTC National Scholarship Application”

ROTC scholarship application question

This is the summer after my Junior year, I’m supposed to be starting the application right? The reason why I ask this, is the on the deadline section the boards still say 2018-2019.

2.For the school year it says 2020-2021, what does this refer to?

I’m basically looking for conformation I didn’t screw up the start of the application by being too early. Again, I’m going to my senior year starting in august, and I graduate 2020.

The 2020-2021 scholarship season is for current high school seniors that submitted ROTC applications. The 2020-2021 scholarship season is about to be over. Since you are a junior currently your first year in college would be the 2021-2022 academic year and thus this is the timeframe you will be competing for a scholarship for.

This summer you can start putting your application together. Make sure to take your ACT or SAT early to have time to take a retest if needed. This is something I have seen issues with applicants before with. Once you are good with your ACT or SAT, you will need to contact your nearest ROTC department to conduct the fitness test and interview. If you live in the Spokane region we can easily take care of this for you.

Please let me know if you have any other questions. Go Eags!

Get the Reddit app

This subreddit is dedicated to discussion of Army SROTC and any related subtopics. Moderator statements or opinions do not represent those of the DOD or Cadet Command.

As the first national scholarship board approaches, is there anything pertaining to documents that applicants should know/include in their applications, specially pertaining to essays.

I (17F) am applying for a national scholarship and don't personally know anyone in ROTC or anyone that has gone through the scholarship process and I was wondering if anyone here has any pieces of advice as we prepare our applications for the first board. (It got pushed back due to the website being down for a while.) I'm reviewing my essays and I find myself questioning if there are things I should leave out or include that I'm forgetting. Thanks!

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

How to Write a ROTC Essay

Gather information concerning the admission process

The process of writing a ROTC essay starts with planning your application . You need to know the following:

Programs you can apply for.
Documents you have to submit.

In all cases, it is recommended to start working on your admission procedure at least a year and a half prior to the deadline. This includes: improved school grades, more extracurricular activities, preparation for the essay and for the interview, etc.

Plan your ROTC essay

Make a short outline of your ROTC essay. Outlines are necessary since they help their author stay focused on one central topic, without distracting the author’s attention. Outlines can also be elaborated gradually, and not at once. You can modify your plan as many times as you wish.

Start from your central point: a concept to be developed throughout the essay. It may be your main goal, or a dream, or an important event from your life. All the contents of the essay will revolve around this central point. Divide the army ROTC essay into several parts and write two or three sentences related to each of them. The process of writing an outline depends on you and may take up to one month.

Introduce your main idea

At the beginning of a ROTC essay you need to catch the committee’s attention at once. Most applicants start by describing their character, family background, or school achievements. We suggest using another approach: to describe an important event which influenced your decision to become a military.

At the beginning of a ROTC essay you need to catch the committee’s attention at once. A good way is to describe an important event which influenced your decision to become a military. Tweet This

Define your goals

What kind of career do you pursue? Do you want to be a military, or an army doctor, or a researcher? As you see, the fact that one is enrolled at the ROTC program does not mean they will be sent immediately to the battlefield. There is a wide range of professions related to the military training. You need to define this at once in your essay.

Motivate your application

This is, perhaps, the most boring part, but it is inevitable. Why do you want to become a military? When have you decided to become a military? What kind of people around you know about your plan? Make sure to defend your position during an interview with an admission committee.

Personal traits and achievements

Personal traits are usually manifested in one’s achievements. Here you need to list the ones which, in your opinion, are related to a military career. The most important ones are: leadership skills, teamwork, composure, physical skills and abilities. Other welcomed skills include logical, technical, knowledge of foreign languages, research skills, and others.

Remember : your achievements must be proved by attaching certificates, awards, etc. to your application.

Once finished with your ROTC essay, revise it and make sure the grammar and style are fluent. Any misspellings are not welcome. Ask a teacher to check the grammar, style and the internal logic of the paper. Then you will be ready to submit it.

There is no such thing as a perfect essay, therefore don’t worry too much about it. Don’t try to pretend to be another person than the one you really are. Be yourself and let the commission see it!

Do you need help with writing a ROTC essay?

Order Paper

Our guarantees, customer feedback.

Get 20% off! First order discount. Order Now

Frequently Asked Questions: ROTC

Main navigation.

View an FAQ that has been put together by our cadet ambassadors to help answer your questions.

General Questions

What is ROTC? Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that prepares students to become officers in the U.S. military while earning their degrees. ROTC is available for all five branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps. Students who participate in ROTC undergo military training, leadership development, and academic coursework related to military science. Upon completion of the ROTC program and graduating with a bachelor’s degree, ROTC students are commissioned as officers in their respective military branches and may serve on Active Duty (full-time), the National Guard (part-time), or the Reserves (part-time). The goal of ROTC is to develop leaders who are well-versed in both military and civilian affairs, aligning with Stanford's mission of producing principled leaders contributing positively to society.

Why do Stanford students join ROTC? Students join ROTC at Stanford for diverse reasons, often tailored to their individual goals. Some seek the financial benefits of ROTC scholarships, while others want to join the military for a specific career (i.e. Air Force pilot, Army infantry officer, or Navy submariner). Many students like the combined experience of ROTC and college over attending service academies like West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy.

What is the service commitment after completing ROTC and graduating from Stanford? The service commitment after completing ROTC varies depending on the branch of the military, specific program, and assigned career:

Army ROTC: An 8-year commitment is required in either Active-Duty or Reserve Component (National Guard or Reserves). Active Duty entails 4 years of service and 4 years in Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR), while National Guard or Reserves commitment is 6 years with an additional 2 years in IRR. There are also options to serve the 8 years part-time in the National Guard or Reserves.
Navy & Marine Corps ROTC: Navy midshipmen are required to serve a minimum of 5 years of Active-Duty upon graduation. Marine Corps Option midshipmen are required to serve at least 4 years of Active-Duty Additional requirements may be required for specific job assignments.
Air Force & Space Force ROTC: Both Air Force and Space Force cadets are required to serve 4 years of Active Duty. Pilots and some other flying-related career fields may have longer commitments.

What is the difference between Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, and Inactive Reserve?

Active Duty (AD): Full-time service obligation. You are engaged in military service on a daily basis, often stationed on military bases or deployed.
National Guard: Part-time service with a focus on state and community needs. In peacetime, you serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year, but you may be called to Active Duty during emergencies or for specific missions.
Reserves: Similar to National Guard, part-time service with a focus on supporting and augmenting Active Duty. In peacetime, you serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year, but you may be called to Active Duty during emergencies or for specific missions.
Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR): You are not actively participating in the military (no duty, drills, or training). However, you may be called back to Active Duty during national emergencies.

How many students at Stanford are in ROTC? Our numbers are small but mighty! As of AY 2023-2024, we have a total of 16 students: 7 Air Force, 2 Marine Corps, 2 Space Force, 4 Army, and 1 Navy.

Are ROTC scholarship selectees given any preferential treatment in the admission process? Can the unit help with getting into Stanford? No, the scholarship selection process is COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT of Stanford's admission process. If you get a scholarship, the host ROTC unit may be informed, but you must gain admittance through Stanford’s general admissions process. We cannot help you with getting into Stanford (sorry!).

Is ROTC the only way I can become an officer in the military? There are several pathways to become an officer in the military, each offering unique opportunities and requirements. The main options include:

ROTC: ROTC programs are offered at many colleges and universities. Students participate in military training alongside their regular academic coursework. ROTC programs typically span four years and offer scholarships to eligible students.
Officer Training School (OTS) or Officer Candidate School (OCS): OTS and OCS are designed for individuals who have already completed their undergraduate education or are enlisted members of the military seeking to become officers. OTS and OCS programs are typically shorter and more condensed than ROTC, ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on the branch of service. Admission to OTS/OCS can be highly competitive, and the wait for entry can be lengthy.
Military Service Academies: Military academies, such as the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, offer a four-year undergraduate education combined with military training. Student life at military academies is characterized by a highly disciplined and rigorous schedule, reminiscent of bootcamp training. Cadets undergo intensive physical training, military drills, and academic coursework in a demanding 24/7 environment.
Direct Commissioning Programs: Some branches of the military offer direct commissioning programs for professionals with specialized skills or expertise, such as lawyers, doctors, and chaplains. These programs allow individuals to enter the military as officers without undergoing traditional officer training programs.
Specialized Programs: Certain specialized programs, such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) and the Nurse Corps Officer Commissioning Program (NCOC), offer opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare to become officers in the military. These programs provide financial assistance for education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a healthcare provider in the military.

Why should I choose ROTC over other commissioning programs? Choosing ROTC offers several unique advantages over other commissioning programs. ROTC integrates military training with college or university education, allowing cadets to earn their degree while preparing for military service. Additionally, ROTC emphasizes leadership development through a mix of classroom instruction, practical training, and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, many Stanford ROTC students enter with partial or full-tuition ROTC scholarships, providing financial support for their college education. Unlike the military academies, ROTC offers flexibility in life as a college student and allows cadets to pursue specialized training opportunities tailored to their interests and career goals. Finally, the wait for Officer Training School or Officer Candidate School can be lengthy and highly competitive, whereas ROTC offers a more direct path to commissioning.

Why should I choose Stanford ROTC over other schools with host units and/or the military academies? Participating in ROTC at Stanford offers unique opportunities due to its intersection with Silicon Valley and its long-standing relationship with the U.S. military. The university boasts a robust military presence on campus, providing access to various resources and initiatives, such as:

Networking with National Security Affairs Fellows from the Hoover Institution
Conducting policy research with the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation
Participating in defense startup classes with Hacking for Defense .
Completing a thesis with the Honors Program in International Security Studies
Taking specialized defense, national security, and international relations classes with the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies
Completing a national security internship or fellowship through Stanford in Government
Spending a quarter in Washington, D.C. taking classes and working through Stanford in Washington
Staying connected with military-affiliated alumni with the Stanford Military Service Network

Stanford's appeal lies in its diverse community, attracting a multitude of individuals from various military backgrounds. Every year, the university welcomes 30-40 students from different ROTC programs, military academies, and Active Duty positions who pursue advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) or military fellowships at Stanford. Additionally, Stanford ROTC alumni have forged remarkable paths in their military careers, with former members becoming fighter pilots and test pilots, special forces commanders, flag officers (Generals and Admirals), and even congressional representatives. This alumni network exemplifies the caliber of leadership cultivated within Stanford ROTC.

ROTC Student Life

What is it like participating in ROTC at different universities? Stanford students in ROTC engage through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby universities hosting ROTC programs. This involves carpooling to UC Berkeley (Navy/Marine Corps), San Jose State (Air Force/Space Force), or Santa Clara University (Army) for weekly military training and classes. If scheduling conflicts arise, students are responsible for their own transportation to the host school. Stanford ROTC students enjoy equal opportunities as host-unit students, such as the ability to participate in endurance club, color guard, or any other ROTC-related activities. Check out the “Day in the Life” articles for a better idea of ROTC student life.

How do ROTC students commute to the host units? Typically, Stanford ROTC students carpool using cars, with many upperclassmen having their own personal vehicles. Because freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus, freshmen usually carpool with the upperclassmen or rideshare to get to training. OMAC gives quarterly transportation cost reimbursements to offset gas/rideshare/ZipCar costs. Please see the ROTC Transportation Fund page for more information.

The commute to each of the host schools is very long, and I’m worried about building camaraderie with my host unit. Is ROTC worth it? Ultimately, the decision to join ROTC depends on your individual preferences and priorities. While the commute to host schools may be lengthy, many Stanford ROTC students appreciate the physical distance between their training unit and campus life. Contrary to common concerns, being a crosstown student has no impact on your ability to build camaraderie with your host unit. In fact, many Stanford ROTC students have risen to top leadership positions within their units, such as Cadet Wing Commander (AFROTC) and Battalion Commander (NROTC, AROTC). Many students nationwide revolve their college life around ROTC, but at Stanford, you have the flexibility to balance ROTC commitments with other aspects of your college experience.

Can I participate in extracurricular activities such as sports teams, student groups, or Greek organizations at Stanford? Yes. Most of Stanford’s ROTC students are heavily involved in student life and have served as fraternity/sorority presidents, student organization leaders, or even NCAA Division 1 athletes. ROTC encourages participation in the school community. In our experience, scheduling conflicts rarely occur and are easily resolved.

Can I study abroad? Yes! Many Stanford ROTC students have successfully studied abroad through Stanford’s Bing Overseas Programs (BOSP) in locations like Florence, Madrid, and Berlin. Additionally, ROTC can fund certain study-abroad programs through Project GO . Early planning is crucial to ensure you can study abroad while graduating on-time; inform your ROTC advisor early if you are interested.

Can I pursue a coterminal master’s degree? Yes, pursuing a coterm is possible, though timeline requirements vary by branch. Depending on your major and the U.S. military's needs, you may be granted an extra year to extend your commissioning and graduation timeline to coterm in five years. However, this is not guaranteed; in most cases, you should plan on coterming in four years (conferring both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years).

Can I talk to a current Stanford ROTC student to learn more about life in ROTC? Yes! You can reach out to our dedicated student ambassadors for all ROTC branches. You can also follow our student-run Stanford ROTC Association (@stanfordrotc) on Instagram and DM to ask questions.

Benefits and Financial Aid

What are the ROTC scholarship benefits? Details vary by branch and by specific scholarships given, but ROTC scholarships often cover:

Full or partial tuition expenses at Stanford
Monthly stipends
Book allowance for textbooks and other required academic materials

Please research specific branch scholarship benefits on their respective websites.

Does an ROTC scholarship cover room and board expenses at Stanford? Generally, no. Some ROTC scholarship recipients have the option of choosing to have their room and board paid for instead of tuition and fees, but the scholarship will not cover both. This depends on the specific scholarship and branch.

Are ROTC scholarship recipients eligible for financial aid? All questions regarding financial aid should be directed to Stanford’s financial aid office . According to the Higher Education Act, ROTC scholarships are not factored into determining the cost of attendance or expected family contributions for federal financial aid eligibility. ROTC scholarships should be treated as a veteran's benefit rather than a scholarship by schools.

Can I participate in ROTC at Stanford if I do not yet have a scholarship? Yes! Students may join any ROTC unit and apply to receive a scholarship for their specific branch before they enter junior year.

Resources for Educators & Counselors
Contact the Services
Request More Information

Tap to Close

Looking for unmatched personal and professional perks? Look no further than those serving in the Military. They’ve unlocked a level of benefits hard to find anywhere else.

Life in the military

Military Life Overview
A Day in the Life A Day in the Life

Finding Fulfillment

Life on base, relocation & deployment, customs & practices, ways to serve.

Ways to Serve Overview
Service Branches
Full And Part-Time Options
Enlisted And Officer Paths
Bases Around The World

Army Reserve
Army National Guard

Marine Corps
Marine Corps Reserve

Navy Reserve

Air Force Reserve
Air National Guard

Space Force

Coast Guard
Coast Guard Reserve

Joining & Eligibility

Joining & Eligibility Overview
Eligibility Requirements
Enlisting in the military
Becoming an officer
Questions to ask a recruiter

Careers & Benefits

Careers & Benefits Overview
Explore Careers
Career Stories
Salary and Compensation
Employment Benefits
Employment after the military

Education & Training

Joining & Training Overview
Paying for college
Military Schools
ROTC Programs
College Credit
Advanced Training

For Parents

For Parents Overview
What to Expect
Stories from military parents
Support for parents

From making an impact in the lives of others to meaningful connections and skills that last a lifetime — discover how young adults find fulfillment in the Military.

Making an Impact
Meaningful Connections
A Balanced Life
Individual Growth
Pursuing Dreams & Passions

Learn how military installations are welcoming environments with more comforts than you might expect.

Things to do
Support & Assistance

See how a military lifestyle can take you around the world, and what to expect when deployed.

Duty Stations & Deployment
Moving & Relocation
Support for Families
Staying Connected

Explore everyday nuances of military life, like using 24-hour time, saluting etiquette, uniform guidelines and more.

Chain of Command & Communication
Uniforms & Grooming
Common Acronyms & Terms
Phonetic Alphabet & Military Time
Health & Fitness Requirements
Reveille, Retreat & Taps

Education & Training

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a leadership training and development program that prepares full-time, college-enrolled students for service opportunities in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force (the Coast Guard offers a similar program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative [CSPI]). Joining ROTC opens a door to professional skills development, scholarship opportunities and tuition assistance, and, upon completion, attaining the rank of officer. Today, ROTC is offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities.

Transcription

Related videos, rotc: leadership for the win.

When Army ROTC Cadet Samantha Coon isn’t breaking scoring records at her university, she is developing invaluable leadership skills through Army ROTC.

My name is Cadet Samantha Coon. I attend Widener University, I am a criminal justice major psychology minor. I play soccer here, I'm a captain. As a senior, I'm a starting goalie. I wake up at five, go through ROTC PT, go to school, have practice at night, do all my homework and literally repeat it every day. I think being a captain and being a goalie, like, you see the whole field you have to direct people on the field and let them know what they're doing right wrong what they need to change, and I think in ROTC like as you progress like freshman,sophomore, junior, senior like you need to be able to help other people out and like not just show them, but teach them at the same time and I feel like you also do that on the field with like new players coming in and new recruits,like you have to teach them, “hey this is college. This is college soccer,” so I feel like the leadership aspect is like the big connection between literally any sport and ROTC at the same time. As a leader, you need to influence other people and like provide them with the guidance, but also be your biggest supporter but biggest critic at the same time. Since I was a kid, I've been playing soccer since I was like three or four, um, I always dreamed about playing college soccer - didn't think it would ever happen - but then you know play all throughout high school. I thought that was the end of everything and then once I got the email and the call hey like you can play soccer at Widener, like we want you on our team like everything like that I was like, “Wow,”and then I got the ROTC scholarship so it's like I'm living my dream as like pursuing my career.

ROTC: An Overview

Air Force service members show how ROTC helps transform today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders on campuses across the country.

Air Force ROTC is a college program that trains students as Cadets to Commission in the Air Force as officers. ROTC allows you to be a college student while simultaneously undergoing military training. About 80 percent of your time is spent as a traditional college student, and then you engage in military training on top of that, providing you with the best of both worlds.

We're seeking students who are driven, motivated, and passionate. We appreciate Cadets who have a genuine passion for serving. Upon graduation, our Cadets have the opportunity to enter a wide variety of career fields. You could fly planes faster than the speed of sound, work on satellites worth multi-million dollars, or even become a dentist.

Wearing the uniform comes with a sense of pride, representing something bigger than yourself and paying tribute to those who have come before you.

ROTC: Life as a Cadet

Get a start-to-finish look at what a cadet in the Air Force ROTC might expect when they arrive on campus.

So, the typical day of an ROTC Cadet really revolves around taking their courses to pursue their academic degree. On top of that, they may have leadership laboratory or their Air Force science class. Before all that even starts, you wake up bright and early for physical training. You are around people who have similar goals and values. One thing that unites us is that same desire to serve. The cadets do form friendships and relationships with their peers. You make those bonds, so you take classes together. By the time you're finished with the program, you do have those lifelong friends.

One of the first questions about ROTC is “Why should I join?” One big reason is that ROTC offers educational benefits and valuable training while still allowing students to have the full college experience.

Education & Financial Benefits

Students who join ROTC can apply for a scholarship. The scholarship covers full or partial cost of tuition, fees and books as well as a monthly stipend for four years. These benefits are in exchange for mandatory active-duty service after completing ROTC. Academic advisors and on-campus ROTC recruiters will be able to answer questions about these benefits and expectations.

Professional Development

ROTC provides the opportunity to develop a professional foundation of technical and leadership skills that can benefit your future no matter what you decide to do. The program provides a structured, proven path to a career after college, including long-term guidance and continued professional education.

Becoming an Officer

When students accept an ROTC scholarship, complete the program and graduate from their college or university, they are commissioned as officers in the Military . Officers oversee and are directly responsible for leading service members under them in the chain of command. Typically, officers are employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require professional degrees.

ROTC offers a competitive scholarship program that can make education affordable and help advance a student’s personal and professional goals. It is offered at many traditional four-year colleges and universities, senior military colleges (all branches except the Coast Guard) and junior military colleges (Army and Navy ROTC only).

While it can vary by college and branch, each ROTC program will include some form of classroom instruction, field training exercises, leadership labs and physical fitness.

ROTC General Scholarship Requirements

The requirements for the scholarship may differ by Service branch, however, to qualify for an ROTC scholarship, the applicant must:

be a U.S. citizen
be at least 17 years of age
have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 (3.0 for Air Force)
have a high school diploma or equivalent
submit ACT or SAT scores
meet physical standards
agree to accept a commission and serve as an active-duty service member or in the Reserve or Guard

Applications are typically submitted by the end of the first semester of a high school student’s senior year.

ROTC: Scholarship Opportunities

At every stage of higher education, there are ROTC scholarships, stipends and tuition assistance that help make learning and skills development more accessible.

One key aspect of the Air Force ROTC program is that the opportunity for a scholarship exists during their high school senior year or while they're in college. Buffalo scholarships cover full tuition, so regardless of when a student wants to join ROTC, whether it's before college or while they're in college, an opportunity to receive a scholarship is there. The scholarship opportunities do exist for both private schools and public schools. They have the ability to earn a stipend monthly in their autism scholarship program, as well as to attend multiple and various different professional development training seminars. So, there are a lot of benefits in ROTC.

Initial acceptance into an ROTC program does not guarantee continued scholarship benefits. Participants must adhere to strict academic standards to receive continued funding throughout their degree programs. Each military branch has its own rules and regulations regarding course balance, selection of a major and grade minimums.

Top ROTC College Majors

Some ROTC branches may require completion of a degree from an approved list, especially for a scholarship. Many of the top majors are beneficial for a future in the Military, such as:

Criminal justice
Engineering
Computer science
Cybersecurity
Social work
Information technology

Explore colleges that offer ROTC and majors like these

ROTC programs are offered by the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force. It is designed to instill cadets with confidence as they strengthen their core values of honor, courage and commitment.

The Coast Guard does not offer ROTC, but it does have a similar scholarship program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). This program is for students who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence and a desire to serve in the Coast Guard.

The Army ROTC program is currently offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. When enrolled, the participants receive an education in topics such as leadership, military tactics, survival training and more. There is also a summer training requirement for certain participants, as well as an elective program involving training for parachute jumps, real-world leadership opportunities with active-duty service members and more.

Featured Career Story

Army Major Travis Robinette

Army major travis robinette's military journey began in high school with junior rotc, influenced by his father's service. in college, he joined rotc and the national guard (via the simultaneous membership program), which helped him balance academics and hands-on leadership courses..

In exchange for a service commitment, Army ROTC can provide a two-, three- or four-year scholarship, which is based on the time remaining to complete a degree. The four-year curriculum combines classroom and leadership work. During the summer between junior and senior years, there is a four-week Advanced Camp (AC) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon graduation from college and successful completion of AC, they are commissioned as officers in their choice of the Army, Army Reserve or Guard.

Those who do not complete the requirements of instruction during the freshman and sophomore years must participate in a four-week training camp, called Basic Camp (also at Fort Knox), except for those who have previously completed any Service-enlisted Basic Training course or have completed a certified Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. Once Basic Camp is completed, participants are eligible to receive the same benefits as individuals in the four-year program.

Marine Corps ROTC

It may come as a surprise, but the Navy runs the ROTC program for both the Navy and the Marine Corps and this ROTC program is the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers. Students who join Marine Corps ROTC receive education and training that can prepare them for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Marine Corps.

Today Marine Corps ROTC is offered at 77 leading colleges and universities across the United States.

Earning a Marine Corps ROTC Scholarship

Learn about the multiple paths to earning this scholarship and a Marine Corps officer commission.

When individuals initially consider joining an organization, they typically ask themselves, "What can this organization do for me? What qualities will I gain, and how can I contribute to making the organization better?"

The NROTC program, which stands for Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, is utilized to commission officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The mission of the Marine Corps NROTC program is to mentally, morally, and physically develop midshipmen, instilling in them the highest values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Each recruiting district independently screens its applicants. To apply for the program, students must reach out to their local recruiter. The recruiting districts use a competitive selection board to screen applicants. Those selected on this board receive a four-year scholarship and then embark on their four-year program through the NROTC unit.

There are over 60 NROTC units across the nation, each maintaining its own college program. This offers an opportunity for non-scholarship students to still be a midshipman through two or three-year side-load scholarships. These side-load scholarships provide a chance for students who didn't receive the four-year scholarship or may have missed the application deadline to remain competitive nationally and receive a two or three-year scholarship depending on their college career stage.

Upon acceptance into the program, students embark on a four-year training cycle. The first three years focus on preparing them for Officer Candidate School, after which they return for their senior year and are commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

You can have a completely normal college experience here. I chose kinesiology due to my sports background and a keen interest in learning about nutrition and physical fitness, which I believe will benefit my career. Besides taking additional naval science classes on naval history and warfare, you have the flexibility to study anything, providing a normal student lifestyle.

After graduation and commissioning, I'll be sent to the Basic School for the Marine Corps, immersing me in the role of a basic rifle platoon commander, teaching what it's like to be a true leader of Marines. Officer Candidate School assesses your desire to pursue it, while the Basic School is about putting what you've learned into action.

The program is not just about tuition; while it's a valuable benefit, there are priceless aspects like the responsibilities you gain, the development of leadership skills, and learning to face failures and move forward. These are qualities students acquire throughout the program, carrying them into their Marine Corps career. This program is an investment in the Marine Corps' future, investing four years of tuition to train and develop motivated individuals ready to serve the nation and lead Marines.

When enrolled in Navy ROTC (NROTC) to become an officer in the Marine Corps (i.e., Marine-option cadets), the curriculum includes studying Marine Corps history and traditions, the evolution of warfare, amphibious warfare and all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Students receive instruction in management, leadership and ethics throughout the four years in the program.

Upon graduation, ROTC participants who complete the academic requirements of the Marine Corps ROTC program are offered commissions as second lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Navy ROTC

Offered at 170 colleges and universities across the United States, the primary mission of the Navy ROTC (NROTC) program is to instruct and prepare participants to lead as officers. Much of the professional training that occurs during this four-year curriculum happens at summer training programs . Upon graduation, students who complete all academic requirements in the NROTC program commission as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps (specifics about the Marine Corps ROTC are above).

Navy Lieutenant Commander James Tiernan

A certain 1980s blockbuster movie about high-flying aviators was all it took to get navy lieutenant commander james tiernan hooked on joining. rotc was the first step in a journey that would see him become a naval officer. , the nrotc preparatory program (npp).

NROTC Preparatory Program is a one-year academic and military program that can help improve a student’s eligibility for NROTC scholarships while also providing a foundation for academic success at a sponsoring university. As part of this program, NROTC preparatory scholarship reservations (NPSR) partners with educational institutions to enhance underserved or disadvantaged scholarship applicants’ moral, mental and physical foundations.

Air Force ROTC

The Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) program is designed to develop the leadership and management skills essential for an Air Force or Space Force officer while preparing participants for assignment in a career field related to an academic specialty.

AFROTC is a four-year program offered in nearly 1,100 colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. It entails two distinct two-year courses: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC).

Air Force Major Thomas Mahoney

Air force major thomas mahoney didn’t begin his military career through rotc. in fact, after his first five years of service, he decided to enroll in rotc at penn state university to further his career as an intelligence officer..

AFROTC also offers various Professional Development Trainings (PDTs) that consist of specialized classes and opportunities in a variety of Air Force and Space Force fields. PDTs are designed to educate on a wide range of activities and missions that the Air Force and Space Force accomplish. Air Force ROTC cadets compete for slots in PDTs, and the trainings typically occur during summer breaks when school is not in session.

Upon graduation and completion of the program, cadets will become commissioned officers in the Air Force or Space Force.

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Second Lieutenant Air Force

After finding her groove in high school with the JROTC, Brittany jumped at the chance to enroll in ROTC in college. From there, her upward momentum continued as an Air Force officer at the Uniformed Services University.

Coast Guard Pre-Commissioning Initiative

While the Coast Guard does not offer ROTC, it does have a similar scholarship program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). This scholarship is designed for college students who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence and a desire to serve in the Coast Guard.

JROTC prepares student participants for life beyond the high school classroom with courses about leadership, health and wellness, physical fitness, first aid, geography, American history and government, communications and emotional intelligence. The program also teaches “soft skills” in the areas of collaboration, personal reflection and critical thinking.

More than 3,500 high schools in the United States offer JROTC, which is run by enlisted and retired service members from various military branches. The JROTC program typically lasts two to four years, with enrollment starting in 9th grade. Some schools also grant credits for core subjects taught in JROTC programs. Unlike ROTC, this program does not grant scholarships or benefits, and there is no service commitment.

College-level ROTC programs do not require enrollment in JROTC, and there is no requirement to enlist in the Military after JROTC participation.

Navy Lieutenant Commander Nakeisha Hills

Navy lieutenant commander nakeisha hill’s rotc story began in high school as a member of her school’s jrotc program, which gave her the skills to successfully jump-start her military future. .

Some examples of JROTC programs by Service branch include the following:

Army: Raider fitness challenges, STEM camp, emergency first aid
Navy: Navigation instruction, communication electronics, ship handling
Air Force: Flying model programs, flight science, astronomy
Marine Corps: Color guard, air riflery training, volunteer service
Coast Guard: Nautical science, calisthenics

Why ROTC Should Not Be Mandatory in Senior High School

Category: Government
Topic: Army , Jrotc

Pages: 1 (596 words)

Downloads: -->

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Ruby Bridges Essays

Transportation Essays

Democracy Essays

Army Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->

10 Tips for a Successful Army ROTC National Scholarship Application

2 thoughts on “10 Tips for a Successful Army ROTC National Scholarship Application”

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Get the Reddit app

As the first national scholarship board approaches, is there anything pertaining to documents that applicants should know/include in their applications, specially pertaining to essays.

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Reset your password

Check your inbox

Choose a Reddit account to continue

How to Write a ROTC Essay

Gather information concerning the admission process

Plan your ROTC essay

Introduce your main idea

Define your goals

Motivate your application

Personal traits and achievements

Order Paper

Frequently Asked Questions: ROTC

Life in the military

Finding Fulfillment

Joining & Eligibility

Careers & Benefits

Education & Training

For Parents

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program

On This Page

Transcription

ROTC: An Overview

ROTC: Life as a Cadet

Education & Financial Benefits

Professional Development

Becoming an Officer

ROTC General Scholarship Requirements

Top ROTC College Majors

Featured Career Story

Army Major Travis Robinette

Marine Corps ROTC

Navy ROTC

Navy Lieutenant Commander James Tiernan

Air Force ROTC

Air Force Major Thomas Mahoney

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Coast Guard Pre-Commissioning Initiative

Navy Lieutenant Commander Nakeisha Hills

More in Education & Training

Why ROTC Should Not Be Mandatory in Senior High School

Related Essays