NROTC scholarship interview

[TLossos]

I went to my interview today with an officer regarding my NROTC scholarship application. My question is regarding him asking me numerous times if I have taken any advanced electronic/technical/math classes after high school. I just graduated in 2012, and was planning on shipping out for boot camp in January. However due to my age and the MOS I received, I am now scheduled for April 22nd. Since I was scheduled to leave in January, I neglected going to college for this year.

Having said this, do any of you Marines think that they will take that into consideration that I was planning on leaving in January, therefor I didn't take any advanced classes after high school? Also, should I try and somehow find a way into a class or two at the local community college for the upcoming semester? I just want anything that can improve my odds of getting the scholarship. I'm already looking into more community service deeds I can do (Not only for the scholarship, I'm actually fairly good at doing community service regardless)

Just a note: I scored decent on my PFT, 271. Will remain working on that. ACT was a 24 (kinda low for the scholarship) and my asvab was a 77. I'm not sure how good of a chance I have with these scores as it is. Any tips any of you Marines have on these things as well would be helpful.

I guess the main answer I'm looking for is if the classes this upcoming semester would help or not in your opinion.

Thank you

[josephd]

Maybe I am uninformed/ignorant on how NROTC scholarships work but if you are enlisting and already have a ship date for boot camp why are you concerned about a NROTC scholarship??...You won't be able to use it until after you get out.

[TLossos]

I enlisted back when it was too late to have a shot at the scholarship my graduating year. Having a chance to apply now since I'm leaving later, my recruiter/s have helped me out and are even encouraging me to take the chance I have to get it now. I know that Marines don't look at enlisting as a "stepping stone" to becoming an officer, but enlisting is the only way I was able to get college paid for somehow, so that was my only option towards working on my goal of becoming an officer.

Hope that clears that up Josephd

[josephd]

it does and thank you....I would never knock someone who applies for any sort of military scholarship, I was just curious.

In my opinion I wouldn't even worry about the scholarship, still try to get it but don't concern yourself with it much. When you finish your 4 years of active duty you will rate the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Which pays your tuition and you'll get a living expense(based on the area you live in/what school you go to).

[TLossos]

I'm looking at it this way, if I get it. GREAT. I'll go to school and earn my commission. If not, I got the MOS I wanted and will go to active duty and use the G.I Bill like you said. I'm just trying to improve my odds I guess, that is what they are looking for right? Someone that wants it bad enough to do whatever it takes.

Like you said though, I'm not too entirely concerned. I believe it is a win/win situation for me since I did get the MOS I wanted.

[josephd]

ya know I am not sure what they are looking for in a NROTC scholarship candidate. But I know if it's anything like getting a PLC or OCC package going for OCS then yes, as long as you have the grades, the PFT/CFT scores, and show that it is really what you want you're eligible and competitive.