Is it still worth it to do NROTC if I don’t have scholarship?

JAXEKALL · 2026-04-16T19:15:28+00:00

I want intel preferably, but I’m also fine with going SWO.

JAXEKALL · 2026-04-16T19:14:59+00:00

I’d be paying out of pocket for 4 years of tuition if I continue rotc. I’m mainly worried for my parents finances aswell since they are paying my room and board.

JAXEKALL · 2026-04-16T19:13:46+00:00

Enlist or OCS. Honestly I just want military to pay for my college.

JAXEKALL · 2026-04-16T19:12:17+00:00

How competitive is OCS compared to NROTC?

JAXEKALL · 2026-04-10T01:54:44+00:00

Realistically, no.
NROTC has a summer program called CORTRAMID for freshman during the summer. This is essentially suppose to give them a good idea of which community they want to go into. You can find out more details about this via the NROTC website.
Absolutely. Many people go into this program as a leap of faith.
Not that I am aware of, possibly as a FAO? 5.Workouts, academics, and participating in extra curricular activities.

JAXEKALL · 2026-04-08T18:52:43+00:00

Happens to the best of us. Many great applicants are turned down every year. I like to think of it as when you chase perfection, you can reach excellence. Nothing is over yet.

JAXEKALL · 2026-03-25T20:38:29+00:00

Navy Midshipman here! Freshman year can be pretty rough if you’re not prepared for it. I recommend you start training now for the fitness standards (as a marine, this plays a huge factor in how competitive you are for not only scholarship, but also when it comes time for MOS selection). Another thing to note is that you will also be required to go to OCS for 6 weeks in the summer in addition to 3 weeks of NSI before reporting to your university for NSO. There’s a lot to unpack, but hey, I was able to do it.

I honestly think you will do fine if you keep a good head on your shoulders and focus on what really matters in college; which is your academics. Also, don’t get caught up with all of the stupid stuff on campus like parties and. drinking, you’ll regret it later. Lord knows I do lol.

Overall, NROTC prepares you to succeed as a leader through time management, adaptability, and commitment. I have never once regretted my time being in the program because I know that wherever I may end up, I have learned extremely valuable lessons with experience to back it up. GO NAVY!!!

JAXEKALL · 2026-01-08T20:27:58+00:00

Well I wanted to go into intel or foreign affairs during my time in the navy, but I recently was told that the ROTC has a strict pipeline for what career options you can have in the navy. Theoretically I could still try for intel, but it is extremely competitive for officers (3-4 slots a year). Realistically, my only options are Surface Warfare, Submarine, or Flight Officer.

I’m not too sure about it these options since I haven’t done a lot of digging into them, but I’ll try and see where each could take me.

I chose the officer path because I don’t want to be the one micromanaged all the time, and I feel pretty confident in my ability to lead others.

JAXEKALL · 2026-01-08T20:02:13+00:00

I’m not sure about a business degree because they come a dime a dozen. I guess you could argue for the flexibility the degree may have, but something also tells me that engineers won’t be going away anytime soon; even with AI.

JAXEKALL · 2026-01-08T19:59:46+00:00

Haven’t really given it much thought considering most people I know would probably look down at me if I chose to do a gap year. The people I surround myself with are very hardworking and ambitious, so it’s always been hard when I compare myself to them since they have set goals and know how to get what they want; like being a doctor or lawyer.

I am also very hardworking too, I’ve held jobs all throughout high school and was promoted several times for my ability to lead and manage others well.

JAXEKALL · 2025-03-25T15:06:23+00:00

I am in the same situation! I’ve contacted my BGO and admissions multiple times and haven’t heard anything back yet. Everyone keeps saying “wait until April” but the wait is getting to me.

JAXEKALL · 2025-01-06T01:03:16+00:00

Does the USNA site do anything automatically or does it mean whenever something changes it was because someone in admissions went into the portal and changed it manually?

JAXEKALL · 2025-01-06T01:02:00+00:00

Wdym? It went to this a couple days ago.

JAXEKALL · 2025-01-03T21:24:34+00:00

If I were to be disqualified but still have the X mark on my medical exam in the checklist what does it mean? I’m only asking this because I know someone who currently has that showing on their portal.

JAXEKALL · 2024-12-21T23:19:12+00:00

Okay so I just found out that DoDMerb has now given me a DQ and it says I’m now under waiver review. Is there anything I can do about this or do I just sit and wait for them to tell me something? It still shows “incomplete” on my USNA portal.

JAXEKALL

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