Yea I’m already used to moving to places I don’t really want to go to, I should be fine
I liked UMD because of its strong research program
So should I apply to more reaches?
I didn’t realize nc state had these scholarships thanks
I feel like a more typical experience would suit me better
Got to hope for a good spot
AOs have gotten wise to students who pad their applications with “I showed up for a couple meetings ECs”. According to my son’s guidance counselor, AOs are looking for the following in ECs: 1. Achievement - think earning Eagle Scout, setting state record in the mile, etc.; 2. Advancement - think staff writer as freshman working up to editor-in-chief as junior in school newspaper; and Leadership - think senior Boy Scout training and mentoring younger scouts. Review your ECs and delete any that don’t tick one or more of these three boxes.
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This is great advice, thanks!
collegehopeful38, I think you should do some homework about ROTC obligations, the differences between the various branches, career tracks, etc. A couple things to consider…
Once you sign a contract, the military owns you and they place you where you are needed, not where you want to go. If you are unhappy, no one cares and you are trapped there until the end of your obligation. Germane to your desire to fly, there are many ways to get cut in flight training - failed medical, failed test, washed out of training, etc. In fact, they are looking for reasons to cut flight contracts; that is where they get officers for aviation supply and maintenance.
The branches have very different missions, cultures, risk profiles and career tracks. There is a meme in the military that there are only two brances: the Army and Navy. The Airforce is a corporation, and the Marine Corps is a cult. If you want technical training and want to avoid having someone shoot at you, look at the Airforce and Navy. If you are more gung-ho, look at the Marines, and to a lesser degree the Army. Most Navy and Marine Corps bases are in relatively desireable locations on the coast - San Diego, Little Creek, Norfolk, etc. Most Army bases are in places you may not want to spend time like Ft. Polk, LA or Ft. Sill, OK.
The military is not for everyone, and you should think hard before going ROTC. There are, however, some huge benefits to serving beyond having Uncle Sam pay for your education. You will get great training, and - depending on the branch - they may help pay for an advanced degree. You will get more responsibility at a younger age than your classmates who entered the civilian job market. And when you muster out, many civilian employers love - I’m using the word LOVE - veterans.
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