ROTC Scholarships

In this episode of the podcast, Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland discusses options for commissioning into the Army. He explains how ROTC prepares cadets for various service options including active duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve. The discussion highlights the differences between Army ROTC and other branches, the commissioning process, and the strategic choices cadets make. Specific programs such as the Minuteman and Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) are explored, along with the criteria to secure active duty commissions. Whether you're a high school student eyeing a military career or already in ROTC, this episode provides essential insights for navigating your commissioning journey into the Army!

Want to become an Air Force Officer? This episode of Academy and ROTC Insiders features LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach discussing the current state of Air Force ROTC, including the challenging scholarship environment and the surprisingly low field training selection rate. Discover the key differences between Air Force ROTC and the Air Force Academy, and hear their expert advice on the best path forward – including why the Academy should be your first look and how to approach AFROTC as a strategic backup. LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach are your guides to navigating the competitive world of military scholarships, having helped students earn millions of dollars over the years. They provide the transparency and insights you need to succeed. Ready to build a winning strategy for any ROTC scholarship? We provide personalized guidance based on proven experience.

In this episode, we discuss significant updates to the Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) for the application year 2024-2025. Key changes include: Reintroduction of the Type 2 Scholarship: After a period of offering only the Type 1 scholarship, the Air Force ROTC has reintroduced the Type 2 scholarship, which provides $18,000 annually toward tuition, significantly less than the full-tuition coverage of Type 1. Major Selections and Criticality Ratings: A new criticality rating system from one to four prioritizes majors during the scholarship selection process, emphasizing certain technical and language majors over others. Key Points: The Type 2 scholarship offers limited financial coverage compared to the Type 1, affecting choices for attending private or out-of-state public schools. ROTC scholarship boards run three times a year, with early applicants locked into the scholarship type awarded. Strategic major selection is crucial, with higher priority given to majors like electrical and computer engineering, and languages such as Russian and Chinese due to their criticality ratings. Financial Considerations: States like Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Texas, and Oklahoma offer in-state tuition rates to ROTC scholarship recipients, which can mitigate the financial gap for Type 2 recipients. Closing Remarks: Listeners are encouraged to make well-informed decisions and consider how these changes might impact their application strategy. ROTC Scholarship Consulting is available to assist with the application process, including interview preparation and essay editing. For More Information: Visit ROTC Consulting

Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Navy ROTC interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Navy ROTC Battalion.   

The AFROTC interview, worth upwards of 40% of the AFROTC scholarship score, can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience.  In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good (or bad) and how they could be improved. If you want to ensure your interview performance is as strong as possible and listen to additional examples of answers from real students, take our AFROTC Interview Course.

We are pleased to announce that former Auburn University Professor of Naval Science, Captain (U.S. Navy, Retired) Matthew Roberts, will be joining our team as our Navy and Marine Corps ROTC expert.    In this episode, we introduce Captain Roberts and obtain his insight on Navy ROTC and the scholarship process.    

In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from Army ROTC cadets.

In today's episode, we cover a great way to develop military propensity and discipline - Danielle Stolz and Patrick Nasdeo, both leaders within the Sea Cadets program join us to talk about the opportunities for young Sea Cadets in the middle school and high school programs. If you are interested in joining Sea Cadets, you can find a unit near you here: https://magellan.seacadets.org/referral.aspx Best of luck in your Service Academy and ROTC scholarship journey!

In today's show, we welcome Colonel Joseph Forester, a retired Air Force veteran and allergist, to discuss allergies and DoDMERB disqualifications. Service Academy and ROTC scholarship candidates must be DoDMERB qualified (or waived) in order to participate in these programs. One of the most common medical issues we see in candidates is an allergy to food. You can read the Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03 (or DoDI6130.03) here: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/613003_vol1.pdf We also discuss the DoDMERB waiver process more in depth in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS3T6kVyLqQ&    

Today we sit down with Vinny Madera, a renowned SAT tutor with a track record of helping students significantly boost their SAT scores. Dive deep into the world of SAT math as Vinny shares tips, strategies, and insights to conquer this critical section of the test. Whether you're just starting your SAT journey or looking for those extra points to push your score higher, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with Vinny Madera for personalized SAT tutoring**: https://testprepwizards.com/ Thinking about ROTC scholarships? We've got you covered! Learn more about the benefits and requirements here: https://rotcconsulting.com/chances-of...

In this episode, we sit down with ACT Math Specialist Tony Miglio to delve into the intricate world of ACT Math preparation. Tony shares his insights and methods for success, with a particular emphasis on his specialized calculator course. If you're a high school student eyeing an ROTC scholarship or a parent keen to help your child succeed, you'll find a treasure trove of actionable strategies in this conversation.   Resources to connect with Tony: Learn strategies to tackle the calculator portion of the ACT NKYtutoring.com nkytutoring@gmail.com 859-835-1900

In this episode, we tackle the question of how important standardized testing is for ROTC scholarship applicants, along with Service Academy applicants. 

In this episode, we break down the differences between the SAT and ACT and discuss how they impact your ROTC scholarship. 

9th and 10th grade students who aspire to win an ROTC Scholarship can start preparing themselves early by focusing on academics, sports, leadership, and character development.    By studying hard, joining sports teams, participating in scouting programs or other local clubs, volunteering in community service, and reflecting on ethical issues, students can demonstrate their potential to become responsible and empathetic leaders who are committed to serving their country.  In this episode, the hosts discuss how to best do this. Below is the link for our new 9th and 10th Grade subscription-based Military Officer Coaching Course which will launch on March 6, 2023.   We will have new videos available each week. ROTC - https://bit.ly/ROTCReady

The Whole Person Concept is a holistic approach to evaluating candidates for ROTC scholarships. It means that scholarship boards take into consideration not just a candidate's academic achievements and physical abilities, but also their character, leadership potential, and overall fit for military service.  In this episode, the hosts discuss this concept in more detail.

One of the more stressful aspects of qualifying for a ROTC Scholarship or Service Academy appointment is clearing the medical qualification process.  In this episode, we talk about why candidates are disqualified from DODMERB and the steps you can take to obtain a waiver. DODMERB Medical History Survey Questions DOD Instruction 6130.03. Medical Standards for Military Service

The Air Force ROTC HSSP scholarship changes starting in July 2022 are perhaps the most significant revisions of any of the Armed Services' ROTC scholarship programs in recent memory.  It drastically decreases the likelihood of an Air Force ROTC scholarship in high school and moves the selection process and scholarship money to Air Force ROTC detachments on campus.   LTC Kirkland discusses these recent changes and their impact.

LTC Kirkland talks about the lessons he learned from guiding ROTC scholarship candidates through their applications over the past year (2021-2022). The Citadel Tuition and Room and Board Scholarships Texas A&M Room and Board Scholarships

In this episode, the hosts interview an Air Force ROTC cadre member and an Air Liaison Officer (ALO).   She gives insights into both roles and provides helpful advice to Air Force ROTC scholarship and well as Air Force Academy applicants. Buy the host a cup of coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rotc

The United States Space Force is a separate and distinct branch of the armed services, organized under the Department of the Air Force in a manner very similar to how the Marine Corps is organized under the Department of the Navy.  In this episode, the hosts talk to an Air Force Academy graduate and current lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force.   We cover his current duties in Space Force and accession into Space Force from ROTC and the Service Academies.

The interview preparation services provided by ROTC Scholarship Consulting can make the difference in winning a scholarship.  LTC Kirkland in this short episode talks about the importance of the interview and provides an overview of these services.

High school students and their parents often believe that if they don't start an ROTC application by September that the chances of a scholarship are low.   However, that is the furthest thing from the truth.  Most ROTC scholarships are awarded after the first of the year and applying later can actually be an advantage!   In this episode, LTC Kirkland explains why.

In this podcast episode, LTC Kirkland gives tips and advice on why ROTC program visits are important before a candidate's ROTC scholarship interview.   He also gives advice on how to prepare and put your best foot forward during these visits. Questions to Ask and Not to Ask at an ROTC Interview

We are excited to announce our new premium podcast episodes.  We have taken the best bits from our previous podcasts and consolidated them--adding additional material that we am sure will be of interest to you. The areas we cover on our premium podcast episodes include interview preparation, the DODMERB physical, insights into ROTC scholarship boards, the DODMERB physical and how to ace the physical fitness test.   Premium Podcast Episodes

2020-2021 was not a good year for Air Force ROTC--either with their scholarship process or their management of AS200 (second year) cadets.  This episode looks at what happened and the impact it had on both these groups and the subsequent erosion of confidence in Air Force ROTC processes. Washington Post Article "'We cut too deep': Air Force reinstates hundreds of ROTC cadets after dismissals spark backlash."  

Many people know what the words Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor and Integrity mean. But how often do you see someone actually live up to them? Military officers must embody these values in order to succeed and be the best leaders for their subordinates.  Those who read your essays or interview you for an Academy appointment or ROTC scholarship have this values mindset.  Understanding the military officer ethos and showing how you embody these characteristics is the cornerstone of successfully preparing for and succeeding in your application essays and interviews. 

In this episode, we will tackle two topics: 1.  The likelihood of having a Special Operations assignment after ROTC and the whether such a goal should be mentioned in your ROTC interview. 2.  ROTC and participation in Intercollegiate athletics.  Whether this is an obtainable objective or not.

The time between getting an ROTC scholarship and starting your program in the fall should be used productively to get off to a good start when you arrive on campus.  Make the best use of your time now before you come onto campus in the fall to be the best ROTC cadet or midshipman you can be.  This episode gives you five tips to accomplish this.

Navy ROTC, Navy ROTC Nurse Option, and Navy ROTC Marine Corps Option scholarship applications require letters of evaluation and recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer.   In this episode, we discuss how you can best set yourself up for outstanding evaluations from these individuals.

A scholarship candidate's choice of major can greatly influence the chances of getting selected for an ROTC scholarship.   This episode will cover not just how to fashion the selection of major to maximize scholarship chances, but also how the choice of major impacts the time in ROTC as well as career direction. Air Force ROTC Highly Desired Majors Navy ROTC Tier I and II Majors

ROTC is an excellent avenue to eventually become a doctor in the military. An ROTC scholarship, combined with a medical school scholarship or loan forgiveness, can potentially mean zero out of pocket expenses after the conclusion of medical school. The routes are different for each military service and more probable for the Army than the Air Force or Navy. This episode will go over the ways you can become a doctor through the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

ROTC and Army ROTC in particular is an excellent avenue to eventually become a lawyer in the military. This episode will address how to navigate the route of attending law school immediately following an undergraduate program and commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Army or Air Force.

Often when we advise candidates and their parents on ROTC programs, we are asked the question if a particular ROTC is “good” or not? Will one particular ROTC program be a better place to be a cadet or midshipman than another school?  This episode will attempt to answer this question. 

Congratulations on winning an ROTC scholarship!   Now what do you do?  After you have received notice of the award, there are number of considerations or actions a candidate must weigh (or take) after notification.   In this podcast, we look at actionable steps in order to reach your specific goals.

The three pillars of a successful ROTC applicant is to have strong Scholar, Athlete, and Leader credentials.  In this episode, we talk about the Athlete and Leader activities that will make you stand out to ROTC and help you win a scholarship.

Individual schools who sponsor ROTC on their campuses often give additional monetary incentives for students who are on an ROTC scholarship.  This episode will discuss these incentives which include room and board, first-year tuition waivers, and in state recognition for out of state students.  These incentives can save families thousands of dollars a year from the cost of attending college. 

It is likely that for many ROTC applicants, the candidate interview will be conducted via videoconferencing technology such as Zoom or Skype rather than in person this year (2020). This presents opportunities for those candidates who are prepared for their video interview and are able to leverage the one major advantage that videoconferencing has over an in-person interview. In this episode, we’ll look at seven key tips a candidate should concentrate on as they prepare for their video interview.Episode Summary

Visiting ROTC programs and planning informational "field trips" to National Guard or Reserve military units can help applicants build their knowledge of both ROTC and the military.  This episode is an interview with a parent whose son won an Army ROTC and Navy ROTC-Marine Corps option scholarship.  One of the ways this applicant was successful was through conducting these informational visits.  Show NotesShow Transcript  

At the end of most ROTC interviews, the interviewer will ask if the candidate has any questions of him or her.  This presents the candidate with the opportunity to ask excellent questions that can enhance interview scoring.  This episode looks at nine great questions to ask (and not to ask) at these interviews. Episode Summary

The Army ROTC Board Score counts for 25% of the overall selection for a scholarship.   The board meets three times a year and awards a score for each candidate based on their overall file. This episode addresses how these boards operate and what parts of the candidate file have the greatest impact on the board score. Show NotesShow Transcript

The Army ROTC CBEF- the Civilian Background Experience Form-- is a psychological survey given by Army ROTC that counts for 18% of the overall evaluation in awarding the Army ROTC scholarship to high school applicants. It is now also given by West Point in their admissions process (although it does not count at the moment in their whole person score). In this episode, the host discusses the CBEF in detail and what it is designed to measure.Army Research Institute CBEF Study 2019Gain Service Academy Admission Consulting WebsiteROTC Scholarship Consulting Website

In this episode LTC Kirkland talks about the Army Early Commissioning Program (ECP) with former Army Captain John Vandivere, who attended Wentworth Military Academy as an ECP cadet.  Rob talks to John about his perspective on the ECP and advice he would give those who are considering the ECP route to become an Army officer.Show NotesShow Transcript

This podcast discusses two different topics. The first being Army ROTC Nursing and nursing scholarships. LTC Kirkland talks to a current Army ROTC nursing cadet to get her background and perspective on this program.  The final 15 minutes addresses the public versus private college choice and the ROTC scholarship.Show NotesShow Transcript

There are similarities and differences between ROTC scholarship applications and the process of applying to the U.S. Service Academies.  Lisa Hillhouse of Hillhouse College Advising discusses with the host how you can successfully navigate both processes and receive an ROTC scholarship as well as a Service Academy appointment.Show NotesShow TranscriptHillhouse College AdvisingGain Service Academy Admission Consulting SiteROTC and West Point books  

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program provides youth from ages 12 and up with training in aerospace education, leadership and physical fitness. The experience in Civil Air Patrol enhances ones "propensity for the military" and can help applicants obtain an ROTC scholarship as well as better prepare them for life in ROTC. This episode is an interview with the Director of Cadet Programs for Delaware Wing, LtCol John Lierenz.Show NotesShow TranscriptCivil Air Patrol Cadet Program WebsiteCivil Air Patrol Unit Locator

The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) physical is a medical and vision exam which evaluates and certifies all ROTC scholarship recipients as either “medically qualified” or “medically does not meet the medical accession standards.”  A scholarship recipient must be DODMERB qualified in order to receive scholarship benefits and eventually commission an officer in the U.S. Armed Services.  In this episode, LTC Kirkland explores this subject with a parent whose son recently went through the DODMERB process.Show NotesShow TranscriptDODMERB WebsiteDoD Instruction 6130.03 "Medical Standards.."U.S. Service Academy Forum Gain Service Academy Admission Consulting SiteROTC Scholarship Consulting Site

An applicant's parent or guardian can have a vital role in the ROTC scholarship process.  In this episode, LTC Kirkland has a conversation with a parent whose son was awarded both an Army and Navy-Marine Corps Option ROTC Scholarship. This parent gives a number of recommendations on what fellow parents can do to help their son or daughter win an ROTC scholarship.Show NotesShow TranscriptU.S. Service Academy Forum

The ROTC fitness test accounts ten percent or more of the overall selection for an ROTC scholarship. This episode, with military fitness expert and former Navy SEAL Stew Smith, looks at what a candidate needs to do in order to do well on these tests.Show NotesShow TranscriptStew Smith Fitness Website 

The interview for an ROTC scholarship accounts for up to 50% of the total points when the military considers a candidate for an ROTC scholarship. The importance of doing well is crucial. This episode looks at how to prepare for and ace the interview and talks with media expert Colonel Lee Reynolds, former head of Armed Forces Network- Baghdad.Show NotesShow Transcript