Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am a high school senior and i applied for an Army rotc scholarship, i am currently waiting for an answer, at the same time i am in the Army DEP. If i dont recieve the scholarship i will leave for basic training after graduation, what are my chances if i reapply for the rotc scholarship as an active duty soldier?

ANSWER: Dear Joleesa -

Once you are an active duty Soldier, you will have to apply for an ROTC scholarship in a different way.

You will have to apply for the "Green-to-Gold" program.  You will have to be released from your enlistment contract, and you will have to repay any bonuses you received because you will not have completed your enlistment contract.  

How long is your enlistment contract?  You can also complete your first tour of duty, and apply for an ROTC scholarship in your final year.  Or you could apply to the US Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, or the Academy Prep School.  The last two options mean you will not have to forgo any enlistment bonuses.  However, you cannot be married if you plan to attend USMA.

You could also apply for other financial aid to the school you plan to attend, and enter as a non-scholarship ROTC student.  During your freshman year you can apply for a three year ROTC scholarship which you will have a fair chance to get since they will see your academic and military performance during your freshman year.

Please write back, if there are other options you wish to consider.

Good luck to you.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My contract is for 4 years, and i have an enlistment bonus of $10,000 would it be in my best interest to wait and reapply my last year of enlistment?

I intend on fulfilling at least an associates by the end of my enlistment, would i then apply for a two year scholarship?

Answer
Dear Joleesa --

If your ROTC scholarship comes through, take that and go to college next fall.

If the scholarship does not come through, apply for the green-to-gold program and an ROTC scholarship in your final year of your enlistment.  Don't limit yourself to a two-year scholarship, because you may need to take extra courses in your new college.  Not all colleges will accept all your courses from your associates degree college.  

Good luck to you.  Let me know, if other questions arise.