Future NROTC questions

[jakelong]

Hi,

Im 17 years old and I'm interested in joining the NROTC. I am working on my application. I also consider just enlisting regularly in the Navy if I don't make it there. I have a bunch of questions though.

1. I've been to sea once and I loved it. I am a really swimmer too.

But I lived in the city my whole life. Am I at a big disadvantage because of that compared to other candidates or other sailors? Even if Im accepted wil be looked down upon by the others for being a greenhorn at sailing?

If I am motivaed and work hard does that help?

2. If I am accepted in the NROTC will be looked down as a midshipman because Im not in the Naval academy?

3. How hard is the NROTC application process? I mean is it very strict? I hav the SAT scores (I got 680 in Math!) and I'm in the top 20% in my high school but my school is not a very good one. Does that matter?

4. Are officers in the Navy generally from rich/elite families? I am nonwhite from a neighborhood that is working class. Will I stand out a lot?

I know these might seem like stupid questions but I am really serious about the whole thing and I get worried about it. I want to become a Mechanical Engineer. I am pretty good at fixing engnes and I really like doing that. So I thought joining the Navy would be a good way to have a career and learn good skills even before I graduate college.

Thanks for your help and advice!

[Seasons]

Wow. Lot of old stereotypes there.

First, welcome to the forum. I was ROTC, though Air Force, not Navy.

1) Being from a city will have no bearing on your application.
2) You should not be looked down upon. The rivalries between those who go Academy and those who go ROTC is a real one, but should not harm your career unless you turn that rivalry against someone in your chain. Now if someone does it to you, and you truly believe that is what happened, you report it.
3) The basic applications vary by service, but it sounds like you're spot on to what you need. If you can get into the college or university, and meet their GPA and SAT cutoffs, you should be fine. Just know that you will have to work to maintain a good GPA, but they should tell you all the rules.
4) Heh, this one always makes me laugh. My uncle was a naval officer. He was very much not rich or influential. He just did his job, and did it well. That should be your focus.

Hope that helps.

[jakelong]

Thanks Seasons! It really helps hearing it from someone who knows.

Yeah I know that its a bit stereotyping but I guess thats because I hear a lot of things from other ppl who are not in the service and since I am really serious I just want to make sure as much as possible ahead of time.

I try to keep cool about stuff but these days I just hover between being excited and being worried about things. :P