nrotc scholarship essay prompt

The Complete Guide to the NROTC Scholarship Application

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Are you a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) trainee and on the hunt for scholarship money for your college? If so, then you should not miss the NROTC Scholarship application. Before beginning a career in the Navy, you can concentrate on your studies and live a typical college life thanks to this scholarship program.

While renowned as a generous financial aid, the NROTC Scholarship is also one of the most difficult to secure. The application is notoriously lengthy and takes hours to complete. Luckily, you are in the right place!

We have broken down each component of the application in this guide to assist you understand how to win your own award, so keep reading.

What is an NROTC Scholarship?

The NROTC Scholarship allows you to enjoy a regular college experience while preparing to serve as a Naval Officer by offering full tuition, stipends, summer training cruises, and more.

It is a prestigious award with a strikingly straightforward goal: to develop brilliant students for our future fleet, to offer funding and the chance for an excellent college education, and to support you in realizing your full potential with a career that would make any other day job envious.

The NROTC Scholarship, which is the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps Officers, is made to help you become a strong leader capable of succeeding in a variety of management jobs.

There are three career paths available when joining the NROTC program:

• Navy Option: Prepares students for post-graduate commissioning as U.S. Navy Ensigns in a variety of warfare specialties, including surface, submarine, aviation, and special warfare.
• Nurse Option: Leads to post-graduate commissioning in the U.S. Navy as an Ensign in the Navy Nursing Corps, a division of the Department of the Navy Bureau of Medicine.
• Marine Corps Option: Results in commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation.

Over 170 prestigious schools and institutions across the nation receive scholarships from this program, many of which have nursing programs that qualify. Most likely, one of them is already on your short list.

How Do You Know if You Are Eligible?

The NROTC Scholarship has a very high bar. Nevertheless, there is a place for you here, provided you are committed, determined, and inventive. You need to fulfill several conditions, including:

• Be a U.S. citizen and a high school graduate
• Meet the required SAT and/or ACT scores. The minimum SAT scores are 550 Critical Reading, 540 Math (1100 combined), and the minimum ACT scores are 21 Math, 22 English (44 combined).
• Be between 17-23 years of age by September 1 of the year starting college
• Have no criminal record
• Be physically/medically qualified by Navy standards. Some common medical disqualifiers are asthma, mental health, vision, hearing, orthodontics, and orthopedics.
• Be admitted to an approved NROTC college or university. Check out the complete list here .

How Much Money Can You Get from the Scholarship?

All NROTC schools offer the following advantages. Many institutions offer even more:

• Get free tuition at an NROTC-affiliated institution or university.
• Have all the required undergraduate fees paid.
• Get a stipend for uniforms and books. Currently, a school year costs $750 ($375 for each semester and $250 for each quarter).
• Receive the following allowances per academic month: $250 for freshmen, $300 for sophomores, $350 for juniors, and $400 for seniors.
• Take three training cruises over the summer. Get paired with a Naval Officer in the fleet and make the most of your summer to get on-the-job experience in a variety of settings, including as on a nuclear submarine, in aviation squadrons on aircraft carriers, or on warships at sea. You can become familiar with the Marine Corps as well.

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

In addition to the online application, the following items must also be completed:

• An Applicant Fitness Assessment (AFA)
• The three needed references are: 1) a guidance counselor/school administrator; 2) a math, science, or English teacher (depending on program selection); and 3) another teacher, counselor, coach, or employer. Provide their names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Do not provide teachers your home address; instead, give them the mailing address for the school.
• You have to come up with your own ideas. Take your time to consider what you want to say and attempt to answer a question or explore a subject briefly and thoroughly. Put your signature on a statement attesting that the words are your own original writing. These are brief essay questions and the recommended word count is 250–500 for one to two paragraphs.
• SAT/ACT scores. While you can submit your NROTC Scholarship application electronically at any time, it will not be deemed complete until NROTC receives your qualifying test results.

Additionally, you must coordinate with your recruiter/coordinator to complete the following forms:

• Statement of Understanding for NROTC Application
• Debarment Statement for NROTC Application
• Drug Statement for NROTC Application

How Do I Apply for This Scholarship?

As NROTC Scholarship application can be daunting, you can rely on our general instructions to navigate the process.

You will need to access the NROTC Scholarship Application System to begin your application. First, fill out a NETFOCUS gateway account registration form with your email address and other personal data. Next, select the email/password option during the gateway registration process rather than the CAC card option.

You can begin your scholarship application once you have finished the registration and login processes.

As an added security measure, you must enter your Social Security Number (SSN) and birth date when you first launch your application. This will only be required once. Later, you will only need to provide your email and password the next time you log in to your scholarship application.

Selecting the “Finish” button after finishing your application will enable you to check it for errors. Before they finalize your application, you must get in touch with your coordinator or recruiter to complete and sign supplemental forms.

When Is This Scholarship Due?

The NROTC Scholarship application deadline is January 31, 2023. The application procedure may be started in the second semester of your junior year of high school. Your chances of getting into the institution of your choice increase with the earlier you submit your application.

What’s Next

Are you on a mission to find more life-changing opportunities? Make sure to check out our guides to getting the Mensa Scholarship or these forensic science major scholarships .

How to Get a Mensa Scholarship as a Member and/or Dependent

The complete guide to financial aid by hagan scholarship foundation.

Army ROTC Scholarship Chances and Requirements

How to Qualify for the $10,000 Anne Ford Scholarship

8 Scholarships for Hawaiian Students You Can Apply for Today

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Three Vital Steps to Outstanding ROTC Application Essays

Ltc robert kirkland.

2 minute read

Having sat an Army ROTC scholarship board , conducted hundreds of applicant reviews in my role as a PMS and in discussing applicant essay content with my officer colleagues, I wanted to give you my observations about what makes the best impression on these essays.

What I am referring to the following essays prompts for the Army and Navy ROTC. I believe these are the most important essays for both applications and is why they are the first essay for both Services:

Consider carefully, and then state below in the space provided why you wish to enroll in the Army ROTC Program. Indicate in your statement how you believe your own objectives in life are related to the education and training offered by Army ROTC and what a career obligation means to you.

Discuss your reasons for wanting to become a Naval/Marine Officer. Specifically comment on leadership positions you’ve held, the challenges you have faced and the lessons you have learned.

I firmly believe that what this essay SHOULD NOT be is a laundry list or rundown of what the applicant achieved in high school or why the applicant believes he/she is an outstanding leader. The attitude that board members get out of essays such as these are: “Hey, I’m a talented wonderful person and you have to select me because of my past accomplishments.”

But—how can the applicant really say this if they have no idea of what life will be like as a cadet/midshipman and future officer?

What should you do instead?

Three Vital Steps to Outstanding ROTC Application Essays:

#1. Do your research about the service you are interested in, visit your local ROTC unit and talk to cadre and cadets/midshipmen, visit your local national guard or reserve unit and “shadow” an officer for a few hours, and speak to serving or former officers. Learn all you can about what the challenges are in ROTC and what life will be like as a future officer.

#2 Then, when you write your essay, talk about those experiences in your essay. Be humble. Tell the board members you did your due diligence to understand the challenges ahead of you. You are making a big commitment to lead America’s soldiers or sailors!

#3 Tell them you have prepared yourself as best you can (here you can speak to your past leadership experiences) and feel confident that based on your past leadership and these visits/talks you are up to the task of being an officer candidate and a future military officer.

If you write this type of essay, you will be in the 5% category of those who have gone out of their way to actually validate the statement that they are ready to be an officer candidate.

See real examples from students who won ROTC scholarships here:

Examples of Real Essays That Won the ROTC Scholarship!

Article Contents

Examples of real essays that won the rotc scholarship, related posts.

A comprehensive guide to the Air Force ROTC scholarship interview

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kirkland (USA, Ret.) is an expert on military admissions and leadership. He served for over 25 years in the United States Army, including stints as an instructor at West Point and as a commander of two Army ROTC programs. He has helped students win ROTC scholarships for 8 years.

Want to earn maximum points on your Army ROTC scholarship essays?

Navy ROTC Sample Letters of Recommendation and Evaluation: Math and Physics Teachers

Navy ROTC Essay Examples with Commentary

Army ROTC Essay Examples with Commentary

Scholarships

National 4-Year Scholarship

The national 4-year NROTC scholarship provides full tuition and fees for the University of Washington, along with a monthly stipend. Recipients of the scholarship participate in the unit and commission as Navy or Marine Corps officers upon graduation. Following graduation, the newly commissioned officers serve a minimum of between 4 and 8 years in their chosen branch, depending on their selected warfare community.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the NROTC scholarship, you must be:

• a US citizen
• not less than 17 years old on September 1 of your freshman year of college and no more than 23 on December 31 of the same year
• less than 27 years old on December 31 of the year graduation and commissioning are anticipated
• deemed physically and medically qualified by the Navy

Application Process

You may start the process of applying during the second semester of your junior year of high school or first semester of your senior year.  Students may apply for only one of the three scholarship program options –  Marine Corps ,  Navy , or Nurse .  Please note that Nurse options must attend our cross-town affiliate Seattle University, although they will participate in the UW unit. Before the application can be finalized and forwarded for selection consideration, you must ensure that a copy of your complete transcript, including your entire junior year, is forwarded to your recruiter.

Selected applicants for the NROTC scholarship program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process. The scholarship recipient will receive full tuition and other financial benefits including an allotment for textbooks, class fees and monthly subsistence at many of the country’s leading colleges and universities. NROTC scholarships do not pay for room and board or personal items such as computers. Some universities will offer additional subsidies for scholarship recipients, the University of Washington does not.

Applications are submitted on the NROTC website .

Sideload Scholarships

If you weren’t selected for the national scholarship, it’s still possible to participate in NROTC, get a scholarship, and commission. After participating in the college program for a year, midshipmen may apply for a sideload scholarship. It pays the same as the national scholarship but only for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on how much time in college the student has left.

In order to be eligible for a sideload scholarship, you must:

• be a US citizen
• be not less than 17 years old on September 1 of your freshman year of college and no more than 23 on December 31 of the same year
• be less than 27 years old on December 31 of the year graduation and commissioning are anticipated
• be deemed physically and medically qualified by the Navy
• have participated in the unit as a college programmer for the most recent academic year
• have between 45 and 180 quarter credits hours and be within two or three years of estimated graduation
• have a minimum 2.5 GPA

The application is completed by the student and their advisor at the unit. It is usually submitted towards the end of their first year with the unit. So if a student joins the unit as a college programmer at the beginning of their freshman year, they would apply for the scholarship in the spring, and could be on scholarship by the beginning of their sophomore year.

Click here for more information on the college program and how to apply.

Gunnery Sergeant Ramon A. Acosta

Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was born on 27 May 1989 in Los Angeles, California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 19 August 2007. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. After graduating recruit training, he attended Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Pendleton, California. Following completion of MCT, he attended MOS school at Supply School,Camp Johnson, North Carolina, earning the Supply Basic Warehouse Clerk (3051).

In February 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received orders to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, where he served as a warehouse clerk. In May 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. In June 2009, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal while serving as the Personal Effects NCOIC.

Gunnery Sergeant Acosta executed orders in March of 2010 to Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, where he served as the Personal Effects NCOIC. While at CATC Camp Fuji he deployed in support of Operation Tomodachi, Sendai Japan from 21 March to 10 May 2011 where he served as the Supply Clerk and HMMWV driver on this humanitarian mission. During Operation Tomodachi, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta drove multiple convoys in assistance of missions supporting the Japanese locals recovery operations during the tsunami.

In May 2011, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 1, Camp Pendleton, California where he served as a Warehouse Chief (a SNCO billet). While stationed there, he was promoted to Sergeant in August 2012. During his time there, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received TAD orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 7 where he participated in a combat deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan from February to September 2014 as Warehouse Chief. While deployed he supported the retrograde of thousands of serialized equipment and accounted for several personal effects cases.

In October 2015, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta requested orders to Drill Instructor School (0911) class 1-16, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Following graduation from Drill Instructor School, he was attached to 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Charlie Company. He promoted Staff Sergeant in October 2016 and completed six cycles as a green belt Drill Instructor and a partial cycle as a Senior Drill Instructor. During his time on MCRD San Diego, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was also attached to Support Battalion, Instructional Training Company, Water Survival Section as a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS) and trained over 2,500 recruits with basic swim qualifications. By April 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was detached from drill instructor duty with a successful tour in a Special Duty Assignment (SDA).

Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received orders in April 2019, to 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 12 in Iwakuni Japan where he served as the Inventory Management Chief. Throughout this period Gunnery Sergeant Acosta also served as the 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 12 Logistics Chief, a Master Sergeant 0491 billet, from May 2020 through December 2020. While in this billet Staff Sergeant Acosta assisted the Logistics Officer, successfully supporting the simultaneous reception of two fixed wing Unit Deployment Program (UDP) squadrons arriving with 487 Marines and Sailors, 23 fighter jets, 62 tons of cargo and 202 weapons. Further he coordinated the delivery of 1,485 meals an all sustainment items across 339 rooms for 35 days to the Marines and Sailors restricted to quarters during the COVID pandemic. For his work and dedication Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was nominated and awarded the Fiscal Year 2020 Logistician of the Year award. In August 0f 2021 he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Gunnery Sergeant Acosta’s collateral duties include Command Financial Specialist, Color Guard Coordinator and his secondary MOS as a MCIWS where he has trained over 900 Marines. Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was detached from MAG 12 in April, 2022.

LT Warner D. VanOs

Assistant Professor of Naval Science University of Washington NROTC

A 2018 graduate of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Lieutenant VanOs earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science and Operation. He is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah.

As a surface warfare officer, Lieutenant VanOs’ shipboard assignments include: USS RALPH JOHNSON (DDG 114) as Strike Officer and Repair Officer and USS COOPERSTOWN (LCS 23) as the Navigator. As Strike Officer onboard RALPH JOHNSON, he completed a successful 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet deployment supporting the Enforcement Coordination Cell, Operations SENTINEL, and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. As Navigator onboard COOPERSTOWN, he completed the pre-commissioning process and delivery of COOPERSTOWN. Additionally, he planned the arduous sail around through the Great Lakes and Rivers bringing COOPERSTOWN to her home port of Mayport, FL.

His personal decorations include the Navy Commendation and various unit, campaign, and service awards.

Mr Eduardo Herrera

Human Resources Manager University of Washington NROTC

Ed Herrera is from Pampanga, Philippines.  He enlisted in the Navy on December 1988 at Naval Base, Subic Bay, Philippines.   He retired in December 2010 as a Chief Personnel Specialist after 22 years of naval service .   His prior assignments are: N aval Mobile Construction Battalion FIVE , Port Hueneme, CA ; Personn el Support Detachment, Point Mugu , CA; Civic Action Teams, Guam; Navy Recruiting District Seattle as a Recruiter stationed at Tacoma Mall, WA; USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), Bremerton, WA ; Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA and augmented to USNS MERCY (TAH-19) and lastly with the Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA- 94 ) in Lemoore, CA.   He has been working with the NROTC unit since December 2012. He lives in Federal Way, WA . He is currently active member of Ark Masonic Lodge 126 in Tukwila, WA of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.

Captain Allen Adkins

Professor of Naval Science Commanding Officer University of Washington NROTC

CAPT Allen D. Adkins was born in Dallas, Texas and is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. In 2002, CAPT Adkins served aboard USS SHILOH and deployed to the Northern Arabian Gulf where he served as Air Defense Commander for the ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, CAPT Adkins attended the Army Command and General Staff College where he earned his Master’s Degree in Military Arts & Science and his Joint Professional Military Education.  CAPT Adkins other tours include Commanding Officer USS CORONADO, Officer in Charge of Afloat Planning Systems Atlantic, NATO Planning officer for the United Kingdom Maritime Battle Staff, and Branch Head at Naval Surface Mine and Warfighting Center. CAPT Adkins also deployed to Iraq as part of the UK-US coalition in support of Combined Task Force Iraqi Maritime. CAPT Adkins most recent assignment was serving as Commodore at Costal Riverine Group One in San Diego, California. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.

Mr Jon-Paul Mickle

Program Coordinator University of Washington NROTC

Jon-Paul Mickle is the University of Washington Program Coordinator for the Department of Naval Science, Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps.  In this role he assists the students, staff and faculty with navigating the university system.  He is a graduate of  Illinois Central College, Southern Illinois University, Central Michigan University, the Marine Corps University and the National War College.  He is also a 27 year veteran of the United States Air Force.

Mr Dave Patton

Supply Technician University of Washington NROTC

Mr. Patton is from Chicago, IL. He was enlisted in the Army for two years, most of which was spent in Germany. He ended his term as an E-4 with an MOS as Supply Technician. He joined the Coast Guard in 1979 as a Seaman Storekeeper and retired in August 2007 as a Chief Warrant Officer after 28 years of service. He has 11 years of sea duty and has been stationed aboard 6 Coast Guard Cutters, serving as a Department Head/Supply Officer aboard two. Mr. Patton has been awarded five Coast Guard Achievement medals, seven Good Conduct medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary medals, two National Defense Service medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service medal, and the Humanitarian Service medal. He is married to wife Deborah and they have three children, Kevin, Samantha, and Linda.

LT Morgan Bingle

Lieutenant Morgan Bingle is a native of Seattle, WA and graduated from the University of Idaho in 2014. LT Bingle commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 2016.

In June 2016 he reported for his first tour onboard USS Mustin (DDG 89), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. He served as the Auxiliaries Officer and Administration Officer throughout the ship’s basic phase and multiple patrols in the Sea of Japan, Philippine Sea, and South China Sea. In February 2019 he reported for his second tour as Navigator onboard USS Benfold (DDG 65), also homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. While onboard he supported one patrol in the East China Sea, an extended dry-dock period, and the ship’s basic phase.

Lieutenant Bingle’s awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit awards.

Lieutenant Ryan Kraner

Lieutenant Ryan Kraner grew up in Fort Jennings, Ohio. He is the son of Brad and Marcy Kraner and has one younger sister. Lieutenant Kraner graduated with a B.S. in Biology from The Ohio State University in 2015 and commissioned though Officer Candidate School April 2016.

Lieutenant Kraner completed Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida. After receiving his Naval Flight Officer “Wings of Gold” he reported to the EA-18G Growler Fleet Replacement Squadron, Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Upon becoming a fully qualified Electronic Warfare Officer, in April 2020 LT Kraner became a “Gauntlet” at VAQ-136 and immediately began workups for a deployment aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN70) with Carrier Strike Group 2 (CVW2) summer 2021 – spring 2022.

Prior to arriving at the UW Husky Battalion in April 2023, LT Kraner finished his sea-tour with a 9 month Individual Augmentee assignment as the Non-Kinetics Duty Officer Cell Chief at the Combined Air & Space Operations Center aboard Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar where he oversaw all Cyber, Space, Electromagnetic Spectrum, and Information Operations in the AFCENT AOR.

In addition to his duties as an instructor, LT Kraner is pursuing a Master’s, trains for endurance races, plays piano, and hikes with his dog, Ace.

Lieutenant Josh Lanzona

Assistant Professor of Naval Science Submarine Warfare Officer/Nuclear Power Officer University of Washington NROTC

LT Josh Lanzona was born and raised in Metro Manila, Philippines then moved to Anaheim, California in 2003. He graduated and was commissioned as an Ensign from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Engineering Physics in 2016. He went on to complete Naval Nuclear Power Training in Charleston, SC and Saratoga Springs, NY in 2017. After Nuclear Power Training, he completed the Submarine Officer’s Basic Course in Groton, CT and Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center SCUBA Diver Course in Panama City Beach, FL in 2018.

LT Lanzona reported to the USS OHIO (SSGN 726 GOLD) in June 2018, where he served as the Electrical Assistant, Damage Control Assistant, Special Operations Forces Officer, Dive Division Officer, Information Warfare Officer, Communications Officer, Navigation Division Officer, Assistant Senior Watch Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. He completed two PACOM deployments with USS OHIO and participated in two PACOM deployments with USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727 GOLD).

In April 2021, LT Lanzona reported to Destroyer Squadron 21 (CDS 21) in San Diego, CA. He served as the Submarine Operations Officer acting as the submarine subject matter expert to the Commodore who acted as the Anti-Surface Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander for Carrier Strike Group 3 (CCSG-3). With CDS 21, he completed one PACOM deployment and one RIMPAC onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) in 2022. In November 2022, LT Lanzona reported to the University of Washington.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars.

In addition to his duties as an instructor, LT Lanzona enjoys backpacking, hiking, photography, travel, sports, and watching the Seattle Seahawks.

Gunnery Sergeant Brandon J. Hendrix

Military Experience:  Gunnery Sergeant Hendrix enlisted in the Marine Corps and underwent recruit training on 16 July, 2007 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California.

In November 2007 Private First Class Hendrix attended his Military Occupation Specialty School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Cannon Crewman course.

In February, 2008 Private First Class Hendrix reported to Kilo Battery 3D BN 12th Marines and served as a Cannoneer. In April 2008 Private First Class Hendrix was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Hendrix deployed to Okinawa, Japan in May of 2008 in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Lance Corporal Hendrix returned from deployment in February of 2009.

In April 2009, Lance Corporal Hendrix was promoted to the Rank of Corporal.  In May 2011, Corporal Hendrix was assigned to Golf Battery 2nd Battalion 11th Marines. Corporal Hendrix attended Artillery Training School in 2011 where he received the billet of Section Chief.

From October 2011 to May 2012, Corporal Hendrix Deployed to Kajaki and Shira Ghazi in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Corporal Hendrix served as a Howitzer Section Chief and 81mm Mortars Chief during this time. In May 2012, Corporal Hendrix was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Hendrix attended Drill Instructor school at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in October 2013 and was assigned to 3D Recruit Training Battalion Lima Company. In November of 2014 Sergeant Hendrix served as a Martial Arts Instructor at the Dojo on MCRD. Sergeant Hendrix returned to Lima Company at the end of 2015 where he served as a green belt Drill Instructor. In October of 2016 Sergeant Hendrix was assigned to Kilo Company where he served as a Senior Drill Instructor.

Sergeant Hendrix was promoted to Staff Sergeant in October of 2016.

In January 2017, Staff Sergeant Hendrix was assigned to Romeo Battery 5th Battalion 11th Marines. Staff Sergeant Hendrix served as a Guns Platoon Sergeant and Launcher Section Chief. From May 2018 to November 2018 Staff Sergeant Hendrix Deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program.

In February of 2019 Staff Sergeant Hendrix reported to 3d BN 11th Marines where he was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant in Mike Battery.

Staff Sergeant Hendrix served as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant for Kilo Battery from May 2019 to December 2019 and then deployed with Battery I in as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant from September 2020 to March 2021.

In March 2021 Staff Sergeant Hendrix assumed his duties as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI) at the University of Washington, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Staff Sergeant Hendrix was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant in August of 2022.

Personal Decorations:  Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal,   Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars (in lieu of third award), and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Hobbies, sports and interests:   Parenting, Riding Motorcycles, Playing sports, Traveling

Captain Elizabeth Schilder

Marine Officer Instructor University of Washington NROTC

Elizabeth Schilder attended the United States Naval Academy from 2014 – 2018.  She graduated in May 2018, earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and a Bachelor of Science degree in History with a minor in Spanish.  She reported to The Basic School in September of 2018, graduating in April 2019 with the 6002 Aviation Maintenance Officer MOS. 2ndLt Schilder performed on-the-job training at Presidential Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), then completed MOS school at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, where she earned the Honor Graduate distinction.  During September 2019, she arrived at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 in Okinawa, Japan, where she served as the Airframes Division Officer.  In October 2020, she transitioned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, serving as the Material Control Officer.  While part of the Dragons, she deployed twice with the 31 st Marine Expeditionary Unit and supported multiple international exercises in the Indo-Pacific area of operations.  Between deployments, 1stLt Schilder was selected to attend the Advanced Aviation Maintenance Officer Course at MAWTS-1 where she earned her Weapons and Tactics Instructor designation in October 2021.

1stLt Schilder has served as the ground maintenance officer for most Marine Corps aviation platforms, notably the MV-22B, AH-1Z, UH-1Y, CH-53E, and the F-35B.  She holds the 8056 BMOS, HAZMAT/HAZWASTE Officer and has also served as a Command Physical Training Representative and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim’s Advocate.

1stLt Schilder reported to the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Washington in May 2022 where she currently serves as the Marine Officer Instructor, Battalion Operations Officer, Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer and the Command Fitness Leader.

Commander Richard Bog Slade

Associate Professor of Naval Science Executive Officer University of Washington NROTC

Commander Richard Bog Slade is a native of Williamston, NC.  He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and he received his commission through the UNC NROTC program.  He earned his Wings of Gold in July 2005.

Commander Slade’s first operational tour saw him flying the SH-60B Seahawk with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR FOUR (HSL-44) Swamp Foxes in Mayport, FL.  He made two full deployments to the Fifth Fleet AOR aboard USS UNDERWOOD (FFG 36) and USS MASON (DDG 87).  While at HSL-44, he served as Operations Officer for Detachments SIX and THREE and as squadron Assistant Operations Officer.

In April 2009, Commander Slade reported to his first shore tour with the Eightballers of Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8) where he served as an advanced helicopter instructor pilot.  As Navy Student Control Officer and Assistant Standardization Officer he mentored over 150 students.  Commander Slade was honored as HT-8’s Instructor Pilot of the Year for 2011.

After graduating from the School of Aviation Safety, he joined USS WASP (LHD 1) as Safety Officer in March 2012.  Commander Slade qualified as Officer of the Deck and Fixed/Rotary Wing Launch and Recovery Officer while WASP won two Safety Excellence Awards and.  He also earned his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 2013.

In August 2014, Commander Slade qualified to fly the MH-60R Seahawk and reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN TWO (HSM-72) Proud Warriors at NAS Jacksonville.  He was the squadron’s Safety Officer and Training Officer, and he was Detachment TWO Officer-in-Charge (OIC) aboard USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) for an eight-month deployment to the Fifth Fleet AOR.

Departing HSM-72 in February 2017, Commander Slade joined the staff of Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic as Wing Training Officer.  There, he defined training policy for all MH-60R crews and managed simulator and training infrastructure requirements.

In March 2020, Commander Slade joined the staff of Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.  He served as Fleet Training Officer, responsible for training and certification of the Navy’s operational forces in the Western Pacific.  Commander Slade also assisted in the planning and execution of various exercises and managed Seventh Fleet’s training requirements.

In April 2022, Commander Slade reported to the University of Washington Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (UW NROTC) as Executive Officer and Associate Professor of Naval Science.

Commander Slade has flown over 3,200 flight hours in Navy aircraft.  His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (Strike Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards.  Commander Slade is married to the former Kathryn Nash, Esq., and they are the proud parents of their son, Thomas.

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NROTC Essay Questions

• Thread starter wannabeplebe
• Start date Jul 20, 2017

wannabeplebe

• Jul 20, 2017

On the NROTC application, under the Essays tab, there are about 4 main fields to fill in. The first being the essay about why you want to be an officer, etc. and that allows for 2500 characters. However, the two following - one about living abroad and the other about diversity in your family situation, both allow for 2500 characters also. I was curious about how much they want for these two essays (other than no more than 2500 characters). Are they meant to be actual well-formed essays with introductions, conclusions, etc. as is the first? I answered both questions, detailing what they specifically asked in the questions but not much more and I'm at about 500-600 for each. Is there a point where being concise works against you or do they just allow the same character count as the main essay in case someone has a very in-depth problem/situation they must describe?  

• Jul 21, 2017

Bumping this because I'm very close to submitting my application but would like to get this cleared up first. Any help much appreciated!!  

AFROTC parent, former ANC in USAR

• Jul 22, 2017

I don't think anyone here can help with this - anyone on the admissions board can't ethically tell you what you are looking for, and the rest of us have no clue what content they want, or if the character count matters. Since the essays are tweaked periodically, what worked four years ago - or even last year - for a winning applicant may have no bearing today. Proofread, proofread, proofread, and don't trust spellcheck - 'fare' and 'fair' are both legitimate words with multiple meanings, so be sure you are using the correct one. Good luck!  

Keep in mind, beside the content of your answer, they are also looking at your ability to write and express yourself, including grammar.  

cuckleCake1783

wannabeplebe said: On the NROTC application, under the Essays tab, there are about 4 main fields to fill in. The first being the essay about why you want to be an officer, etc. and that allows for 2500 characters. However, the two following - one about living abroad and the other about diversity in your family situation, both allow for 2500 characters also. I was curious about how much they want for these two essays (other than no more than 2500 characters). Are they meant to be actual well-formed essays with introductions, conclusions, etc. as is the first? I answered both questions, detailing what they specifically asked in the questions but not much more and I'm at about 500-600 for each. Is there a point where being concise works against you or do they just allow the same character count as the main essay in case someone has a very in-depth problem/situation they must describe? Click to expand...

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Overview of Common Scholarship Essay Prompts

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Applying for scholarships can be intimidating, but it’s reassuring to remind yourself that many applications share common essay prompts. Once you come up with answers to some of the most common scholarship essay prompts, applying for new scholarships becomes much easier. Our overview of common scholarship essay prompts will help you write your best essays to date.

In the guide below, we offer advice about answering eight of the most popular scholarship essay prompts. When you encounter these questions on your applications, you can refer back to this list for guidance on how to answer the prompts effectively and leave an impression on your reader.

Don’t miss: Top writing and essay scholarships

“Tell us about yourself.”

This is a very open-ended question, and the most common problem that students face is trying to accomplish too much in their responses. To avoid this pitfall, remember why the scholarship committee is asking the question: they want to get an idea of your passions, your ambitions, and any life events or circumstances that may be relevant to the scholarship you are applying for. 

While it is impossible to give a thorough rundown of your entire life in a short essay, it is much more feasible to give a succinct overview of the information about your life that is relevant to the scholarship. Here are some ideas of what to include in the essay:

• Formative experiences that inspired you to pursue your field of study
• Values that you hold that align with the values of the scholarship organization
• Demographic information
• Short-term and long-term goals for the future

“How will this scholarship help you?”

This question is a great opportunity to describe the opportunities that you will be able to take on as a result of receiving the scholarship. Scholarship committees are not only looking for qualified candidates, but also candidates who stand to benefit the most from their assistance. 

EXAMPLE: A scholarship might help a student accept an unpaid internship in a lab this summer rather than working as a lifeguard to save up money to pay for tuition for next year. Or it could allow them to attend their first-choice college rather than a college that was lower on their list but offered a better financial aid package. 

See also: How to write a statement of financial need

“Tell us about a time where you demonstrated leadership.”

There is a lot of room to get creative when answering this question. You should tell an anecdote about a time that you demonstrated independent thinking and effective teamwork. This can be in a formal leadership position or an informal one; a creative interpretation of the idea of “leadership” could help your essay stand out. 

The most effective part of this essay will not be the story itself, but rather your reflection on it. Try to communicate your story succinctly to leave adequate space for reflection. Discuss how the values and skills you learned will make you successful in college and beyond.

It can be helpful to tell your story to a friend or family member, and ask them what values or characteristics they think it demonstrates. They might be able to identify characteristics about you that you hadn’t even noticed.

Read more: How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)

“Tell us about a time that you failed and what you learned from it.”

This question allows you to show an advanced sense of self-awareness, as well as an ability to learn from your mistakes and adapt to a situation. As a general rule, try to avoid any failures that are overly personal or speak poorly to your character. 

EXAMPLE: You could write about failing to meet a project deadline at school or at your job. This incident could teach you about the importance of scheduling your time and to seek out help from your teacher or supervisor when you need it. This response depicts a failure that many people face, but puts you ahead of the crowd by showing that you learned a skill that will be very useful in a college environment.

Related:  How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

With this question, the scholarship committee wants to know about your ambitions that extend past your college career. In your essay, you should apply your educational goals towards some specific career and personal goals. This question will help persuade the scholarship committee that you will go on to be a success story for their organization. 

You can also use this prompt to showcase your understanding of the path to achieve your goals. After laying out your ambitions, you should provide an explanation of how you envision yourself reaching them, to show that you have researched your goals and are confident in your choice to pursue the degree you are pursuing.

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“tell us about a contribution you’ve made to your community.”.

This question is a great opportunity to demonstrate the impact you’ve had and hope to have on the people around you. Your contribution may have been formal or informal; you can write about anything you’ve done in your community that has affected others. This could be volunteering with a local nonprofit, working in a student organization at your high school, or even a creative project that you shared with the public. 

Remember, the main reason why a scholarship committee cares about what you’ve done in your past is how it forecasts what you’ll do with your future. After you have described your contribution, make sure to reflect on it and describe how it relates to the contributions you hope to make in the future.

Read more: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

“How are you planning on paying for your education?”

When answering this prompt, you should show that you have a thorough plan to finance your college education. This demonstrates a sense of responsibility and shows that you have a feasible plan to finance your education should you receive the scholarship. 

You can outline all of your revenue streams, but emphasize the ones that you have taken the lead on. Make sure to include:

• College savings accounts
• Jobs that you have worked to save up for college
• Other financial planning such as research about different types of loans
• Mention that there is still a gap between your funding and the amount you are being asked to pay, to show the importance of the scholarship to you

“What are your academic and professional goals?”

This is a similar question to “Where will you be in 5 years?” An effective answer will provide an overview of your future goals and how you plan on getting there. You can also circle back and emphasize how this scholarship would help you to achieve those goals. It’s also a good idea to relate these goals to your values; discuss personal experiences that led you to set these goals. 

Key Takeaways

• Because so many scholarships use very similar prompts, you should save and compile your responses so you can adapt them for future prompts
• Most prompts will ask you questions about yourself, so you should become as comfortable as possible with writing essays about yourself
• While some applications may ask you the same questions, you should keep in mind that it can be worth changing some of the language to address the values of a specific scholarship organization
• Remember to have a well-researched financial plan as well, as that may be something you are asked about and you should be prepared to answer

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Frequently asked questions about common scholarship essay prompts

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