ROTC Consulting currently works with a number of clients who competed on the first Air Force ROTC board. Based on the results and what we have learned from our sources, there are several important takeaways from the first board, which took place in October 2020.
Comparing the October 2020 AFROTC Board to Last Year’s Results
First, it is instructive to look at the overall summary of 2019-2020 scholarship winners to see the general statistics for last year’s Air Force ROTC scholarship winners.
2019-2020 AFROTC Selection Trends
| # Awarded | % Awarded | % of Overall | Avg. GPA | Avg. ACT | Avg. SAT | |
| Overall Stat. | 1982 | 58.54% | 3.85 | 31 | 1387 | |
| Type 1 | 154 | 7.77% | 4.55% | 3.96 | 34 | 1507 |
| Type 2 | 299 | 15.09% | 8.83% | 3.88 | 31 | 1390 |
| Type 7 | 1529 | 77.14% | 45.16% | 3.83 | 30 | 1374 |
- Type 1 Scholarship pays full tuition for four years (no cap)
- Type 2 Scholarship pays is capped at $18,000 per year for four years
- Type 7 Scholarships pays full tuition at the in-state tuition rate where the student qualifies for a receives in-state rate at a public school
Choosing a STEM Degree Gives Students a Competitive Advantage
The assumption here is that 70-80% of the applicants designated a highly desired major STEM major on their application. For those candidates who designated a “General Studies” major, the award rate was lower than the statistics listed above. Here is the list of highly desired majors.
October 2020 AFROTC Board Results
Based on the applicants we managed, the October board results this year were similar to last year’s statistics. It is important to note our winners from this board were awarded Type 1, Type 2, and Type 7 scholarships.
The chart does not take into account how well the candidate did on the interview or on the physical fitness test.
Note that Air Force ROTC ranks applicants on a 1000 point scale using the following weights:
| Area of Consideration | Points |
| Interview | 450 |
| Unweighted GPA | 200 |
| SATe (SAT/ACT) | 300 |
| Physical Fitness Assessment | 50 |
| Total Points | 1000 |
Takeaways:
Academics are Important — Ace the Interview to Make Up for Poor Grades or Test Scores
If a candidate is below the SAT and GPA averages for scholarship winners, they must do better an average on their interview. Since it is 45% of the overall weighting, a good interview can go a long way in overcoming a lower SAT or GPA.
Less Emphasis is Placed on the Physical Fitness Test
The physical fitness test is unlikely to move the needle in obtaining a scholarship given it is 5% of the overall weight.
Wait for a Later AFROTC Board if Trying to Improve SAT/ACT Scores
Type 7 scholarships are awarded on the early October board. Once a scholarship is awarded, the candidate is finished with the process and cannot re-compete for a better scholarship. If a candidate is looking to obtain a Type 1 or Type 2 scholarship and can improve his or her SAT/ACT between October and January, they should not probably compete on the October board.
STEM Degrees Help Improve Your Chances
If a candidate does not designate a highly desired major, he or she must be even better than the average winner listed above.
We wish you the best of luck as you navigate the Air Force ROTC scholarship process!
ROTC Scholarship Consulting has an unparalleled record in helping candidates win ROTC Scholarships. Please take a look at our services for more information. We also have books on ROTC Scholarships as well as Service Academy admissions on Amazon!
