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LTC Robert Kirkland

About LTC Robert Kirkland

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.

How the Whole Person Concept Impacts your ROTC Scholarship Chances

The Whole Person Concept and ROTC 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 scholarship applicant's academic achievements and physical abilities, but also their character, leadership potential, and overall fit for military service. This approach

How the Whole Person Concept Impacts your ROTC Scholarship Chances2023-03-22T04:00:12+00:00

4 Tips for Your Navy ROTC Scholarship Teacher Evaluations

One of the requirements for the Navy ROTC Scholarship is an evaluation and written narrative from a teacher and second teacher, counselor, coach or employer. We explain the significance of these evaluations, how you’re being evaluated, and four ways to improve your evaluations. The Significance of your Navy ROTC Scholarship Teacher Evaluations    Your

4 Tips for Your Navy ROTC Scholarship Teacher Evaluations2023-01-09T21:12:27+00:00

Space Force ROTC Scholarship Interview Questions

The Space Force ROTC scholarship interview process is 100% virtual.  Starting in the 2022-2023 application year, if applicants apply for the Space Force ROTC Scholarship, they are required to conduct a video interview online with HireVue (an online video interview platform).    Candidates will be asked to record video responses to a series of

Space Force ROTC Scholarship Interview Questions2023-01-25T00:05:10+00:00

An Overview of ROTC Scholarship Color Vision Requirements

Applying to for an ROTC scholarship not only requires candidates to meet the Whole Person Concept (scholar, athlete, leader), you must also be medically qualified! Each branch has their own set of color vision requirements that future ROTC scholarship applicants must meet in order to be eligible for admission. We’ve written extensively on

An Overview of ROTC Scholarship Color Vision Requirements2023-01-24T20:43:25+00:00

Navy and Marine Corps ROTC Fitness Tests Switch to Plank Exercise: New for 2022-2023

Update on the Navy ROTC and Navy ROTC Marine Corps Option Scholarship Fitness Tests Starting with application year 2022-2023, Navy ROTC and Navy ROTC-Marine Corps Option have replaced the sit-up (also called a curl-up) with the plank for their fitness tests. Candidates no longer have the option to perform sit-ups as part

Navy and Marine Corps ROTC Fitness Tests Switch to Plank Exercise: New for 2022-20232022-10-05T04:34:56+00:00

The Army ROTC Fitness Test

As of March 24, 2022, there will be two tests that Army ROTC cadets will need to take during their time as cadets:  The Cadet Command Fitness Assessment (CCFA) and the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The Cadet Command Fitness Assessment The CCFA is the same test administered to high school scholarship

The Army ROTC Fitness Test2022-10-05T04:34:56+00:00

Moving between Navy and Marine Corps Option once in the Naval ROTC Program

Navy Vs. Marine Corps ROTCThe scholarship selection requirements for a Navy ROTC and Navy ROTC Marine Corps option vary greatly. The Navy Option puts a premium on selection of a Tier I or Tier II major as well as strong performance in math and science. However, remember that both options will enable you

Moving between Navy and Marine Corps Option once in the Naval ROTC Program2023-01-24T20:49:08+00:00

The Navy ROTC Preparatory Program (NPP): Increase your chances of winning a Scholarship at 20 Navy ROTC Colleges with this little known program

The Navy ROTC scholarship is the most valuable and generous ROTC scholarship of the Armed Services. All Navy ROTC colleges pay scholarships for four years of full tuition at any public or private university in the country which hosts or sponsors Navy ROTC. Scholarships at Navy ROTC Colleges are Extremely Competitive As one

The Navy ROTC Preparatory Program (NPP): Increase your chances of winning a Scholarship at 20 Navy ROTC Colleges with this little known program2023-01-06T01:25:27+00:00

ROTC Scholarship Parents: Do You Support Your Children? The Applicant-Parent Dynamic

The following is a guest post from our friend, Sean Kim, USAFA Class of 2025. Sean also won a Navy ROTC-Marine Corps Option and an Army ROTC scholarship. We asked him to blog on his thoughts on the applicant-parent dynamic and what he and others have experienced while navigating the ROTC scholarship process

ROTC Scholarship Parents: Do You Support Your Children? The Applicant-Parent Dynamic2023-01-06T01:26:55+00:00

Marine Corps Option, Navy ROTC Sample Letters of Recommendation and Evaluation: English Teacher and Coach

One of the requirements for the Navy ROTC- Marine Corps Option Scholarship is an evaluation and written narrative from an English teacher and one other evaluation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer. Marine Corps teacher evaluations can be overwhelming for prospective candidates. Below we provide samples for each teacher as well as

Marine Corps Option, Navy ROTC Sample Letters of Recommendation and Evaluation: English Teacher and Coach2023-01-06T01:43:17+00:00

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

One of the requirements for the Navy ROTC Scholarship is an evaluation and written narrative from a Math teacher and one other evaluation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer. Navy ROTC teacher evaluations can be overwhelming for prospective candidates. Below we provide samples for each teacher as well as what makes the

Navy ROTC Sample Letters of Recommendation and Evaluation: Math and Physics Teachers2023-01-06T01:48:42+00:00

Navy ROTC Nurse Option Sample Letters of Recommendation and Evaluation: Science Teacher and Employer

One of the requirements for the Navy ROTC Nurse Option Scholarship is an evaluation and written narrative from a science teacher and one other evaluation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer. Navy ROTC teacher evaluations can be overwhelming for prospective candidates. Below we provide samples for each teacher as well as what

Navy ROTC Nurse Option Sample Letters of Recommendation and Evaluation: Science Teacher and Employer2023-01-06T01:50:59+00:00

5 Best Things You Can Do Now to Be Ready for ROTC in the Fall

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. Particularly for those with a three-year Army ROTC scholarship, preparing now and hitting the ground running once you start ROTC will impress your

5 Best Things You Can Do Now to Be Ready for ROTC in the Fall2023-01-06T18:31:59+00:00

Study Abroad and ROTC – Benefits of ROTC Scholarships

Cadets and midshipmen in ROTC benefit greatly from doing a study abroad during their time in ROTC. Studying abroad helps students learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome challenges of living in another country, and gain a greater understanding of the world. These are all things that the military emphasizes given the

Study Abroad and ROTC – Benefits of ROTC Scholarships2022-10-05T04:34:57+00:00

Height and Weight Requirements for ROTC Scholarships: Know the Standards

If you are applying for an ROTC scholarship, a key element is making sure you meet height and weight requirements as you begin the application process. Non-scholarship cadets do not need to meet requirements, however if you are planning on winning a scholarship, you must meet height and weight requirements before you

Height and Weight Requirements for ROTC Scholarships: Know the Standards2022-10-05T04:34:57+00:00

Dental School and ROTC

ROTC is an excellent avenue to eventually become a dentist in the military. Learn more about dental school and ROTC below! An ROTC scholarship, combined with a dental school scholarship or loan forgiveness, can potentially mean zero out-of-pocket expenses after the conclusion of dental school. The routes are different for each military

Dental School and ROTC2022-10-05T04:34:57+00:00

ROTC Scholarship Contracts

The first time that many ROTC scholarship recipients view ROTC scholarship contracts is when they are on campus and ready to sign in order to receive scholarship benefits. That is probably too late to be fully informed of the obligations set forward by the Armed Services ROTC program. The purpose of this

ROTC Scholarship Contracts2023-05-22T14:13:41+00:00

Medical School and ROTC: Become a Doctor

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

Medical School and ROTC: Become a Doctor2023-04-18T21:59:41+00:00

ROTC Fitness Tests

The ROTC fitness test carries varying weights in selection for an ROTC scholarship. In this post, we’ll break down each Service’s ROTC scholarship fitness test, the emphasis they each put on the test, how it is scored, and ways and resources you can use to improve your score. You can also listen to

ROTC Fitness Tests2022-10-08T16:16:18+00:00

Passing the ROTC DoDMERB Physical

Medical clearance is an important but confusing part of joining the military. Acceptance into an ROTC program is no exception.  This article will discuss automatic medical disqualifiers for ROTC and break down the entire process, explaining how DoDMERB plays into the process. If you have yet to apply for an ROTC scholarship,

Passing the ROTC DoDMERB Physical2023-01-27T00:56:11+00:00

Analysis of the October 2020 Air Force ROTC Board

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.**Note that the Air Force ROTC scholarship is changing

Analysis of the October 2020 Air Force ROTC Board2022-10-08T15:56:13+00:00

Seven Essential ROTC Video Interview Techniques during COVID-19

Online Versus In-Person ROTC Interview 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. This presents opportunities for those candidates who are prepared for their video interview and are able to leverage the

Seven Essential ROTC Video Interview Techniques during COVID-192022-10-05T04:35:13+00:00

Top Nine Questions to Ask (and Avoid Asking) at an ROTC Interview

Many candidates in preparing for their ROTC interview concentrate rightfully so on what questions will be posed to them by the interviewer. We have talked about how to prepare for the interview as well as some of the types of questions that will be asked in previous posts. You can also see our

Top Nine Questions to Ask (and Avoid Asking) at an ROTC Interview2023-01-24T21:09:44+00:00

Does ROTC Increase Your Chances of Getting into College?

Students often wonder when they are applying for college and plan to take ROTC in college if strongly mentioning ROTC in their essays or interviews will increase their chances of getting into the college or university of their choice. It often depends! Our answer is: it often depends on the college or

Does ROTC Increase Your Chances of Getting into College?2022-10-05T04:35:13+00:00

What are My Chances of Getting or Winning an ROTC Scholarship?

This is a common question we hear when candidates contact us. Our answer is always-- “it depends”--because the criteria for Army, Navy, Navy-Marine Corps Option, and Air Force ROTCs are different in a number of ways. This post will talk about each ROTC program and the most important elements to consider in order

What are My Chances of Getting or Winning an ROTC Scholarship?2023-04-11T17:37:45+00:00

Five Reasons ROTC Scholarship Applicants Need to Join Civil Air Patrol

Learning to fly airplanes is one of the most ambitious career goals you can have today. Individuals who are 12-18 years old have an opportunity to make themselves, family, and, most importantly, the country proud. After all, who doesn’t like the idea of saving lives and help usher a more era of

Five Reasons ROTC Scholarship Applicants Need to Join Civil Air Patrol2022-10-05T04:35:14+00:00

Top 5 Considerations for the Army ROTC Nursing Scholarship

Congratulations! You are thinking about an Army Nursing ROTC scholarship, which is a very admirable and exciting pursuit. Nursing students who are also Army ROTC cadets are exceptionally well trained and benefit from one-on-one mentorship and real-world experience that you may not find in nursing school alone. Additionally, enrolling in Army ROTC

Top 5 Considerations for the Army ROTC Nursing Scholarship2022-10-05T04:35:14+00:00

2021-2022 Navy ROTC Marine Corps Option Scholarship Board Dates and Deadlines

The 2020-2021 Marine Corps Option ROTC scholarship dates have been announced. The application deadline for Navy ROTC - Marine Corps Option is January 31, 2022. Make sure you complete your packet by this date. The Marine Corps Option boards will be held: November 2021 February 2022 Note that each Marine Corps Recruiting district

2021-2022 Navy ROTC Marine Corps Option Scholarship Board Dates and Deadlines2022-10-05T04:35:14+00:00

2022-2023 Navy ROTC Scholarship Deadline and Board Dates

Hi Everyone, The Navy ROTC scholarship application deadline for high school students graduating in 2023 is January 31, 2023. All application requirements must be submitted by this date. Navy ROTC Boards will be conducted on the following dates: 17-21 October 2022 14-18 November 2022 12-16 December 2022 9-13 January 2023 23-27 January

2022-2023 Navy ROTC Scholarship Deadline and Board Dates2023-04-06T00:32:32+00:00

2023-2024 Air Force ROTC and Space Force ROTC Scholarship Deadline and Board Dates

AFROTC and SFROTC Scholarship Deadline The following are the 2023-2024 AFROTC and Space Force ROTC Scholarship deadlines and board dates. The Air Force and Space Force ROTC scholarship application deadline for high school students graduating in 2024 is December 31, 2023 to open an application and January 11, 2024 to complete the

2023-2024 Air Force ROTC and Space Force ROTC Scholarship Deadline and Board Dates2023-03-26T19:00:15+00:00

Seven Essential Reasons You Should Consider NOT Competing on the October Army ROTC Scholarship Board

There a number of great reasons not to compete on the October Army ROTC Board. For an average candidate, by waiting until January, you will likely increase your chances of receiving a scholarship. It is important to know you are only boarded once and receive a candidate score on that board. Even

Seven Essential Reasons You Should Consider NOT Competing on the October Army ROTC Scholarship Board2022-10-05T04:35:14+00:00

2022-2023 Army ROTC Scholarship Deadlines and Board Dates

The 2022-2023 Army ROTC scholarship deadlines and board dates have been announced. As per previous years, they are in October, January, and March. The 2022-2023 Army ROTC scholarship deadlines are: 10 October 2022 – board meets 17-21 October 2022 16 January 2023 – board meets 23-27 January 2023 6 March 2023 – board meets 13-17

2022-2023 Army ROTC Scholarship Deadlines and Board Dates2023-05-11T19:52:00+00:00

2020-2021 Application Window Opening Dates for the Army ROTC, Navy ROTC and Air Force ROTC Scholarship

Hi Everyone, Here opening dates and links for the various services ROTC scholarship applications for the school year 2020-2021. Here are the links for each of the Services: Navy ROTC:  Open on April 1st. Air Force ROTC:  Open on June 1st. Army ROTC:  Open on June 12th. ROTC Scholarship Consulting has an

2020-2021 Application Window Opening Dates for the Army ROTC, Navy ROTC and Air Force ROTC Scholarship2022-10-05T04:35:14+00:00

COVID-19 impact on 2020-2021 ROTC Scholarship Applicants

The two questions that have been raised by applicants who are rising high school seniors is whether the requirements or timelines will be changed for the SAT/ACT standardized tests and the impact of the cancellation of extracurricular activities (sports, volunteer opportunities, community service) to applicant competitiveness. Regarding SAT/ACT: Army, Navy and Air

COVID-19 impact on 2020-2021 ROTC Scholarship Applicants2022-10-05T04:35:40+00:00

Why is the October Army ROTC Scholarship Board So Difficult?

Each year we do an initial analysis on the Army ROTC candidates who we advise. We control for most of the other variables as our work with them helps them max out other areas such as activities, essays, and the PT test. They are all similarly prepared by us for the interview.

Why is the October Army ROTC Scholarship Board So Difficult?2022-10-05T04:35:40+00:00

Three Vital Steps to Outstanding ROTC Application Essays

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

Three Vital Steps to Outstanding ROTC Application Essays2023-01-19T22:40:16+00:00

#1 Compelling Reason Why the Interview is King for the Air Force ROTC Scholarship

Panel Board Eliminated - Updated Air Force ROTC Scholarship Requirements Update: In my contacts and conversations with several folks involved in the Air Force ROTC HSSP for this academic year, I’ve come to learn that the panel board of senior officers (lieutenant colonels and colonels) to select scholarship winners has been eliminated. This

#1 Compelling Reason Why the Interview is King for the Air Force ROTC Scholarship2023-01-24T20:37:58+00:00

Three Vital Reasons for Mock Interview Preparation for ROTC Interviews

I posted a past thread regarding helpful tips from my perspective on how to prepare for either the ROTC scholarship or Service Academy interview. Three Vital Points: #1 I have had the pleasure of working with several ROTC scholarship candidates since I retired. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of practicing the

Three Vital Reasons for Mock Interview Preparation for ROTC Interviews2022-10-05T04:35:40+00:00

Four Essential Reasons to Ace the SAT or ACT to Win an ROTC Scholarship

After having observed the ROTC scholarship selection process over a six-year period as the PMS of two separate Army ROTC programs, combined with my research on the ROTC selection process for both the Air Force and the Navy, I can’t help remarking about the importance of the SAT/ACT in the overall selection process.

Four Essential Reasons to Ace the SAT or ACT to Win an ROTC Scholarship2023-01-24T20:59:23+00:00

Five Essential Ways to Ace the Army ROTC Scholarship Board

As a Professor of Military Science at the University of Southern California, I had the opportunity to sit a scholarship board for Army ROTC at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I wanted to give you my observations about the board in order to understand from one member’s perspective what we are looking for. What application

Five Essential Ways to Ace the Army ROTC Scholarship Board2022-10-05T04:35:40+00:00

Five Compelling Reasons to Choose Private Colleges over Public Colleges for ROTC

As a former Army ROTC Professor of Military Science for two “high cost” schools (Claremont McKenna College and the University of Southern California) I am often asked if it is better to take ROTC at a public or private school? In cases where you have an Army, Navy, or certain Air Force

Five Compelling Reasons to Choose Private Colleges over Public Colleges for ROTC2022-10-05T04:35:40+00:00
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