Best Rotc Scholarships Podcasts (2025)

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Service Academy vs ROTC: Choosing Your Path to Commission 13:49

Play Pause

12d ago13:49

13:49

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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ROTC Scholarship Updates for the 2025 Government Shutdown 13:47

25d ago13:47

13:47

Concerned about the ROTC scholarship process with this year's government shutdown? Here’s the truth. ROTC programs are strained but operational. Cadre are backfilling furloughed civilian roles, Army slid its October board about two weeks, Navy is pushing candidates to later boards, and Air Force is largely on schedule with fewer boards. If you’re a…

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ATHLETE: Think Varsity Is Enough? Why Academies Say “Prove It” 35:36

28d ago35:36

35:36

Are you assuming “I’m a varsity athlete, so the Athlete piece is handled”? That assumption can cost you an appointment. For the Service Academies, being “athletic” isn’t just team participation—it’s quantifiable performance, leadership, and a smart plan to crush the CFA. In this Academy-focused episode of our Scholar • Athlete • Leader series, reti…

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2025 Government Shutdown Update: Academy Nominations & ROTC Scholarship Boards 13:07

29d ago13:07

13:07

*Special Episode* Worried the shutdown will derail your academy nomination or ROTC scholarship file? Take a breath. Academy admissions are operating close to normal. The friction is mainly in some congressional offices scheduling interviews and a few ROTC processing slowdowns at undermanned units and headquarters. If you are applying to both, here …

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Navigating the New DoDMERB Medical System - Steps to Getting Qualified! DMACS 2.0 20:41

1M ago20:41

20:41

"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..." The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate systems, DMACS 2.0 and DODMETS, candidates are getting s…

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Navigating the New DoDMERB Medical System - Steps to Getting Qualified! DMACS 2.0 21:01

1M ago21:01

21:01

"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..." The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for Service Academies and ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate systems, DMACS 2.0 and DODMETS, ca…

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Service Academy Destiny: Why It's the Optimal Path for Elite Leaders 12:44

30d ago12:44

12:44

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Elite Strategy for Acing the CFA: Scoring Tactics 13:10

1M ago13:10

13:10

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Acing the Academy Interview: Master the STAR Method, Nail Your Story 13:58

1M ago13:58

13:58

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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How to Conquer the CFA and DoDMERB: The Two Non-Negotiable Gates 13:38

1M ago13:38

13:38

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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How the ROTC Scholarship board views Athletics - Scholar, Athlete, Leader Series 27:20

1M ago27:20

27:20

Are you a varsity athlete who assumes you have the "Athlete" portion of the ROTC scholarship application locked down? That assumption could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. For ROTC scholarships, being "athletic" isn't just about being on a team—it's about quantifiable leadership and proven physical readiness. In this episode of our Scholar, …

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Honor Code to Overload: Mastering Ethical Choice and Strategic Academics 10:33

2M ago10:33

10:33

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Service Academy Crunch Time: Maxing Your Whole Candidate Score 14:15

2M ago14:15

14:15

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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From Applicant to Appointment: Nailing the Academy Nomination Process 13:45

2M ago13:45

13:45

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

1
How Your NJROTC CO Role Maximizes Service Academy Admission 11:55

2M ago11:55

11:55

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Whole Candidate Strategy: How to Offset a Lower GPA and Nail Selection 12:05

2M ago12:05

12:05

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Turning Job Uncertainty into Strategic Strength: You Don't Have to Have ALL the Answers 11:33

2M ago11:33

11:33

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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The 8000-Point Formula: How Your ACT Score Banks the Big Win 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Service Academy Admissions Unlocked: Leveraging Balance and Rigor 11:16

2M ago11:16

11:16

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Gatekeeper to Officer: Service Academy Nomination Strategy and Interviews 13:50

2M ago13:50

13:50

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Military Cyber Warfare Roadmap: Matching Your Technical Genius 12:48

2M ago12:48

12:48

Explore the evolving world of military cyber careers in this episode designed for high-achieving STEM students like Taft. Discover what it actually means to serve as a Cyber or Information Warfare Officer across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. We break down daily missions, paths to leadership, core technica…

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Engineering Leadership at the Service Academies: Taft’s Guide to Military STEM Careers 12:40

2M ago12:40

12:40

This episode is a personalized deep dive for Taft, exploring the engineering and STEM career pathways available at one of the U.S. military service academies. We break down what life is like at the academy, how engineering majors connect to specific officer communities, and the hands-on leadership and technical challenges graduates face. From day-t…

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Merchant Marine: Navigating STEM—Engineering Futures at the Merchant Marine Academy 10:25

2M ago10:25

10:25

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Coast Guard: Maritime Engineering—STEM Leadership at the Coast Guard Academy 10:32

2M ago10:32

10:32

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Navy: Technical Excellence at the Naval Academy—STEM Pathways for Officers 13:23

2M ago13:23

13:23

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Air Force: Innovation in Action—Air Force Academy STEM and Engineering Careers 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Army: STEM Leaders at West Point—Exploring Engineering Careers 11:18

2M ago11:18

11:18

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Aggressively Proactive: Master the Military Academy Nomination Process 13:24

2M ago13:24

13:24

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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THE Single Best Education in America: Why Service Academies Are Your Optimal Path 11:55

2M ago11:55

11:55

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Decoding the Five Service Academies: Why Your Specific Choice Matters 10:28

2M ago10:28

10:28

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Mission Ready - Why This Matters Now 11:53

2M ago11:53

11:53

By Dr. Melissa L. Brown

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The 69 Most Competitive Congressional Nomination Districts for Getting Into West Point 14:49

3M ago14:49

14:49

Discover which congressional districts in America are the most competitive for securing a nomination to West Point. In this in-depth analysis, LTC Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the data on 69 of the toughest districts, exploring how geography, income, military presence, and local culture shape the nomination process. Learn about the four main …

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Service Academy Medicals: Self Reporting is Over? DoDMERB Just Changed EVERYTHING with DMACS 2.0 13:48

4M ago13:48

13:48

The era of self-reporting your medical history to DoDMERB is officially over. The new DMACS 2.0 system now connects to civilian medical and prescription databases, and they are no longer just taking your word for it. In this urgent update, we expose the biggest change to the Service Academy medical clearance process in a generation. We break down e…

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Army ROTC Rebalance and Optimization and Its Impacts 43:41

5M ago43:41

43:41

U.S. Army Cadet Command is implementing a strategic rebalance and optimization of the Senior ROTC program. This is a significant change for Army ROTC. The hosts looks at the impacts of these changes and what it means for cadets, parents, and the programs and universities. Press ReleaseBy Robert Kirkland

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Rejected from a Service Academy? Here's EXACTLY How to Reapply and WIN the Appointment! 23:14

6M ago23:14

23:14

Rejection from West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or any U.S. service academy can feel devastating—but it doesn’t have to be the end. In this powerful episode of Academy and ROTC Insiders, Trisha and Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland walk you through exactly what to do after receiving a "thin white envelope" (TWE) and how to reapply wit…

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Army ROTC - 40-50% of cadets commission into the Guard or Reserve each year! 24:11

6M ago24:11

24:11

In this episode of the podcast, Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland discusses options for commissioning into the Army. He explains how ROTC prepares cadets for various service options including active duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve. The discussion highlights the differences between Army ROTC and other branches, the commissioning process, and the st…

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How to overcome a DoDMERB Disqualification 38:44

7M ago38:44

38:44

Are you applying to a military service academy or ROTC program? Understanding the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) process is CRUCIAL to your success. In this comprehensive guide, Lt. Col. Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the entire process from start to finish. What you'll learn: • What DoDMERB is and how it works…

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Air Force ROTC: Why This Year Was So Tough (and What That Means for You) 27:54

7M ago27:54

27:54

Want to become an Air Force Officer? This episode of Academy and ROTC Insiders features LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach discussing the current state of Air Force ROTC, including the challenging scholarship environment and the surprisingly low field training selection rate. Discover the key differences between Air Force ROTC and the Air Force Academ…

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How to Get Into the Coast Guard Academy 21:05

12M ago21:05

21:05

Curious about the U.S. Coast Guard Academy? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it takes to earn an appointment. Learn how the Coast Guard Academy’s admissions process stands out from the other service academies, like West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy. From GPA requirements to SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activit…

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How the Merchant Marine Academy Chooses Students 27:23

1y ago27:23

27:23

Join hosts LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach as they share expert insights into the admissions process—and today, a special focus on the often-overlooked Merchant Marine Academy. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on why the Merchant Marine Academy can be a smart choice for high-performing students who excel academically but may not be strong test…

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Is the Naval Academy going rogue? 10:47

1+ y ago10:47

10:47

In this episode, we discuss trends we are seeing with Naval Academy admissions. Bottom line: there is evidence that Naval Academy admissions is choosing candidates according to unknown guidelines, instead of who Members of Congress pick or who the most qualified candidate in the district is according to the legacy Whole Person Multiple.…

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Changes to the AFROTC Scholarship for the 2024-2025 Application Cycle 11:08

1+ y ago11:08

11:08

In this episode, we discuss significant updates to the Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) for the application year 2024-2025. Key changes include: Reintroduction of the Type 2 Scholarship: After a period of offering only the Type 1 scholarship, the Air Force ROTC has reintroduced the Type 2 scholarship, which provides $18,000 ann…

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Examples of Excellent Naval Academy Interview Answers 29:19

1+ y ago29:19

29:19

Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Naval Academy interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Blue and Gold Officer and Congressional nomination panel.By gainserviceacademyadmission

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Examples of Excellent Navy ROTC Interview Answers 29:34

1+ y ago29:34

29:34

Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Navy ROTC interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Navy ROTC Battalion.By Robert Kirkland

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Grading Air Force ROTC Interviews 39:13

1+ y ago39:13

39:13

The AFROTC interview, worth upwards of 40% of the AFROTC scholarship score, can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience. In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good (or bad) and how they could be improved. If you want…

1
Grading Air Force Academy Interviews 38:57

1+ y ago38:57

38:57

The Air Force Academy interview can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience. In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good (or bad) and how they could be improved. If you want to ensure your interview performance is as …

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Many highly qualified 2028 USNA candidates were turned down: Why? 21:53

1+ y ago21:53

21:53

Were you turned down this year by the Naval Academy? If you applied to the USNA Class of 2028 as a high school applicant, you had a lower chance of being appointed this year. More and more post-high school candidates are re-applying and therefore there are less appointments available for direct entries. That's right, we estimate about 450 slots of …

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Navy ROTC-- Interview with a former Professor of Naval Science 40:02

1+ y ago40:02

40:02

We are pleased to announce that former Auburn University Professor of Naval Science, Captain (U.S. Navy, Retired) Matthew Roberts, will be joining our team as our Navy and Marine Corps ROTC expert. In this episode, we introduce Captain Roberts and obtain his insight on Navy ROTC and the scholarship process.…