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. Unlike civilian colleges and universities who have deemphasized this test, ROTC still weighs it heavily.

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

The Army, Navy and Air Force give separate and distinct points for SAT/ACT scores. The Army, 17% and the Air Force a little over-30%, and the Navy 15%.

#1 All three services conduct a selection board. Having sat an Army ROTC Scholarship Board, (unfortunately or fortunately)- the SAT/ACT is a shortcut used by ROTC board members to “rack and stack” candidates. The board counts for 25% for Army ROTC.

#2 The Navy ROTC scholarship gives 15% of its overall weight to the SAT or ACT.

#3 The Air Force ROTC scholarship is an exception as their board looks mainly at leadership, “motivation towards the Air Force,” the fitness test, and height/weight. The board score counts for 40% of the overall process. Nevertheless, board members do have access to ACT/SAT scores and from what I understand take them into account.

#4 (the takeaway) Board scores have an outsized influence on scholarship selection. Given that the Services have a superscore or best sitting policy for the SAT/ACT, it is to your advantage to take the test again if you can realistically improve your score. It is also advantageous to take both tests (SAT and ACT) because the highest score or scores from either testing service is used in the final evaluation.

Good luck on your application process and we are here to help.

ROTC Scholarship Consulting has an unparalleled record in helping candidates win ROTC Scholarships.

Please also check out our [books available on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Lieutenant-Colonel-Robert-Kirkland, U.S.-Army-Retired/e/B00NBM2P0C) on the ROTC Scholarship as well as the Service Academies.