How to Write NROTC Essay

In your NROTC essay you should explain your reasons to apply for the Naval ROTC program. It is usually a short paper which must convince the admission committee in your outstanding skills and independent way of thinking.

This essay is pretty different from all the others you have written by now; first, because it is related to your career plans, and second, because it really requires a very special attitude. Your favorite (or not so favorite teacher is not there to analyze your paper or to say a word about it. One, two or several committees (it depends on the date you have submitted your application) will check it carefully, without a whit of personal sympathy. If you have already chosen your future career, and also know what you are going to study at the ROTC program, then you are familiar with the documents required for application. The essay is only one of them (besides an interview, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, tests scores, etc.), and perhaps you see the possibility to attract the committee’s attention. At any rate, this paper must be conceived as a manifestation of your personality, character, skills, interests, and so forth. You have to give your essay a more personal feel, otherwise you will not be approved, as thousands of people like you apply.

What will impress the committee would be the skills and competencies like: leadership skills, responsibility, good logical reasoning, knowledge in the field of international relations or history, command of foreign languages (like Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, etc.), personal integrity, and self-command. Although this paper is focused on your personality, it must turn upon your understanding of military service and the defense of the Fatherland. This paper will sound convincing enough if you follow some instructions.

How to write NROTC essay – 5 essential tips

1. Present your achievements

Put emphasis on the athletic and academic ones. Your school grades are very important, as the ROTC program trains potential officers and military scientists. Don’t forget that as a military scientist you may contribute more to your Fatherland, depending on your competencies and potential. List all of them concisely.

2. Explain your motivation to apply for NROTC

What experience do you have in the military sphere? Do you have relatives that have served in the army, or have fought in a war? If yes, how have they influenced your worldview?

Advice: reading history books or watching TV channels should not be counted as a military experience. You’d better mention a summer camp in which you have participated, or a special course (even a first aid course). If you don’t have any experience, then you may merely describe the feelings and thoughts you associate with the word “army.” Be positive!

3. Tell a little bit more about your personality

As it has been said, put emphasis on your athletic skills, leader skills, academic achievements and interests. What extracurricular activities have you participated in? Why? What have you learned from them?

4. Morality

Morality is another side of your personality. What are your values? Are you ready to fight for them, if needed?

Advice: you may mention that you are a religious person but do not put too much stress on that. Remember: you want to serve in the US Navy! Show loyalty to your country. Don’t forget that there are various religious doctrines which preach pacifism and/or disobedience to the state. In this sense, if you express too strong religious feelings throughout the paper, it will produce nothing but suspicion.

5. Coherence and order

You should start from your personality, then explain your motivation, and at the end list the (important) achievements you have. In all cases, there must be a logical and semantic connection between the paragraphs next to each other. Introduce yourself very concisely, and conclude your paper with a general statement concerning your personality, or your potential contribution to the Navy.

Having written your essay, handle it over to a friend, relative, or teacher. Then revise it several times. Try to keep the deadline and apply as early as possible; then your essay will be examined by more people. Prepare your interview according to what is written in the essay. Don’t fall in despair if you are rejected: life will give you another chance to prove your skills and competencies.