Application Tips

Use these questions and tips as a guide in helping you come up with ideas to formulate your essays.

Who is your audience for these essays?

Selection board of Naval Officers

Read the essay question is it's entirety. Ensure you answer each part of the question.

Keep your answers to the point.

Introductory Sentence, 1-2 paragraphs to answer the question, summary sentence

Use critical thinking to answer questions you may not have an immediate response to. Ask yourself, What is culture and what types of cultures have you experienced? What is adversity? What type of adversity have I faced and how was I able to overcome and learn from that experience? What types of traits does a leader have? Which of those traits do I have and how have I used them?

Do your research on the types of Officer Programs. Navy.com and the Official NROTC website have resources to assist you with this.

Whether in person or via video conferencing DRESS professionally for the interview!

Your appearance sets the tone for the interview. Looking like you prepared for the interview shows you are taking it seriously.

Sit up in your chair, place your hands where you are comfortable. If you tend to figit, keep your hands from being seen by the interviewer.

If done virtually, ensure you have not distractions and cannot be interrupted. Turn off notifications on the device you are using for the interview. If not using your phone, turn it off or leave it in a different room.

Use proper military etiquette. Yes, Sir, No Ma'am; can go a long way in showing respect. Avoid being too casual with your language.

Review your essay questions and be able to expand upon your answers.

Review the NROTC website. Knowing the program you are interviewing for is important for any interview. Once you know your interviewer, look up their bio on the NROTC Unit's website. Knowing a little bit about who you are speaking with may ease nerves.

Avoid bragging or talking too much about yourself or accomplishments. Humbleness is a key characteristic of leadership.

Respond promptly to the interviewer when they reach out to schedule a date and time for your interview. Use an email address on your application that you check frequently as email is the preferred method for correspondence.

The application has a not all inclusive resume built into it. Below is a link to a sample resume. These are areas that you will want to ensure you include in your application. Anything not specifically mentioned should be included in the "other" section of the corresponding part.

I also recommend providing a copy of your resume to your references. This will provide them with information about you that could help them in completing the evaluation.