Hi, I'm a high school junior who is interested in NROTC-Marine Option.

I am debating whether I should run track this year or stay in jazz band, which I did sophomore year. Their time commitments conflict, and auditions/try-outs for both are within the month. If I were to start track, it would be my first and only high school sport.

A senior friend of mine who has applied to West Point did Jazz band freshman and sophomore year, but then switched to track for the last two years. He told me that if I don't participate in a sport, I will not be accepted to the NRTOC program.

My questions are: How will doing track instead of jazz band affect my chances of being accepted for the scholarship versus sticking with Jazz Band? If I choose not to pursue the scholarship, would I still be accepted to NROTC without a high school sport? I have a 3.9 unweighted GPA and am not worried about the PT test (just a little more pull-up work). I am not interested in a music career.

I didn't play a sport in high school and I got an NROTC scholarship. That being said, they do look on sports very favorably, but it's not a deal breaker if you don't do one. If you can demonstrate that you have a high level of fitness while having leadership positions and involvement in things other than sports you can get selected.

Do what makes you happy.

Thanks for the straightforward answer! I'm going to run the 2 mile event.