Hello. I've been a frequent reader of this forum for a few months now. So I decided to create a profile and ask some questions relating to NUPOC and college.
Basically, I'm an upcoming college freshman, majoring in Nuclear Engineering at Georgia Southern University. I'm in a transfer program called RETP (
http://www.admission.gatech.edu/retp), RETP will allow me to transfer to Georgia Tech to complete my Bachelor's of Science in Nuclear Engineering, provided I stick to a specific course load.
My mom is a retired Chief (active-duty for twelve years, reservist for eight). My step-father is an active-duty (E-7/ET) submariner. I've talked to his navigator (O-3) about the various ways of becoming a commissioned line officer. He mentioned NROTC, the Naval Academy, and some other profession/career based entry programs, including NUPOC. He told me he was in NUPOC for his last two years of college, and that he absolutely loved it. So I discussed it with him for a little bit, and then went home and researched into it more in depth. I've got a few questions answered and a few more raised.
Anyways, I've set up my first year schedule to get most of the prerequisites for NUPOC out of the way (I'll have all the perquisites finished by the end of my freshman year, except Calculus-based Physics II). I've read somewhere that I can't apply until at least thirty months prior to my graduation date. I'm not quite sure how my graduation date is determined, I.E.: If I take more courses during the Spring and Fall semesters, or I attend summer school, Will this make the graduation date come sooner?
So I wanted to ask, should I enroll insummer school to get Physics II out-of-the way (I'll be taking some other courses as well, such as Calculus III)? If I did attend summer school, I would have all of the prerequisites out-of-the way before I started college my sophomore year (thirty-six months prior to graduation).
However, will I still have to wait another semester before I'm eligible to apply? (waiting another semester would put me within the thirty month pre-graduation threshold). So in a nut-shell, I want to beef up my application as much as possible and as soon as possible.
Now for more questions.
Does college prestige matter at all in the application process?-- It seems unlikely that someone with a 4.0 GPA from a community college would be favored over someone with a 3.0-3.5 GPA from MIT or Cal-Tech (just an example).
How important is the intended major?-- It seems than an intended major in Nuclear Engineering would be favored over a major in Biology or Geography.
What classes should I take other than the prerequisites to amplify my application?-- It seems like Chemistry would be highly favorable (however, all the chemistry classes were taken when I was registering my classes, so I'm taking biology instead).
Is biology looked upon favorably during the application process?
Does the application factor in extracurricular's such as sports ,clubs, organizations, etc.?-- I was thinking about joining the American Nuclear Society (I don't know if this will help at all in the application process).
Are their specific times when to apply?-- I don't know if I can apply as soon as I knock-out my prerequisites, or if there are certain dates when I can apply.
How long does the application process usually take?-- I know each case is going to be different, based on the simple fact that each individual applicant is different. I'm just asking for a general estimate and/or range minimum to maximum.
Does physical fitness play-a-role during the application process? -- I know I have to take a PT test once every six months (if I got accepted into the program), but does physical fitness/appearance matter during the actual application process?
Does the ASVAB matter at all, in regards to anything officer related?-- I received a 91 cumulative on mine.
Let's say, hypothetically-speaking of course, I do get accepted into NUPOC. How is the monthly pay and the signing bonus determined? -- I believe I've read somewhere that the intended career path determines this (NR, instructor, surface, or submariner). I just wanted to make sure.
Once again, Let's say, hypothetically, I do get accepted into NUPOC. Am I eligible for Tuition Assistance while I'm attending college?Is it possible to apply to NUPOC more than once?-- For example: Let's say I apply right after my sophomore year, and I don't get accepted. Is it possible for me to re-apply my junior or
senior year?
I want my application to be as strong as possible. If there's any suggestions or critiques on how to strengthen my application, I would greatly appreciate them! Please and Thank-You! 
