How to Apply for an ROTC Scholarship

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) provides active duty, reserve and National Guard officers for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. Each of the services awards students 4-year ROTC scholarships to attend participating colleges and universities. These scholarships provide for full tuition, books and a monthly stipend (but not room and board) in exchange for a commitment of service. Follow these steps to apply for these nationally competitive ROTC scholarships.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to serve in the military. These scholarships come with a commitment to serve in the military during the summers while in college and then for a number of years following graduation. Find out which branch appeals to you. You can apply for an ROTC scholarship from more than one branch.

2. Check general eligibility requirements. The age limits vary by service, but you must be at least 17 when you begin college. You must also be a high school graduate, a U.S. citizen and physically qualified.

3. Fill out the online application at the ROTC Web site for your respective branch (see the Who Can Help section below). Follow all directions. Among other things, each service wants high school transcripts, recommendations and information on your extracurricular activities.

4. Take the SAT or ACT college entrance exam. Each program has different minimum test scores. The average test scores of actual scholarship winners are much higher than those required.

5. Apply to schools with an ROTC program for the branch of service you have chosen. Find the schools with ROTC programs listed on the service's ROTC Web site. Each branch has slightly different rules about choosing the school in conjunction with the ROTC scholarship, but all require you to gain admittance to the school separately from the scholarship.

6. Prepare for the physical fitness test. Get in shape with running and conditioning exercises.

7. Complete the medical exam when instructed. The medical exam and interview take place farther along in the process. Not everyone will make it to these steps.

Tips & Warnings

• ROTC scholarships are based on merit. The selection committees look at grades, test scores, physical activity, extracurricular activities and leadership potential.

• Take advanced science and math classes, get good grades, do your best on the SAT and ACT, participate in sports and assume leadership roles in extracurricular activities throughout high school for the best chance of winning a scholarship.

• ROTC programs provide 2- and 3-year scholarships as well to students involved in the program.

• You do not have to be on a scholarship to join an ROTC program. You may still receive a monthly stipend just for being in the program.

• Winners of 4-year scholarships commit to serving in the Armed Forces at the beginning of their second year of college.