WHAT SAT OR ACT SCORES DO I NEED TO GET A SCHOLARSHIP?
For Navy Option students, the minimum scores are (SAT) 530 Verbal and 520 Math; or (ACT) 22 English and 21 Math. For Marine Corps Option students, a minimum of 1000 composite on the SAT or 22 composite on the ACT is required.
WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP COVER?
The NROTC scholarships cover full tuition and fees, and a book allotment for $350 per semester. In addition students receive a stipend of $250-400 per month, depending on academic year.
CAN I JOIN NROTC WITHOUT A SCHOLARSHIP?
Certainly. Students may apply for what is called the College Program. The eligibility requirements for College Program students are identical to those for scholarship candidates. In addition, you may continue to participate in a drilling reserve unit while participating in the College Program. College program students who demonstrate exceptional academic and physical fitness performance are normally nominated for a scholarship after completing at least one semester with NROTC.
CAN I MAJOR IN ANYTHING I WANT?
Yes, although the Navy is technically oriented and encourages technical majors, you may pursue a degree in anything that you would like. There are some requirements which you may have to take in addition to your degree requirements. For example, all Navy Option Midshipmen with a scholarship must take two semesters of calculus and two semesters of physics. The unit does provide free tutoring in both subjects to ensure your success.
CAN I TAKE NAVAL SCIENCE CLASSES IF I’M NOT IN NROTC?
All registered students at UMBC are allowed to take Naval Science classes. The Naval Science Department offers courses in everything from naval history to leadership and ethics and the instructors actively encourages students who are not in NROTC to enroll in their classes. Check out the course descriptions online or better yet, call us and talk to us about what we have to offer.
CAN I BECOME A NAVY DOCTOR OR DENTIST THROUGH NROTC?
Yes, but it is not easy to do. Only a maximum of 25 students from around the country will be selected to the Navy’s Medical Program each year, out of approximately 900 total NROTC students nationally. The vast majority of NROTC students are commissioned as warfare officers. There are no medical only scholarships, therefore, if you accept an NROTC scholarship, you agree to enter into the service community that best suits the needs of the Navy. Most likely, this will be a warfare community (Surface Warfare, Aviation, Submarines, SEALS, etc.).
CAN I GET A PILOT OR NFO GUARANTEE?
Marines and Marine Option Midshipmen can sometimes get a flight guarantee providing they meet all the physical requirements and achieve a satisfactory score on the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB). Navy midshipmen will not be assigned their warfare specialty until their Senior Year.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE ALL REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPLICATION?
You should plan on it taking about two weeks. You will be required to provide the names of high school teachers and a guidance counselor who can evaluate your performance in high school. Additionally, you will be assigned a recruiter who will be required to interview you.
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?
The application usually opens in the summer after your junior year. The sooner you submit your application the better chance you have to be selected. Selection boards met every few weeks. The most competitive students are selected first so if you have a strong academic background but not excellent it would be in your best interest to get your package in as soon as possible. This will ensure that your package gets reviewed multiple times. The latest packages are accepted has traditionally been 31 January for the upcoming college year.
ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO NAVY AND MARINE CORPS OPTIONS ALIKE?
Yes, scholarships are awarded to students who have either Navy or Marine Corps preferences.
IF I AM PURSUING A TECHNICAL MAJOR DO I HAVE TO GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS TO RECEIVE MY COMMISSION?
No, students pursuing degrees such as mechanical engineering or other technical majors routinely petition and are approved to obtain their degrees in either four and a half or five years.
CAN A STUDENT LOSE HIS OR HER SCHOLARSHIP AFTER ARRIVING TO UMBC?
Yes, a student may lose his or her scholarship based on poor performance in the classroom, as a result of no progress being made in their physical fitness level, or by displaying poor potential for leadership growth. Students receive many different chances to improve upon their deficiencies. Students are routinely counseled by upper class midshipmen and also their class advisors. Finally, a student who is in jeopardy of losing a scholarship stands before a Performance Review Board (the board is comprised of NROTC staff members) and this board forwards a recommendation to the Commanding Officer in the unit. The taking away of a scholarship (dismissing the student from the program) is a last result in many attempts to correct behavior that has not been improved.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A UNIFORM AS A NROTC STUDENT?
Yes, on certain days students will be required to wear a uniform. Most of the time, however, students are in civilian attire just like the majority of their peers on campus.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES THE NROTC UNIT REQUIRE OUTSIDE OF MY UNIVERSITY CLASS WORK?
Generally, you can plan on taking at least one three credit hour Naval Science course every semester you are here. Some programs like the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program are not as Naval Science course intensive. Additionally, Midshipmen participate in weekly Leadership Lab, PT, and other exciting events.
WILL THE NROTC PROGRAM TAKE AWAY FROM “THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE”?
No, NROTC can only enhance the college experience. Here we will work on developing you as future leaders in the military. Additionally, every NROTC student has a class advisor (very similar to a guidance counselor) that coaches the student along their journey towards a commission. This is something that the average college student simply does not receive.
HOW LONG DO I COMMIT MYSELF TO SERVING IN THE NAVY OR MARINE CORPS UPON GRADUATING?
Upon graduating and receiving your commission you are obligated to five years of active duty service if you are in the Navy, and four years of active duty service if you are in the Marine Corps. If you choose to leave the military after your active duty service years, you also incur either a three year (if you are in the Navy) or a four year (if you are in the Marine Corps) commitment to the Inactive Ready Reserve.
I WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NROTC!
For more information on NROTC, visit the following website