Naval ROTC Preparatory Program (NPP) FAQ

The NROTC Preparatory Award is awarded by Norwich University to a select group of potential midshipmen. You must apply separately to receive the NPP from Norwich University’s NROTC department. NPP is a five-year program, with Norwich covering the first year of tuition and fees through a combination of Norwich gift aid.

If you are accepted into the NPP and complete the program requirements in the first year, a 4-year Navy ROTC National Scholarship is reserved for you by the U.S. Navy. Please note that receiving an

NPP includes one preparatory year plus four years on a Navy Scholarship.

Academic Year 1 (NPP Prep Year): This is funded by Norwich and serves as a year-long application where you are not yet contracted but must stay in good standing and meet academic, physical, and medical standards within the University AND the NROTC Battalion.

Academic Years 2-5: After completion of the prep year, if you rank competitively and are selected, you’ll be offered a 4-Year Scholarship contract with the Navy. Please note that receiving an NPP scholarship is not a 100% guarantee that you’ll receive a 4-Year Scholarship.

Begin your NROTC scholarship and Norwich admissions application in the summer before your senior year. Norwich’s NPP application is typically available in the Fall of your senior year.

Stay alert for communication from Norwich Admissions of when the NPP application becomes available. Spaces fill quickly so it’s best to submit your completed application as early as possible. April is when most selections are finalized.

The Naval ROTC offers a variety of scholarships including a 4-year national scholarship that must be applied for through the Navy’s website directly in the summer before your senior year. 

You can apply for a “side load” or “on the spot” scholarship. These are different from the National Scholarships, but they cover the same tuition and fees (depending on major). These awards are typically for 3.5 years or less and are based on academic performance, physical readiness, and leadership potential.

Focus on meeting or exceeding the minimum physical fitness and height/weight standards. For leadership experience, consider joining local sports teams, community service programs, or youth organizations. Demonstrating initiative and teamwork is key to a strong application.

A Fitness Assessment for a Navy option candidate can be administered by any physical education instructor, athletic coach, fitness instructor, or teacher. It could also be a Navy recruiter. For Marine option, a Marine Corps recruiter, Officer Selection Officer, or Marine Officer Instructor can administer the test.

After you submit your NROTC or NPP application and it reaches the review stage, you’ll receive an email from DoDMERB with instructions to schedule your medical exam. The exam is completed through a contracted provider at no cost to you. Be sure to use a non-school email when signing up and check that email regularly to avoid delays.

The medical requirements for the NPP program are similar to the 4-Year National Scholarship program. The NPP program provides a “prep year” before signing a Navy scholarship contract. You’ll be expected to pass a DoDMERB exam, so waivers may be required if you take certain medications. It’s important that you start the DoDMERB initial exam as soon as you get your DoDMERB instructions email.

Common conditions that require waivers include asthma after age 13, ADHD or use of related medication, and certain mental health diagnoses. Each case is reviewed individually based on your medical history and current condition.

Still unsure? Start by asking yourself a few questions:

• Do I currently take any prescription medication?
• Have I had any recent surgeries, broken bones or concussions?
• Do I have any history of mental health concerns or self-harm?
• Do I have any life-threatening allergies?

If you answer “yes” to any of these, you may need a waiver.

A medical disqualification DOES NOT automatically remove you from scholarship consideration. If your application is otherwise competitive, your case may be reviewed for a possible medical waiver by the Bureau of Medicine and Survey (BUMED). BUMED determines whether a case qualifies for review. If they review your case, they may request Additional Medical Information (AMI) through the DoDMERB Medical Application & Certification System (DMACS). You’ll need to create a DMACS account and check it often for updates and requests.

No. BUMED Case Managers are NOT medical professionals and cannot advise on what tests to complete or what documentation to provide for an appeal. It is your responsibility as the applicant to gather records that show your condition is resolved or well-managed. If BUMED needs specific items, they will send an AMI request listing exactly what is required.