If I receive a Naval ROTC Scholarship can I automatically come to Cornell?
No. Acceptance at Cornell University is handled by the Cornell Undergraduate Admissions Office. The two admission processes are totally separate and in order to attend Cornell on a NROTC Scholarship, a student must successfully receive admission to Cornell and selection for a scholarship.
What does the NROTC Scholarship cover?
An NROTC Scholarship will cover the costs of tuition (not room & board), $300 per semester for books and lab fees, and all required uniforms. Additionally, a scholarship midshipmen will receive a tax-free monthly stipend as well as pay for official travel and training as follows: Freshman - $250; Sophomore - $300; Junior - $350; Senior - $400 per month for the 10 months of classes. During the course of four years the scholarship could amount to over $135,000 in value.
What activities are required for midshipmen?
Midshipmen take one naval science course each semester taught by a United States Navy or United States Marine Corps officer appointed to the faculty of Cornell University. Courses include naval history, engineering, operations, navigation, weapons systems, and leadership. These courses meet two to four times a week, depending on the course and the amount of credit assigned. A Professional Development Lab meets one afternoon per week. This is a practical leadership lab where students develop and utilize leadership skills. The lab also includes lectures on various topics of military interest. Uniforms are worn all day on Wednesday. Different uniforms are worn depending on the season and vary between whites, blues and khakis. All midshipmen are required to maintain full-time academic status (i.e. a minimum course load of 12 credits per semester).
Am I restricted to specific majors?
No. Midshipmen in the NROTC Scholarship Program may pursue a major in any field of study leading to a bachelor's degree, although pursuit of technical majors is encouraged. All Navy option midshipmen are required to take two semesters of calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics. The ability to handle technical material is an important consideration for future assignments. Although any major at the university is permitted, midshipmen who qualify for the Navy's nuclear power program which trains all submarine officers and surface officers serving aboard nuclear powered vessels are normally engineering, math or science majors.
Does involvement with the Naval ROTC Program conflict with sports and other activities with which I may be involved on campus?
Participation in other campus activities is highly encouraged by the officers in the Cornell Naval ROTC Unit. Future officers should experience all Cornell has to offer. The midshipmen in the Unit successfully become part of the various varsity and club teams, leaders in the Greek community, and take active roles in organizations such as Model UN, Campus Crusade for Christ, and the Big Red Band.