1. About the Program
The NROTC Preparatory Program (NPP) is an incredible opportunity designed to expand access to a world-class education and build a more diverse, capable generation of military leaders. By partnering with top-tier universities, this preparatory track gives highly motivated students from underserved or disadvantaged backgrounds the academic, physical, and moral foundation they need to succeed as future Navy Officers.
Please note: This program is specifically for students dedicated to serving on active duty as an Unrestricted Line Naval Officer (the community that commands Navy ships, submarines, and aircraft fleets). All selected students start their journey by attending New Student Indoctrination (NSI) summer training.
How the Preparatory Year Works
If selected, you will spend your first academic year living and learning at Holy Cross College, located right across the street from the University of Notre Dame. Holy Cross offers outstanding resources and close faculty attention to prepare you for the intense academic lifestyle ahead. Best of all, your tuition, room, and board are entirely sponsored by Notre Dame and Holy Cross.
During this transition year, you will focus on building the advanced study habits, time management skills, and technical disciplines needed to thrive in a STEM major. While you will be a full participant in the Notre Dame NROTC Midshipmen Battalion, you will hold the title of “Midshipman Candidate” during your preparation year.
Think of this as a rewarding five-year program. Once you successfully complete your preparatory year at Holy Cross, your official 4-Year NROTC National Scholarship is activated. From that point on, you transition into a standard Navy scholarship track with all accompanying college financial benefits.
2. Benchmarks for Success
To keep your status secure and guarantee that your 4-year scholarship activates after the first year, you must remain in good standing with the Notre Dame NROTC unit by meeting these straightforward targets:
Academic Expectations
- Declare a Tier 1 or Tier 2 STEM major
- Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher
- Earn a grade of ‘B’ or higher in every class
- Take at least 15 letter-graded credit hours per semester
- Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory classes are not permitted
Physical Fitness & Health
- Work out with the NROTC Battalion twice a week
- Pass the standard Navy Body Composition Assessment (BCA)
- Pass the official Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
- Meet all standard NROTC Medical Requirements before your scholarship activates
Service Commitment: Upon graduating college and commissioning as a Navy Officer, you will serve a minimum of five years on active duty.
3. Application Steps & Document Portal
Ready to start your application? First, fill out the basic NPP Applicant Google Form linked below. The email address you input on that form will be used to generate a secure Google Drive folder where you will upload your files. If you run into any issues accessing your folder, please reach out to the Notre Dame Recruiting Officer at nrotc+npp@nd.edu.
Crucial Instruction: You must download the application PDF below and fill it out completely on a computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Please do not fill this form out by hand or scan it—handwritten copies cause severe review delays and might remove you from consideration.
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Your customized Google Drive folder link will be sent directly to the email address used when filling out the initial configuration form. This individual portal is where your application tracking occurs. Please ensure all requested checklist documentation matches the exact verification lists specified below prior to submitting your final electronic application dossier. |
Required Forms & Folders
Phase 1: Your First Uploads
- High School Transcript
- SAT or ACT Score Reports
- Applicant Fitness Assessment (AFA) Scorecard
- Senior JROTC Instructor Recommendation (Optional)
Phase 2: Pre-Interview Dossier
- Applicant Fitness Assessment Details
- Applicant Personal Data Record
- Statement of Understanding
- Drug Policy Statement
- Debarment & Suspension Statement
- Official Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate / Naturalization)
- Copy of your Social Security Card
For Accepted Students: Preparing for Onboarding
Congratulations on being selected! Once you are formally accepted into the Notre Dame NROTC Preparatory Program, you must move quickly to submit your administrative and physical clearance records. All paperwork requirements are meticulously tracked on the official New Student Indoctrination Website under the **“NSI Mandatory Information Package.”**
IMPORTANT TIME WARNING: Do not wait until your official scholarship offer letter arrives to begin scheduling doctor’s appointments. Booking sports physicals, medical history sign-offs, and sickle cell blood tests can take weeks, and missing deadlines will put your enrollment at risk.
- NSI Sports Physical Pack (Includes History, Physical Evaluation, & Medical Eligibility Forms)
- Official Certified Proof of Blood Type
- Sickle Cell Solubility Lab Test Results
- Copy of your Immunization Record certifying that you have received:
- One dose of Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine (given on or after your 16th birthday)
- Two doses of Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (spaced at least 28 days apart)
- Two doses of Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine OR an official Lab Titer Test documenting immunity
- One dose of the TDAP Vaccine (within the last 10 years)
- Current Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
Holy Cross College at Notre Dame is often confused with the College of the Holy Cross, a separate NROTC unit. To join the Notre Dame NROTC program, applicants must apply to Holy Cross College at Notre Dame.