Be ready to commit to the Marines. Scholarships are only given to applicants who agree to serve during their summers and for a predetermined period following the end of school.
Fulfill the general requirements. Cadets must first be US citizens between the ages of 17 and 23 before entering their first year of college (with exceptions for those with active duty experience). They must also receive a high school diploma or graduate equivalency degree (GED) prior to the start of university.
Apply either online or in person at the local Marine Corps recruitment office. Fill out the Naval ROTC application by following all directions. Provide transcripts, recommendations and any information on extracurricular activities. Specify on the application that this is for the Marine ROTC program and not for the Naval or Air Force alternatives.
Take the SAT and score over 1000 between the math and English sections. If taking the ACT, you need a combined math and English score of over 45. If the test is taken more than once, the higher total score can be used.
Apply and be accepted to a college or university that participates in the Marine ROTC Program. The requirements vary by school but applicants must be accepted to a particular school in the program before they can receive a scholarship.
Pass the Marine Corps ROTC physical examination. In addition to certain conditioning requirements, all applicants must meet height requirements (5'6" to 6'6" for males and 4'10" to 6'5" for females). Weight must be proportional to height. Applicants must also be medically cleared and have no health conditions that could impede physical performance.
Complete the medical exam and interview when instructed. Applicants must also have a clean criminal record, and have no personal or moral convictions which preclude the use of firearms or participation in military action.