I'm confused by the post. Reapplying? What year are you in now? A year or 2 later - what are you doing in the meantime?
If I understand what you are saying:
1. you applied as a senior in HS for the NROTC national scholarship last year.
2. You already know you did not get it (which means from last year)
3. now you are a college freshman and reapplying for the national scholarship from college?
Reapplying to the national as a freshman is very possible - a good path. If you are a freshman, though typically you would join NROTC as a college programmer your freshman year, and compete for the National scholarship and/or a sideload scholarship while a college programmer MS/4. That would be your MS-4 year.
If you get the 4 year scholarship, or a sideload, it may kick in for a 3 or 3.5 year scholarship for the remainder of your education. Typically a 3 year as you finish your course of study.
Though, you could do a 5 year eng. degree as someone else stated if you win the 4 year national and use that for years 2-5.
When you start your sophomore year you would be an an MS-3 if you participated as a freshman. If you didn't you would start as an MS-4.
You have to complete all MS-4 - MS-1 years of training, though there is the idea to double up if you wish on some semesters/ years.
I think you may be stating you would not participate in NROTC but apply from the sidelines for a scholarship against those working as college programmers. I hope you're not stating that if you win a scholarship, only then would you join ROTC. If that's the case then for a sideload I would say the chances are ZERO since you're competing against those already in the program and proving themselves/ standing out. If for the national while a non-participating freshman? I honestly don't know if that's even possible, but i would guess again you are competing against people showing up and trying so it would I think come across as insincere/ disinterested - anyone have any guidance or experience? Original poster can you clarify your ask please? thanks.