Benefits of being a military child when applying to college?

I'm a high school junior with a parent in the military. Wondering what benefits there might be for college applications or scholarships? Specifically looking for info that applies to dependents, not servicemembers themselves.

Given your situation as a military dependent, you may be eligible for a series of advantages during the college admissions process, particularly if your parent is active-duty military personnel, a veteran, or distinguished retired members of the armed forces.

1. Fee Waivers: Some colleges may waive the application fee for students who are military dependents. It's best to directly contact the specific colleges you're interested in attending to confirm if they offer such waivers.

2. Scholarships: As a military dependent, you're eligible for unique scholarships, some of which are quite substantial. For example, the Military Children Program sponsored by the Department of Defense provides scholarships to military children.

3. In-state Tuition: The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children allows military dependents to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in the state where their military parent is stationed or domiciled, even if they aren’t residents of that state.

4. Priority registration: Some states (like California) offer priority registration to dependents of veterans, meaning you can choose your courses earlier than other students.Besides financial benefits, you can leverage your experiences as a military child in your college application essays.

If you've faced unique challenges or gained a unique perspective from this experience, it could serve as a compelling narrative that highlights your resilience, adaptability, or other qualities that colleges value. Just be sure to keep the narrative personal and unique to you, not a stereotypical military child story. Bio-lines like "I've lived in seven different states and attended six different high schools" could reveal your adaptability and resilience and make you an interesting candidate!Lastly, always consider consulting your school counselor or a college admissions counselor for advice specific to your situation and goals. They could provide further resources or tips on how to maximize your opportunities as a military dependent during your college application process!