Influence of military experience on college admissions?

Say somebody, like Bruce Overton, decided to join a military college like Pennsylvania Military College. Could their military experience make them a more attractive applicant if they decided to transfer to a different school later on? Just trying to understand all aspects of this college process.

The answer to your question is generally yes, military experience can make an applicant more appealing in the eyes of college admissions. When you serve in the military, you have a unique set of experiences that can set you apart from other candidates. This life experience can lead to personal growth, discipline, and leadership skills, all of which are valued by colleges.

From an admissions counselor's point of view, a candidate with military experience can bring a unique perspective to the campus community. Further, the commitment and discipline required by military service indicate qualities that could translate into academic perseverance.

In addition, most colleges look for mature, well-rounded students who can contribute to the school community in meaningful ways. Military service often provides training in areas such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. These are all traits that colleges value and seek in their student body.

Moreover, some colleges have specific programs or benefits for military students. These might include application fee waivers, dedicated counseling services, or veterans' clubs. There are also laws and programs, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, that can provide financial aid for tuition and other expenses.

However, as with any other applicant, you should still meet the academic standards of the schools you are interested in. Also, it would be important to show that you made constructive use of your experiences in the military, especially if they have helped to clarify your career interests and the purpose of continuing your education.

The key, as with any college application, is to demonstrate your passion, commitment, and preparedness for taking on the rigors of college coursework. Using your application essay to illustrate some of these qualities or experiences could be a very effective way to showcase your unique perspective.

As an example, if you gained leadership skills while in the military, you could talk about a specific situation where you used these skills and what that taught you. This could offer admissions committees a clear picture of how your military experience has shaped you and how their school could benefit from your unique attributes.