Preparation at military high schools for college?

Hey everyone. I'm currently studying at a military high school and I'm curious about how well it prepares us for college. Can someone share their experience or insights? Does it help build a strong foundation for college? Any advice is super appreciated!

Hello! Military high schools can indeed be quite beneficial when it comes to preparing for college, but it's important to note that this largely depends on the particular school's academics, extracurricular activities, and the student's individual motivation.

From an academic perspective, military high schools often offer rigorous coursework that can prepare students well for the challenges of college-level classes. If the school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, this can be particularly advantageous. It's not only about the academic rigor of these courses but also about the potential to earn college credit, which might enable you to move ahead faster in your college career.

In terms of developing character and discipline, military high schools usually excel. The strict structure and disciplined environment foster characteristics such as punctuality, personal responsibility, leadership, organization, and the ability to follow instructions - all of which are beneficial in a college environment.

Moreover, physical fitness is a major part of the curriculum in military schools, which can lead to a healthy lifestyle that's quite useful in managing the stress of college life.

Extracurricular activities at military high schools, such as clubs, sports, or JROTC, can also provide valuable experiences. If you can reach leadership roles in these, it adds another level of attraction to your college application, given the emphasis many colleges place on leadership experience.

However, one aspect you might want to consider is the social experience. The transition from a military high school to a civilian college can be challenging as the environments can be quite different. It might be beneficial to start exploring activities, clubs, or groups in college that have a structure akin to what you're used to, which can help smooth out this transition.

Remember, the ultimate key to a successful transition to college is to take advantage of the resources and experiences available to you in high school, regardless of whether it's military or civilian. Good luck! Make the most of your high school journey.