What the title says. I didn't do so well on the ASVAB but I do have a college degree. I'm curious if my college education would help offset my low ASVAB score in some way when it comes to joining the military. Does anyone have any experience or insight on this that they can share?
A college degree can greatly aid your military enlistment process, though it may not directly offset a lower ASVAB score. ASVAB is used predominantly to determine qualifications for enlistment and for specific jobs within the service. However, having a college degree could open up other pathways for you, such as Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Direct Commission Officers (DCO) programs.
Each branch of the military has its own requirements for these programs. Some commonalities include minimum GPA requirements, fitness standards, and interviews. Candidates must often demonstrate leadership skills and commitment, showing their potential to progress in their respective branches. They may place lesser emphasis on ASVAB scores.
As an officer, you'll have more opportunities for leadership, higher pay grades, and more responsibilities than an enlisted service member. However, it's worth mentioning that this process can be highly competitive. Consulting with a recruiter about these possibilities could be helpful.
Another option, depending on how low your ASVAB score was, is retaking the exam. There is generally a waiting period of one calendar month between the first and second attempts. Subsequent retakes will require additional waiting periods.
In essence, while a college degree won't strictly "offset" a low ASVAB score, it may open up alternative pathways for military service. Always remember to explore all your options and speak with a recruiter or military advisor to find the best path for you.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.