Selective Service Act question on college app?

While filling out my college application, I came across a question about the military and the Selective Service Act. Can someone explain what this is and what it has to do with college applications?

The Selective Service Act pertains to a system in the United States where it is mandatory for most males, between the ages 18 and 25, to register for potential military service. It serves as a contingency plan in case there is a need for a rapid expansion of the military due to national emergencies or war.

You might be wondering what this has to do with college applications. It's important because a person's Selective Service registration status can determine eligibility for certain benefits, including federal student aid. This is because, in most cases, receiving U.S. federal aid like Pell Grants and student loans from FAFSA requires that men, unless exempted, are registered with the Selective Service.

In your college application, you must provide truthful information. It is a federal obligation to be registered with the Selective Service, even if the chances of you actually being drafted are currently quite low. It's also worth mentioning that being registered as part of the Selective Service does not imply that you are enlisted or intend to enlist in the military; it's purely a contingency measure.

In short, if you are a male between 18 and 25 years old, filling out the above-mentioned detail in your college application is required and plays a critical role, especially if you plan to apply for student aid or other federally-funded programs.