Can I attend a military college despite having epilepsy?

I've always wanted to head for a military college, but my epilepsy has always been a concern. I'd love to know if having epilepsy will be a major hurdle in my pursuit to attend a military college.

Your concern is valid. Epilepsy can indeed be a significant issue for those aspiring to attend military academies or serve in the military. Generally speaking, the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) completes the medical evaluations for service academy applicants. The DoDMERB uses medical standards outlined in a military regulation (DoDI 6130.03 "Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction into the Military Services") to decide whether an applicant meets the medical standards for admission.

According to these standards, a history of epilepsy (unless the individual has been free of seizures for a period of 5 years without taking anti-seizure medication) is disqualifying. However, waivers are sometimes granted on a case-by-case basis. If an applicant does not meet the medical standards, a waiver request can be made. The academy (or ROTC) that the candidate is applying to determines whether to request a waiver for the specific condition.

It's important to note that the waiver process is competitive. The academies or ROTC look at the whole-person evaluation and decide whether to request a medical waiver based on how competitive the candidate is overall. If you have a strong application in other areas like academics, leadership, and physical fitness, it could potentially improve your chances of getting a medical waiver.

Before pursuing this path, I would recommend discussing your ambitions with your physician or a medical professional who is familiar with your condition. Also, it would be wise to reach out to admissions contacts at your targeted military academies to discuss your specific situation and explore potential alternative pathways. This can provide further clarity on your prospects and the right approach to take.