Transition from Military High Schools to Higher Education

Hi! I'm a student at a military high school currently analyzing my options post-graduation. I was just curious, how does graduating from a military high school affect college applications? What universities tend to appreciate this background?

That's a very valid question. Graduating from a military high school can positively impact your college application. It shows that you have a disciplined and structured background, which is often admired by many colleges.

Your military school background instills traits such as leadership, teamwork, and persistence which are all valued by colleges. It can also provide unique experiences and perspectives to write about in your application essays. For example, you could write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision or when you had to lead a group in a challenging task. These experiences can make your application stand out among others.

In terms of which universities appreciate this background, it may vary depending on specific admissions officers and how they perceive the value of a military education. However, service academies like the Naval Academy or West Point obviously highly value such experience given their military focus. On the other hand, many private universities and even public institutions value diversity and unique experiences, which your military high school background can provide.

Just remember, regardless of the type of high school you attend, colleges will still focus on the same key aspects: your academic performance (like GPA and course rigor), standardized test scores (if the school considers them), letters of recommendation, application essays, extracurricular involvement, and other personal factors. Having a military background can enhance these elements but won't replace them.

Make sure to highlight the traits you've developed in your military high school in your applications. This might include leadership experience, discipline, and the ability to thrive in a structured environment. You can present these in a favorable light in your application, and indeed, they can be great assets when transitioning into the highly independent world of higher education!