Hey y'all. So, I'm planning on getting my high school diploma online due to personal circumstances. But I've heard rumors that not all online diplomas are accepted by the military. Is this true? Can someone recommend some accredited online high schools that are military-accepted?
You're correct, not all online high schools are viewed as equivalent to traditional high schools by the military. Each branch of the military sets its own standards for education requirements, but generally recruits fall into two tiers based on their background. Traditional high school diplomas fall under Tier 1, while most online, correspondence, and GED credentials fall under Tier 2. The military often limits the number of Tier 2 recruits and mandates a higher minimum ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test score for these applicants.
When you're selecting an online high school, you should seek one that is regionally accredited. That's because the regional accrediting agencies are recognized by the US Department of Education and typically meet more rigorous standards. The online high school should also have a solid track record of student success and offer comprehensive support to students, including guidance counseling.
Some online high schools that are known to fit these requirements include the University of Texas High School, University of Missouri High School, Indiana University High School, and Penn Foster High School. Be aware that they'll still likely fall into Tier 2, but the education you receive through these institutions is generally better regarded than at some other online high schools, which will likely help you during the enlistment process.
I would check with local recruiters from the branch of the military you are interested in to confirm that your high school diploma would be accepted before you commit to any online program. Also, be aware that meeting the minimum educational criteria doesn't guarantee enlistment. Other factors such as health, fitness, legal status, and other qualifications play a significant role in the recruitment process - as noted above, especially for Tier 2 recruits, there could be more stringent standards in these other areas.
Good luck with your future endeavors!
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