Hey folks, I'm a junior who's been considering enlisting after graduation. I was wondering if any of you has experience or knows someone who delayed college enrollment because they got deployed? Is this even possible? How should I go about discussing this with colleges I'm applying to? Thanks in advance!
Absolutely, it's possible to delay your enrollment to college due to military deployment. Colleges typically understand the importance of serving one's country and many will accommodate for such circumstances.
You'll want to look into each prospective school's policy for military deferrals or gap years. Just keep in mind that while many schools are familiar and accommodating to military enlistment, policies can vary greatly from college to college. Some will allow students to defer their admission or take a leave of absence depending on when the deployment falls.
To address this during the application process, consider a few steps. First off, reach out to the admissions department for each school and discuss your situation with them. They can inform you of their exact policies and guide you through the proper steps to take. If the school offers the chance to include additional information on their application or in application supplements, this would be a great place to mention your plans. This way, your intentions and potential future deployment are made clear from the outset.
Lastly, be prepared to provide documentation for your deployment when it's time for you to defer. Colleges will typically request this to confirm your deployment status.
Many enlisted students find that their military experience enriches their college education when they eventually attend because they are often more mature, disciplined, and determined - traits that colleges value in students and that can significantly enrich their college experience.
Just remember: it's always crucial to communicate openly with your chosen colleges about your situation. Good luck!
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