Hi all. So, I'm a rising junior in high school and the idea of Christian military colleges intrigues me. Does anyone has info or firsthand experience about these, what they offer, and the admissions process?
Certainly, happy to provide some information on Christian military colleges! There are a few colleges which integrate Christian principles along with military style education. Two notable examples are: The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and Norwich University in Vermont. While they don't classify themselves as religious institutions, they do offer religious programs and services to cater to Christian students.
Let's talk about The Citadel. It offers undergrads military education and college disciplines. They maintain strong religious services including Protestant, Catholic and various other denominational services. They also have Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings and club. Part of their mission is to "educate and prepare graduates to become principled leaders."
At Norwich University, the Center for Civic Engagement offers a variety of community service and religious life opportunities that align with Christian values. The student-run group, Navigators, focus on fellowship through study of the Bible and interaction with the local community.
Admissions at military colleges can be competitive. They look at your high school GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and your accomplishments outside of academics such as leadership, volunteering, or partaking in sports. They value the ability to be a team player, discipline, and moral character -- all of which align with Christian values. Many also require a fitness assessment. It's not necessarily about being an athlete but being able to meet the physical demands of a military environment.
The timeline is similar to that of other colleges; applications generally open up in August of your senior year of high school and close around December/January for regular decision.
At institutions like these, expect to be a part of a tight-knit community, to be challenged both mentally and physically, and to graduate with a strong moral compass, discipline, and leadership skills. Definitely reach out to the admissions office at each school if you're interested; they should be able to provide you with specific, detailed information about what it's like to be a student at their school and the admissions process. And remember to ask for info on their Christian programs too!
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