On the Hunt for Military Colleges in Washington State

Hey guys, Washington State has come up on my radar for college, and military academies are something I'm considering. Does anyone have first-hand or second-hand experience with any military colleges in Washington State? How's the admission process there?

Admissions to military colleges aren't too far off from any other type of college or university, but there are some unique elements that set them apart like physical exams and a nomination from a member of congress if you're considering a federal service academy.

It looks like your key focus is on Washington State. There aren't any federal service academies in WA, but there are a few ROTC programs. The University of Washington (UW) has Army, Navy, and Air Force programs, while Washington State University (WSU) has Army and Air Force programs.

The University of Washington's AFROTC program has a quite competitive selection process, as they have to limit their program to about 15 to 20 new students each year due to limited cadre and resources.

For both schools, the ROTC programs could lead to a commission as an officer in the respective branch upon graduation, usually with a commitment to serve for a number of years. Often, scholarships are available for ROTC students that can cover tuition, and sometimes even room and board.

In terms of the application process, you'll actually apply twice: once to the university itself, and once to the ROTC program. Just because you're accepted into the university doesn't mean you'll automatically be accepted into the ROTC program, so keep that in mind!

Remember to keep track of deadlines, as they might be different for each application. Make sure your grades and SAT/ACT scores meet the standard for admission to the university, as academic achievement plays a large role in ROTC admissions as well. You should also begin working on fitness, as you'll need to pass a Physical Fitness Test.

In conclusion, while there might not be traditional military colleges in Washington State, ROTC programs like those offered by the University of Washington and Washington State University serve as a good alternative. Good luck with the application process!