Impact of Military Service on College Admissions

I'm really stressing about my college applications. I've been involved in military service, but I don't know if colleges even care about that. Does involvement in military service look good to colleges? Or does it not make much difference?

Absolutely, your military service will be viewed as a valuable asset to your college application. Colleges are often interested in cultivating a diverse student body, and applicants with military experience bring a unique perspective and a set of skills that aren't often found in traditional applicants.

Your experience offers you leadership skills, maturity, discipline, and the ability to handle stressful situations - these are qualities that can contribute greatly to a campus community. Similarly, having faced real-world challenges, you might have developed problem-solving abilities far beyond those of a typical high-school graduate.

In your application, particularly in your essays and interviews, highlight the skills and experiences you've gained during your service and how they have helped prepare you for college. Try to avoid focusing solely on the technical aspects of your service and instead concentrate on how it has shaped you as a person.

You might want to touch upon how your service has shaped your academic and career goals, your values, and your perspective on the world. Universities often value these qualities as they show maturity and a sense of purpose which can be beneficial not only in academics but also in co-curricular activities.

In addition, many colleges and universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing additional financial aid for veterans. So, in addition to adding diversity and a unique perspective to the college community, your military service could potentially also help with financing your education.

Finally, keep in mind that most colleges have resources specifically for veterans, including counseling and academic support services, which could be very beneficial to you as you transition from military to civilian life. Look into these resources as you finalize your college list, as they can significantly enhance your college experience.