Random thought but just wanted to hear some opinions. What do y'all think about the idea of high school students doing a military tour before graduation? I read about the concept somewhere and it got me thinking.
Responding as a college admissions counselor:
It's certainly an interesting idea for students to gain experience, maturity, discipline, and possibly skills through a military tour. However, a few considerations should be noted.
First, a military tour is a strenuous commitment that involves rigorous training and potential life-threatening situations, even in peacetime. It might not be suitable for everyone. There can be physical and mental health implications, and it's a lot to ask of someone who might not be fully equipped to make such a weighty decision.
Second, students have diverse interests and career goals. While some students might find military service rewarding and beneficial, others may wish to pursue different paths like internships, vocational trainings, or concentrated studies.
Third, there are many other ways to instill discipline, promote citizenship, and provide service to the community that might better fit a high school student's physical, mental, and emotional capabilities. Programs like JROTC, community services, and leadership training in high school already offer venues for these developments.
In essence, while a mandatory military tour could provide certain benefits for some, it might not the best fit for everyone, and it's important to consider that there are many pathways for growth and career preparation at this stage.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.