Does High School Performance Impact Military Enrollment?

Hi there! I'm a junior and have had a somewhat rocky high school journey. I'm thinking about joining the military after graduation, but I'm worried my high school records might affect my ability to enlist. Can anyone offer any advice or insight on this?

The impact of your high school performance on military enlistment to a certain extent, yes, but it's not quite as pivotal as it would be for college admissions.

Each branch of the military has a slightly different approach to evaluating potential recruits. Most, however, will look at your high school diploma as an initial qualification for enlistment. The branches of the military typically want recruits who have at least a high school degree or an equivalent, such as a GED, as this indicates determination and the ability to complete a program of study.

Beyond that, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the primary indicator for qualifying for different enlistment programs and specialties within the military. This is where your coursework in high school could play a role - if you've taken courses (particularly in sciences or mathematics that are well-aligned with technical fields), you may perform better on the ASVAB, thereby qualifying for more programs.

Despite all this, remember that the military is considerably more holistic in its assessments compared to universities. They look at everything from physical fitness to moral character, thus your high school performance is just one piece of a larger puzzle. If you've had some issues in high school, but can demonstrate growth, discipline, and a commitment to service, this will all be taken into consideration.

Just remember to be persistent and dedicated in your effort to join the military should you choose to pursue this path. It's also recommended that you speak directly with a local military recruitment office in order to get a better understanding of their specific requirements.