Insights on Military Boarding High Schools in Virginia?

Hi everyone, I'm located in Virginia and am looking into local military boarding high schools. If anyone has attended or currently attends one, could you share your experiences? Did it help shape your college admissions process in any way?

Sure, happy to provide some insight on this. Military boarding schools, such as Fishburne Military School and Randolph-Macon Academy in Virginia, can offer distinct opportunities that can challenge and grow both academically and personally.

These schools usually emphasize discipline, structure, and leadership—qualities that can translate well in the college admissions process. In these environments, students often take on leadership roles, participate in extracurricular activities, and develop time-management skills, all of which can be advantageous when applying to college.

Two primary points to consider about attending a military boarding school are the school's academic rigor and the development of character and leadership. A strong academic record is important for college admissions at any high school, but military boarding schools often have additional focuses on service, discipline, leadership, and character development.

For instance, you could become a platoon leader, company commander, or battalion commander, all of which showcase leadership and can make your college application stand out. Similarly, military schools often require community service, so you'd have plenty of opportunities to build service hours and maybe even initiate your own service project.

However, it's also worth mentioning that attending a military school is not a shortcut for college admissions. The rigor and discipline of military schools aren't for everyone, but if this type of environment aligns with your personal and academic aspirations, it could be a good fit.

On a final note, keep in mind that while some students go on from military high schools to service academies (like West Point or Annapolis), most students apply to a range of colleges and universities the same way students from traditional schools do.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a high school where you feel you'll thrive and be best prepared for the next steps in your educational journey.