Exploring College Options for Enlisted Military Personnel
Enlistment in the military does not inherently require an ACT or SAT score, as these exams are typically necessary for college admission. However, pursuing higher education while serving in the military opens a world of possibilities. This article aims to provide clarity on the requirements and opportunities for enlisted personnel to further their education, whether through on-base colleges or sponsored programs.
Understanding the Basics
Enlistment is fundamentally different from attending college. However, many military service members decide to pursue higher education while serving in the military. The U.S. Air Force, for example, offers a variety of educational opportunities, including Associate, Bachelor's, and even graduate degrees. Specific programs may visit bases to meet with interested service members, and classes can often be conducted remotely.
Speaking to your recruiter is the first step in exploring these options. Recruiters are knowledgeable about the various educational programs available within your service branch and can help you understand the best path forward based on your goals and current circumstances.
College Options Within the Military
The Air Force, in particular, has robust educational offerings. The College of the Air Force, for instance, provides Associate degrees. Service members can continue on to earn Bachelor’s degrees and even pursue graduate studies. These programs are designed to be accessible and flexible, recognizing the demands and commitments of active duty personnel.
On-base colleges, such as the University of Maryland, offer a convenient and focused education experience. My own experience, for example, illustrates how airmen can complete degrees from distant universities while stationed at their bases. Both on-base colleges and external institutions like Yale provide educational opportunities without the typical ACT/SAT requirements, making these paths more accessible to enlisted personnel.
Sponsored Education Programs
While many educational programs within the military are open to all service members, some options may require special sponsorship. Being sponsored by the military means that the service will pay for the majority or all of your tuition, provided you meet the specific job requirements and objectives outlined by the military.
A service member who is not sponsored by the military and decides to attend an external college, such as Yale, may be required to submit ACT or SAT scores to gain admission. This is because civilian institutions have their own admission criteria and do not rely solely on military sponsorship for enrollment.
For example, if a friend attended Yale University for Russian language studies while not sponsored by the military, he would likely have needed to provide ACT/SAT scores as part of his application. However, if the military had sponsored his education, he would not have been required to submit these scores. Being sponsored by the military indicates that the service has evaluated the individual's qualifications and deemed them fit for a specific educational program.
Not every college or university requires ACT or SAT scores, even in the civilian world. Many institutions have alternative means of assessment, such as interviews, portfolios, or other standardized tests, to determine a candidate's suitability for their programs. The military's approach to higher education is similar, with a focus on both academic and personal preparedness for service.
Conclusion
In summary, while enlisted personnel in the military do not need to take the ACT or SAT for enlistment, these exams can be necessary depending on the specific educational path they choose. On-base colleges and military-sponsored programs offer flexible and accessible education options, while external institutions may have their own admission criteria that include ACT or SAT scores. Exploring these options and speaking to a recruiter can help service members make informed decisions about their future education and career goals.
For those interested in further exploring opportunities, the Air Force is a great starting point. Its comprehensive educational offerings and supportive programs can pave the way for successful careers both within and beyond the military.