Every day service members decide to pursue or return to education during their time of service. As universities increasingly recognize the importance of bridging academia with real-world contexts, interdisciplinary collaborations are thriving, paving the way for practical solutions that military applicants have the skills for. However, admissions professionals on campus must be ready and able to understand military applications and their importance in the admissions process.

When admissions professionals are reviewing service members’ applications, understanding how the applicant fits their campusrequires a strategic approach. This approach should be implemented to ensure alignment with educational objectives of the campus and prospective student, ethical considerations, and practical feasibility. There are essential factors that universities should consider when evaluating service members’ applications for admission into their institutions. If your institution has not implemented a strategic approach for reviewing service members’ applications, start creating one.

Skill Sets to Look For

The first consideration for admissions professionals when assessing service members’ applications is their alignment with institutional academic goals and disciplines. Institutions should identify areas where, for instance, expertise in military technology the service member holds can complement existing programs. General studies programs may focus on management skills in applications. Team building or collaboration skills may be prioritized for policy and strategic studies programs. Engineering/computer science departments may prioritize applications with robotics, cybersecurity or advanced materials experience. By selecting applications that resonate with academic interests, universities can maximize the educational value for these students and faculty alike.

Grades and test scores provide insight into aptitude but delving beyond transcripts allows for a deeper understanding of an individual's achievements through their valuable work experience. Military resumes often span multiple pages, meticulously detailing every aspect of their roles. Each job position is fully described, providing the admissions reader with a comprehensive view of the breadth and depth of their experience. To facilitate comprehension, one can sift through resumes to identify particular skills like teamwork, consistency in task completion (valuable for meeting deadlines), proficiency in project management for handling multiple responsibilities, and notably, the ability to thrive under pressure, indicating a capacity for timely task completion, if not ahead of schedule. “If you’re on time, you’re late.”

Universities serve as hubs of intellectual inquiry and problem-solving, making them ideal environments for military applicants.

Essay Component

Reviewing essays constitutes a crucial aspect of the higher ed application process. While many undergraduate admissions officers initially focus on numerical data, delving into the essays offers a deeper understanding. When provided with the opportunity to explore further, it's advisable to seize it. Essays commonly prompt applicants to share past experiences, outline goals, or highlight personal achievements. A well-crafted essay that reflects the service member’s dedication and storytelling abilities, offers insights beyond the confines of their application materials. Although admissions professionals may skim through essays, identifying key aspects helps unravel the narrative within the military applicant's submission.

Activities, Honors, and Biographical Data

Recognizing individuals beyond their military roles as soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors, coast guardsmen, national guardsmen, cyber force members, or guardians reveals invaluable insights into their character. Investing time to understand their personal identity and unique qualities is paramount. Discovering their favorite activities and hobbies, honors, extracurricular pursuits, and connections provides a holistic understanding of each individual. Such knowledge unveils a comprehensive picture of their overall character and potential contributions to a university or college.

Conclusion

When evaluating applications with a military background, careful consideration of factors such as relevance to academic goals, collaborative opportunities, research potential, and practical feasibility is essential for universities to make informed admissions decisions. By adopting a strategic approach to evaluating military applications, academic institutions can effectively leverage the synergies between academia and the military, leading to advances in knowledge on campus, and contributing to real world contexts in meaningful ways. What does a strategic approach to evaluating service member applications look like on your campus?

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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