Six Essential Tips for a Successful College Application

Preparation begins with a conversation and a little research. Marine Corps Voluntary Education (VolEd), library, and Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) staff are trained to guide you toward educational opportunities that fit your skill sets and meet your ambitions at all levels of the educational spectrum.  

1. Research Your Intended Occupation. One roadblock in your career path might be not having a good foundation for what your intended career entails. VolEd’s college tools and free courses through the library are some easy go-to resources.  

   • Career Path Decide  or MilGears 

   • DoD MWR Libraries offer hundreds of courses through The Great Courses or Universal Class or checkout the computer training through O’Reilly.   

2. Research College and University Websites. Choosing the right college or university involves more than simply choosing a school based on name recognition. Successful applicants spend time getting a feel for what life will be like at various institutions and whether those institutions match their needs.  It also means considering when a school is not a great match.  Some resources to help with finding the right fit are: 

   • College Planning Resource through Tutor.com 

   •  College Scorecard 

3. Assess Academic Readiness. The notion that a poor academic record is overcome by a stellar Marine Corps career is a myth.  A strong academic foundation is the key to successfully being admitted to any university. The fortitude to overcome a less-than-perfect academic record is a trait all candidates should possess.   

4. Review Standardized Test Requirements/Alternative Test Options. Many schools require a standardized examination test like the ACT or GRE. Some will accept alternative tests in lieu of a course as part of the admissions package.  VolEd, LSP, and library can help with resources for examination preparation.   

5. Begin Early: Gather Required Documents & Craft Application Essays. Failure to submit a single piece of documentation can delay or prevent admission to the school of your choice. Successful applicants should begin writing their college application essay responses as soon as they decide to apply and present polished works with their applications. 

6. Talk to Other Successful College Students. Consider connecting to one of the Leadership Scholar Program partners, including Service to School or The Warrior Scholar Project 

For in-depth assistance with applying to college, contact your installation’s Voluntary Education team or Leadership Scholar Program.