In my entire high school experience, I have gotten very good grades and I have generally been a good student.
I took the SAT and ACT a few times my junior year, my highest scores being 1210 SAT and 25 ACT. These scores have stressed me out greatly because I know they are not very good. I want to go to UC Davis, but I feel like I wouldn’t get accepted due to my low SAT score.
I have heard that you can go to college at the same time as being enrolled in the military. Would it be a smart decision for me to enlist into the air force immediately after high school? I feel as if it would remove alot of weight off my shoulders such as college applications, SAT testing, and AP classes. Not to mention, it seems like there are lots of benefits in joining the Air Force such as pay and college financial aid. Again- I’m generally a good student. Straight A’s, and I ended my junior year with a 4.27 GPA. If anyone has any advice for me, I’m all ears.
The UCs do emphasize GPA more than test scores.
Do you want to be in the USAF enlisted service?
Note that there are other USAF options, like ROTC and the USAFA.
To be honest, I have not really found my calling or passion yet. However, I feel like the USAF can help me somewhat with a jumpstart into some sort of career. And if I could get my education at the same time- it seems like a good deal to me. I’m just curious as to what you guys think, since I would say I have the potential to go to a 4 year college. Is it ultimately a better investment to go to university or the Air Force?
I should also probably mention- I don’t NEED financial aid. My overall concern is just regarding whether I can build a successful life through the USAF as someone can at a university.
If you’re really interested in the Air Force while going to college, try to join the Air Force academy. Another option is Air Force ROTC at participating campuses.
Are you a California resident?
If so, UCSD is a high match provided you have a strong UC GPA. Your SAT score would absolutely NOT disqualify you.
Unless you are set on going to a super competitive school or staying in a specific area, your scores are completely in range for many options. Military might be a great option for you but please don’t feel that your choices are reduced to just military if you aren’t competitive for your top choice.
My daughter had similar scores and great grades. She got scholarships at 4 different schools, which were in the match or safety range.