<p>qb1981, perhaps my experiences give me more of an "insider" perspective. I am a retired LtCol who went to med school on an Air Force scholarship. My brother, a definite underachiever in high school, flunked out of his first quarter at Ohio State and joined the Army. He served for 6 years. Was always promoted early and, indeed, left as an NCO. Took CC courses on his own time when permitted and correspondence courses when he was not permitted to go to CC by his commander. At the end of 6 years, had a year's worth of college credit that transferred to the 4 year college he graduated from. As you did, his primary lesson learned in the Army was that he wanted out (as he put it "I'm sick of babysitting adolescent boys") and this time he planned to be serious about his education. And he was. Completed both bachelor's and master's degrees and is now a software engineer with two kids in college. My comments about your situation are the following:</p>
<p>1) Yes, your test scores are unique, especially for an African
American man, and will provide you with some leverage, but will not, in themselves, get you admitted to any college. They'll get you a look. But not an admissions ticket. To anywhere, let alone Harvard. Yes, Harvard has admitted non-traditional, disadvantaged minority students who are smart. But these individuals subsequently demonstrated unique drive and accomplishments.</p>
<p>2) In non-traditional students with smarts, like you, the colleges want some hard evidence that your performance will not be a repeat of the underachievement you displayed in high school. They want evidence not that you're smart, but that you've succeeded in overcoming your situation.</p>
<p>3) Though all colleges are appreciative of your service to your country and are sensitive to the plight of the junior enlisted man, they are not going to credit you for 5 years of following orders. Any enlisted man can do that. No, the military is not necessarily good at promoting able enlisted personnel to the NCO or Officer ranks. In fact, some COs are threatened by especially able enlisted personnel and will derail their education to keep them subordinate. But, in 5 years, there is always a commander or senior NCO who will recognize the combination of talent and hard work and reflect this in performance reports, nominations for awards, etc. So, here are more questions for you:</p>
<p>a) What advanced education (even military education) did you seek out AND COMPLETE as an enlisted person? What advanced schools did you complete? What certificates/awards/reports do you have as evidence of these accomplishments?</p>
<p>b) What military honors/awards did you receive in the 5 years you were on active duty? Any Commendation Medals? Distinguished Service Medals? Any Good Conduct Medals? Were you disciplined at any time during your enlistment? Were you promoted on time? Early? Did you test early for promotion and not get promoted?</p>
<p>c) Did you complete any college courses by correspondence? Any for credit?</p>
<p>d) Were your EPRs always exemplary? Do you have copies of these? Do you have any former NCOs or officers who would be willing to write you an excellent recommendation speaking to your work ethic, ability to overcome hardship, and leadership skills?</p>
<p>I advise you to leverage any demonstration of superior work or leadership skills in the military setting as evidence that you will succeed in a very competitive academic setting. If you do not have any such materials, your chances of being admitted solely with a high SAT are nil. How long has it been since you were discharged from the military? What have you done with your time since your discharge? If you haven't enrolled in a college yet, get cracking at your local community college. Prove you have what it takes.</p>
<p>And, as other posters have commented, there's always Harvard Law School. Work your tail off and be 1st in your class in undergraduate school, wherever that is, then get stellar LSATs. Show your appreciation for others who have provided you with advice and mentorship, something I've not seen in your posts. Entitlement won't make friends or get you admitted to Harvard.</p>