Candidates with one parent?

Hi there, I just have a question and I wasn't sure where else to put it, so I guess I'll put it here. If there's a better place for it, please move it. Thanks! Anyway...

Do the Service Academies look at candidates with one parent differently than they'd look at a candidate with two parents? If "Parent 2" is unknown/not a part of the candidate's life, but is named on the candidate's birth certificate, will they look into the unknown parent?

Angie,

If your question is in terms of security clearance/background checks.... Yes. Family is in scope and fair game but I understand the nature of the relationships is considered. Eg If mom is a crackhead but Johnny hasn't been with her since age of 6 months, that is considered.

If your question is in terms of admissions... Again yes. But being from a single parent home can in fact be a "plus" in that it shows the candidate has overcome adverse circumstances in their life. The SA's look quite favorably on those candidates that have risen above a hardship.

Okay. Good to know... thank you

MedB said:

If your question is in terms of admissions... Again yes. But being from a single parent home can in fact be a "plus" in that it shows the candidate has overcome adverse circumstances in their life. The SA's look quite favorably on those candidates that have risen above a hardship.

Click to expand...

Admissions folks are not mind readers, so either through candidate statements, letter of recommendation, or candidate interview, any personal challenges have to become a part of the admission file.

When I do interviews, as FFR, I usually don't ask about personal challenges, unless the candidate brings it up.