Q&A for How to Become a Marine

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How do I study for the ASVAB?

Ted Coopersmith, MBA
Academic Tutor
Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University.

Ted Coopersmith, MBA

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Keep your reading and vocabulary skills current by doing daily readings of major periodicals, magazines, and books. Mathematics can be a sore point on this exam with a lot of test takers, since many people have forgotten a lot of the material. Consider visiting a tutor to help you reinforce and revisit those concepts.

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What if my grades are low?

Community Answer

Then do your best to get your grades up before you apply for the marines corps. If you want something in life, you will work for it. This is a good way to prove your determination levels.

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Do I need to be a college graduate to join the Marines?

Community Answer

All you need is a high school diploma to be eligible to join the Marine Corps.

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How does joining the Marines help me for college?

Community Answer

It provides you with the GI bill, which gives you a monthly stipend to live off while it also pays your tuition.

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What do I have to study in college to be a marine officer?

Community Answer

Anything really, as long as you graduate with a bachelor's degree.

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What subjects do I need to become a Marine?

Community Answer

None. The Marines don't care what subjects you've had at school. It only matters how physically fit you are and if you pass their selection process.

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What qualifications do I need to apply to become a Marine out of high school?

Community Answer

A good place to start is staying out of trouble, not getting tattoos, not doing drugs, and being in good physical shape.

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What if I don't have a high school diploma?

Community Answer

You must either have a high school diploma or a GED and 15 college credits.

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Question

Can I still join if I have a tattoo?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure it's not too distracting or does not affect your physical ability to fight.

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Question

Can you become a Marine without going to boot camp?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. Boot camp prepares you and trains you to be a Marine. You need the training in order to become a Marine.

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Question

What level of education do I need?

Community Answer

To become a soldier, it requires only a high school diploma; however, it requires a Bachelor's degree to become an officer in the Marines.

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Question

When exactly can I join the Marines?

Community Answer

When you turn 17, you can join up with your parent's permission. When you turn 18, you can join without your parent's permission.

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Can I join if I have a heart condition?

Community Answer

No. A heart condition is one of many health disqualifications. The Marine Corps doesn’t want people to not make it back home.

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Question

Can you go to college and train at the same time?

Community Answer

You can join first and then you can attend college and train at the same time.

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Question

I have excess skin on my right breast (I'm a guy), causing it to be bigger than my left. Will that effect my chances of joining?

Community Answer

It probably will not as long as it doesn't stop you from doing the physical requirements, but consider talking to your recruiter about it.

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Can I join the Marines at 17?

Community Answer

You can join any branch of the armed forces at 17, but only with a parent's permission.

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Can I join the Marine Corps if I have asthma?

Community Answer

No. Asthma is one of many disqualifying health conditions.

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Can I join if I smoke tobacco? And also can I join if I wear contacts?

Community Answer

You may join, but you will be required to quit smoking during boot camp, and you may have to wear glasses instead of contacts.

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Question

What if you only have one testicle?

Community Answer

Then you have one less testicle than the average person does and therefore you can feel confident knowing that everything else is intact and you'll be fine.

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Question

If I have a jail record can I still join the marines?

Community Answer

If it's an aggressive felony, you can not. But if it's something minor like drugs or something dumb in high school, ask for a waiver.

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What if you get in trouble with the law one time?

Community Answer

A single, minor law problem isn't likely to harm you in any way. A felony may disqualify you quickly.

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Question

I have a tattoo on my leg and ankle, will that affect my chances of becoming a marine?

Community Answer

No, the standard rules regarding tattoos are no sleeves and no more than 4 below the elbows and knees. The rules may differ among different branches and occupations, so check the rules for the specific occupation you want.

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Question

What is training/boot camp like and what do I have to do? What is the best way to prepare myself for it?

Community Answer

Stay or get and stay fit. The stronger and more fit you are, the easier and less torturing boot camp will be.

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Question

What if I only have a vocational school degree?

Community Answer

To be an officer, you must have a Bachelor's Degree from any accredited college, so you won't be able to be a Marine Officer with that degree. However you can enlist as an Enlisted Marine.

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Can I become a marine if I have a felony record?

Community Answer

It depends on the crime, and you would most likely need a waiver. You should to speak to a recruiter for specifics.

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Question

Can I join the Marines if I was born and currently live in Canada but have a dual American citizenship?

Community Answer

Yes, but you have to be a American citizen.

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Question

What do I have to do to get a dog for the US Marines?

Community Answer

You may want to be a dog handler. That is a specialty you can choose when you enlist.

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What grades must you have?

Community Answer

All you need to do is get your degrees. The grades won't be important as long as you pass school and pass the military's tests.

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Question

Can I go to online college during the first year of boot camp?

Community Answer

You won't be in boot camp for a year. You'll be there a couple of months in the summer. Since you are enlisted, you'll then be sent to a military school. If you are trying to become an officer, you can go to college while training. However, it needs to be an accredited four-year program.

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What if I have tattoos?

Community Answer

Visible tattoos are the only ones that are a problem. If they go above your collar, they will probably cause you to be disqualified. If they are offensive, they will definitely cause you to be disqualified. You may need to get a waiver if you have non-offensive but visible tattoos. Usually, they are not a problem but this varies.

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