As a freshman at a four-year university, Allyson Martin found herself struggling to maintain her discipline and focus. She enlisted in the Air Force in 2011, where she’s taking the first step toward her dream of getting a doctoral degree in physical therapy. Once she’s achieved her educational goals, her dream job is to work closely with a Veterans Affairs hospital to rehabilitate wounded veterans.

What’s it like going to school through the Air Force?
From the moment you start basic military training, you are earning college credits through the Community College of the Air Force, and almost all formal training conducted by the Air Force qualifies for college credit.

What was it like getting started in the Air Force?
After my first meeting with an Air Force recruiter, I took the ASVAB – a placement test similar to the ACT or SAT – and I was scheduled for a full medical examination. Then came the best part: picking my job! You get to pick five from a list built to reflect your ASVAB score, vision and how much weight you can lift. Then it’s off to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Any advice for someone unsure about the military?
Do not view the military as a “back-up plan” but as an opportunity to serve this great nation while enhancing yourself mentally and physically. When you apply for civilian jobs in the future, you’ll have experience that most of your counterparts will not. Take the road less traveled. It will not only lead you to your hopes and dreams, but it will also give you an opportunity to see the world.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM
On-base satellite campuses offer anything from an associate degree to a master’s without leaving the base. Plus, virtually every credit and Community College of the Air Force degree is transferable to any non-military college or university.

COST
For those meeting eligibility requirements, military tuition assistance pays up to 100 percent of your tuition and fees. You can study abroad on the cheap, too: the Post-9/11 Bill covers up to $18,000 a year for foreign or private schools.

ADMISSION REQUIREMEMTS
No matter what branch of the military you go into, you must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Like the ACT or SAT, it covers a broad range of subjects from reading to math to science. Try your hand at a practice test and see how you stack up at www.Military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab.

HOUSING
In basic and technical training, expect to live in dorms complete with roommates, suitemates and shared bathroom. Living on base isn’t so bad, though: residents have access to restaurants, hair salons and every other convenience you’ll need to excel.