Is it feasible to do graduate school online during BOLC?

2025-07-24T22:16:41-04:00

I'm going to EBOLC in October, I am starting online grad school in August. Unfortunately, they do the traditional 16-week semester so it'll have to seep into the beginning and middle of BOLC. Do you think it is possible to do online grad school during BOLC or is it advised to put it off for later? Thanks!

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 25 at 2025 7:32 AM

2025-07-25T07:32:17-04:00

If your graduate school consists of asynchronous learning or synchronous learning that doesn't conflict with your BOLC class times, then it's completely feasible. You will just need to prioritize doing your graduate work over other activities (social, spiritual, etc.) during your down time at BOLC. You'll just need to be disciplined and stay focused during your time off in BOLC. That was difficult for many of my classmates, but we were all at Fort Sam, where we had plenty of distractions outside of class times.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jul 25 at 2025 2:58 PM

2025-07-25T14:58:05-04:00

Good afternoon 2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this Sir. I think that You should wait until You complete BOLC. This way it doesn't interfere with BOLC. Also, you'll have more time to concentrate on grad school afterwards.

Response by CW3 Richard Doty made Jul 26 at 2025 11:59 AM

2025-07-26T11:59:55-04:00

While you probably can do both, are you sure you want to? Just a thought, but performance in both of those programs counts. Do you really want to split your time/effort between them? Assuming you can delay starting your grad school program, I would go all in on the EBOLC for now, and delay grad school for a few months. You'll likely do better in both.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 26 at 2025 12:46 PM

2025-07-26T12:46:05-04:00

Engineer BOLC? I did AMEDD and grad work would have totally been feasible in the evenings, and the only time I did not spend the night in a hotel was during a three-day field exercise. It looks like you are in my old unit, the 891st, and I would recommend finding an engineer officer who can give you a better idea of what your evenings will be like.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2025 6:01 PM

2025-07-26T18:01:17-04:00

The question I'd ask is: what is my focus? You're going on active duty and BOLC will be a new experience for you. You'll be up early most morning for PT, and in a platoon of peers where you'll be forming relationships and working together in teams. So not knowing you, I'm sure it's totally feasible, but - you'll be multi-tasking. Something to think about.