I am applying to jobs left and right across the government and private sector, as well as contractor roles too. Almost every entry-level security/intel job that I applied to (which is literally my field of study and fits my qualifications) I see it say in fine print that "Active TS/SCI required", BUT it says high school degree required as a minimum. I do not possess any clearance.. how are people at young age getting it then as a pre-requisite? These postings say stuff like "MINIMUM 1 year experience needed.." and then it throws in "ACTIVE" Clearance requirement needed. How is that possible?

For example, I see job postings where it mentions:

- High School degree or diploma (or sometimes higher)

- Must be able to (blah blah blah) based on any description or whatever it says for job role specifically

And then... "ACTIVE SECRET" or sometimes it'll say "TS/SCI required". What?!

What I am confused about is how the heck do students get a clearance while still in high school or early first years of college? I have a Master's degree and it's tough to even just get interviews these days without the recruiter getting back to me amidst a growing competition of applicants. Where are people getting their clearances from if they are only still deciding what major or college to go to?? I would like some insight on this because I am desperate to know how to get clearance (other than just applying constantly to government careers or private security industries or being involved on a govt-based contract).