3 Tips For Veterans Applying For College

Are you a veteran who is considering attending college? That could be a wise idea. Under the GI Bill, veterans can get some or all of their tuition covered, depending on the length of their service. You can potentially get a college education for free, which can help you maximize your earnings and improve your career. However, not all schools are the right fit for all veterans. Choosing a school that matches your career goals and benefits package is important. Below are a few tips to consider as you start your college search. 

Understand your GI Bill benefits. The GI Bill provides tuition assistance for veterans, but not all GI Bill benefits are the same. The amount and the timeline for your benefits depend on when your service ended and the duration of your service. Some veterans have up to 15 years to use their benefits, but others have a shorter time window. Don't wait too long to enroll in college and use your benefits. You may find that your degree is a four-year program, but you don't have four years left in your GI bill window. A veteran admissions advisor can help you understand your benefits and use them in the most effective manner.

Find a school that accepts military classes and training credits. Believe it or not, you probably already have some college credits under your belt. You may even have enough to cover a full semester or a year. Some colleges will accept military classes and certain types of military training as college credits. Not all colleges do this, however. Every school has its own rules about what it will and will not accept as transferable credit. Be sure to ask each school you're considering how they will handle your previous classes and training. A veteran admissions advisor will know which schools are more favorable to military applicants and are more likely to accept your credits.

Find a veteran-friendly school. All schools accept veterans, but some are more accommodating and supportive of veterans than other schools. You can learn a lot through a visit to campus. Check out the veteran resource center. Is it a nice facility that is easy to locate or is it a small office tucked away? Are there veteran clubs and associations on campus? How many other veterans are there in the student population? One of the best parts of college is meeting friends from all walks of life. You'll certainly meet many people who are not veterans. However, having a supportive network of other veterans who understand your needs and experiences can be helpful.

Ready to start your college search? Contact a veteran admissions advisor today to learn about your options. They can help you find the right school for your benefits, goals, and needs. 

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