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Health & Fitness

For Veterans, Easing the Way Back To College

By Daniel Gerger, President, Adult Education Advocates.

For those who have served in the military in the last 15 years, there are plenty of opportunities to go back to college. According to a recent study, more than 924,000 veterans had used the benefits offered through the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill by 2011. 

It can be challenging to go back to school after being in the military, and adjusting to academic life can be stressful for all adult students, including veterans.  The following six tips can help ease some of the stress veterans may have when they go back to school.

Apply For Benefits As Soon As Possible
It can take six to eight weeks for VA benefits to be processed. The Veterans On-Line Application can help you review and compare the different benefit options. If the college that you are thinking of applying to has a VA adviser, it is important to contact them and ask for assistance if you have any questions while applying.    http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp


Find Out What Is Needed To Enroll
The first thing a veteran should do is visit the veterans’ page of the college’s website for the step-by-step application, registration and enrollment process. If the college has a veterans’ service representative, they will help the student through the application process for that school, as well as the paperwork for the VA. The veteran representative can assist with academic advising, registering for classes, and even help with financial aid issues.

Apply For GI Benefits
There is a wide a variety of education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including programs under the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, The Yellow Ribbon Program, Transfer of Benefits, and Veterans Vocational Rehab. Whether the student is a veteran, a reservist, in the National Guard, or on active duty, they should check the VA website. A student can also find a lot of information and the application for benefits at the VA page.   http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

Apply For Financial Aid
Veteran students should apply for regular federal financial aid in addition to the G.I. Bill program. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be submitted online using a school’s financial aid code. Financial aid is especially helpful for veteran students whose G.I. Bill benefits are still processing at payment deadline.  Reservists should apply for tuition assistance from the branch of the military for which they are currently serving.   https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Get An Adviser
Typically, every student is assigned an adviser. While some smaller schools might not have an adviser specifically for military personnel, larger schools often do.   Even schools that do not have a dedicated military adviser will have academic advisers who can help you make academic decisions. There are also independent advisers who help adults and military personnel make the transition back to college. The adviser helps students to develop a suitable educational plan, make your course selections, and determine a major. 

Earn Credits For Being In The Military
Many colleges and universities will consider prior learning attained in non-credit or experiential settings such as the military. Credit will be awarded for prior learning that is assessed as college-level learning as it applies to a student’s chosen program and degree. Also, veterans can transfer in credits for their military experience. Finally, veterans should take advantage of CLEP tests. CLEP provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses.  

Veterans need to know that they can succeed in college by planning ahead and getting help and support when they need it. There are both college and independent advisers who will help veterans make the transition to school and help them develop an educational plan.

Daniel Gerger is the President of Adult Education Advocates, an organization that helps adults make the transition back to college.


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