Over the years I have spent counseling aboard a military installation, one of the questions I often get is "who do I call to help me figure this out?" So, if you have felt apprehensive about going to college because the process of applying seems so complicated, you are not alone. Most people I work with book appointments because of it. At first, it used to make me wonder...how can these tough guys (and gals!) get so nervous about applying to college when they have incredibly difficult jobs they do every day? Some of the clients I have worked with have multiple combat deployments under their belts, but sit in the chair across from me having a mild panic attacks regarding college! Listen, if you can survive four, eight, twenty years in the military, you can go to college and find success!
How do you get the process rolling and who do you call? If you are aboard a base with an education center go there first. The academic specialists are there to walk you through this process. Now, the Navy has closed most of its education centers and moved the tuition assistance process to an online system. If you are a sailor, fear not! Find your closest Marine Corps base and contact them. The Marine Corps has education departments aboard all of its major bases. If you are located near another branch then get moving.
Now, your initial conversation with the school should always be with a veterans' representative. Call the school's main number, ask to speak with a veterans' representative, and, once connected, grill this person for info. Make sure to write down all of your questions in advance. In fact, get a notebook that is strictly for your educational pursuits. The veterans' representative (vet rep) is usually your best source of information. They have "been there, done that." If there are any back door ways into the school (think bypassing SAT/ACT) they know it. Who do you think I call when I am counseling? That's where I get info like: Is there veterans only housing, does the school have a student veterans' organization, what does the school or veterans' department do to help vets transition, can I get in without and SAT/ACT score (or an old score or not the best score), does the state allow full-time students to pull unemployment (rules change per state!)? In other words, you get the scoop. If the vet rep cannot answer your question they will put you in touch with someone who can. Now, who is the vet rep? Typically, that position is held by multiple vets who are on VA Work Study. VA Work Study is a part time job where you might be able to make some extra money. Check out the VA Work Study post (coming soon). These people are your initial contact to information, let them guide you. They can also tell you if you need to pay the application fee. These fees can add up, and some schools waive it for vets. Some schools also keep lists of veterans looking for roommates. Check out the housing concerns post for more info on that topic (coming soon!).
Veterans representatives are your initial POC and should be used as a boots-on-the-ground source of information. Through my contacts with these individuals I have gained a wealth of information regarding the schools they are attending. Make use of them.
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