The Secrets to Applying to College as a Military Veteran

Getting into a great college is not easy for anyone, let alone a veteran. Veterans have lots of adjustments to make in a short time, and none of them is easy.

Worst yet, as a veteran coming back to civilian life, you boast valuable experience, but this does not make it easier for you to transit into civilian jobs in the United States.

This explains why most, if not all veterans opt to earn a college degree and build upon the skills they picked throughout their time of service.

Combining one’s military expertise with university education is a smart thing to do; but also note that joining a college will present its whole new set of challenges. Regardless, I’m sure serving in the military equipped you with a deep understanding on how to deal with stress so college won’t present anything you cannot handle. Better yet, we took the horror out of it and came up with a list of secrets that will make a veteran’s application process more laid back and less stressful.

If you’re hoping to join a good college, effortlessly navigate around most challenges veterans face with the help of these college admission tips.

1.   Write a great application essay

The college application process is a nightmare for potential students and this is particularly true when it comes to writing the college application essay. This essay is a major hurdle in everyone’s path toward joining college.

Those who have had to write application essays before can confirm the cloud of uneasiness that consumes them as they apprehend how clueless they are on how to put together a college paper. This paper is a big deal. Think of it as an interview where you’re required to describe yourself and explain why you think you deserve admission into the college.

That said, we do not come bearing only bad news. If you do not know the first thing about writing essays, you can get additional help with your assignments from writing services online. This website, for example, is known to hire premium writers, focuses on customer satisfaction and production of high-end papers. I guarantee you’ll be amazed by their delivery, support, quality, and pricing.

2. Apply for your benefits

Military veterans who qualify for the Chapter 33 benefits (also regarded to as Post-9/11 G.I Bill) may have the entire costs of their fees and tuitions paid to their in-state public college or university. These veterans may also receive monthly housing allowances and remunerations for books and other school supplies.

Military veterans who prefer to attend private or out of state public universities may consider the Yellow Ribbon G.I Education Enhancement Program.

3.       Collect all your paperwork and submit it on time

Unlike the military, no one in college will tell you what to do or when to do it. This implies that you have to stay on top of things. Ensure you know the application deadlines and what materials you’re required to send, then make sure you get them in on time.

Note that all colleges are not the same, so you need to confirm which documents they will need.

4.       Consider the CLEP (College Level Examination Program)

While you’ll receive Chapter 33 benefits, the truth is that the university is expensive. CLEP is a series of examinations set to determine any college-level knowledge you may have garnered during your military experience.

There are several exams (some subjective, others general) worth up to six credits. Even though these exams come at a cost, it is a fraction of the cost of fees and tuition; so it can be an efficient and affordable way to earn credit for skills you picked and skip some general introduction courses.

5.       Find a college with veteran support

Attending a college or university with a vibrant program (e.g. veteran centers or counseling services) for military veterans can help prospective students realize that they are not facing the challenges alone. Better yet, if a college offers veteran-specific classes and orientations, they can serve as fast ways to connect with peers from similar backgrounds.

However, beware of deceitful for-profit universities and colleges that claim to be “veteran-friendly” but have a low graduation rate: which often leaves most individuals in debt. One easy way to find competent military inclusive or military-centric institution is to search for Yellow Ribbon Colleges and Universities.

To conclude, even though these tips do not guarantee you a place at Yale or Harvard University, they will set you off on the right path toward finding the best college for higher education. Furthermore, if you have any questions while on campus, you can find some answers to the U.S. Department of veterans affairs.

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