Impact of Military on Children's College?

Hey, so my parents are both long-time military and I'm starting to think about college. How does their military service impact my college journey? Are there any special considerations or benefits I should be aware of? Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

Absolutely, being a military dependent can certainly impact your college journey in a few ways.

Firstly, there might be financial aid opportunities available to you. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically aimed towards children of military personnel. These can be a substantial help in lowering your college costs.

Additionally, some states offer in-state tuition rates for military dependents, regardless of where you currently reside. This could allow you to expand your college search and potentially save on tuition costs, so check that out. Remember, each state may have distinct policies, so it's worth doing research that caters specifically to your situation.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill also has a transferability option that allows service members to pass their benefits to a spouse or dependent children. If your parents are eligible and haven't yet done so, they can transfer their benefits to you, which could potentially pay for your tuition, school fees, and provide a book stipend.

From an admissions perspective, some colleges appreciate applicants with a military background in their family – it indicates resilience, adaptability, and other positive qualities. Be sure to use parts of your college application (like the personal essay) to highlight your experiences as a military dependent.

However, one possible challenge to be aware of is the potential difficulty to show "demonstrated interest" in a specific college by visiting or attending local events if your family moves often. Schools understand this situation though, and many universities have resources and services dedicated to assisting military families, so don't hesitate to reach out to your colleges of interest to understand how they can help.

In summary, it's all about researching, asking questions, and seeing how you can utilize your status as a military dependent to your advantage during your college journey. Best of luck!