Hey guys, maybe this sounds dumb but, here goes. My grandad was in the military. Is it possible that I could receive some sort of college benefits because of that? Do grandkids of military personnel also get certain benefits in the college admissions process or is it just limited to immediate family?
As an expert in college admissions, I can tell you that typically, educational benefits for military members do not extend to grandchildren. Most of the financial assistance and educational programs available directly from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, are generally only applicable to the service member, their spouse, and their dependent children. This is not to say that a grandchild would never be eligible, but typically this would be in cases where the grandchild was legally adopted by the grandparent.
However, there are numerous scholarships specifically designed for the family members of military veterans or active duty personnel. While these scholarships can vary extensively in eligibility requirements and award amounts, many of them do consider grandchildren of veterans or active duty military members. These scholarships tend to be privately funded and run by non-profit organizations, so it's worth conducting a thorough scholarship search to find these opportunities.
In terms of the admissions process itself, generally speaking, there isn't a direct benefit in being the grandchild of military personnel. Some schools may give a small boost to students who are currently serving, veterans, or dependents of active-duty military personnel. However, this varies by institution.
It's always recommended to share important aspects of your personal and family history in your application as they have shaped your experiences, values, and aspirations. Think about how your grandparent's service might have influenced your life and potential collegiate journey. Discussing this as part of your personal narrative could provide an interesting perspective, but remember that it is one part of a holistic admissions process, and academic performance, test scores (where required), extracurriculars, and the like weigh heavily as well.
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