Preparing for College after the Military

My time in the military is almost over and I'm thinking of transitioning into college. Does anyone have any advice on what I should prepare or look into before applying? I'm not really sure where to start. Thanks in advance!

First and foremost, kudos on your decision to pursue further education! As a military veteran, there are additional resources and programs available to you to help with your transition into the college landscape.

The first aspect to look into would be the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This can provide you up to full tuition and fees at public colleges, a monthly housing allowance, and money for books and supplies. You need to find out how much of this benefit you have earned based on your length of service. You will need to apply for these benefits through the Veterans Affairs (VA) office.

Once you've sorted the financial aspect, the next step is understanding what you want to study. Consider your skills and interests from your past military experience. Perhaps there were duties or roles that you gravitated towards or may have excelled at. This could help guide the major or program you want to venture into.

After that, start researching potential colleges. Take into account the location, size, potential majors, opportunities for veterans, and support services. Some colleges will have an office dedicated to veterans' services and can assist you with the transition and application process. They can help you convert your military training to college credits, reducing the amount of time you need to spend in school.

Lastly, prepare to apply! Like traditional students, you will need to submit an application form, personal essay, and transcripts. However, as a military veteran, you may also have the opportunity to highlight your military experiences. This can be a unique aspect of your application and can be conveyed through your essay or interviews. Remember, each school may have different requirements; hence it's important to research each institution individually.

Keep in mind that the application process can take time. Start as early as you can, ideally a year before you plan to start school. This will enable you to meet all the application deadlines and ensure a smooth transition from military life to a college campus.

Remember, this journey, while daunting, can be incredibly rewarding and impactful. The military has already provided you with discipline, leadership skills, and resilience. Those valuable skills will serve as a great foundation for your college path and beyond.