Are education centers helpful in assisting people with college?

CPT Dahn Shaulis — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 12:29:34 -0500

Does anyone here know about base education centers?

I'm proposing to write a short piece for Military Times about preparing for and taking the SAT while still on duty.

I know some servicemembers use DOD Tuition Assistance (TA) and that's good, but they should be studying for and taking entrance exams before they use any TA.

I believe that education centers offer the SAT for free, and they often have test prep books. Mike Cubbage mentions this in his book on using the GI Bill.

I'm not sure what other resources education centers have or whether some bases do not have education centers. I'm also not sure what resources Guard and Reserves have, although I do know they offer free tuition as an incentive.

My only problem is in making contact with education centers on military installations, which should be a central part of the story.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2018 12:47 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 12:47:38 -0500

My experience with the education center at Fort Riley was great. I can give you the contact that was a huge part of helping me finish credits for the commissioning program I am currently in. Keep in mind though, that the education center is there with many resources, but the SM has to do more leg work when they hit small setbacks, as well as working with units to support their Soldiers reaching their goals.

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Nov 28 at 2018 2:16 PM

SGT Mark Estes — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 14:16:05 -0500

From what I’ve heard most are pretty dialed in!

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 28 at 2018 2:31 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 14:31:28 -0500

It depends on the post or base. Most education centers are good, but some may have for-profit schools that try to recruit uniformed students. Based on guaranteed admission and financial support (i.e. tuition assistance, GI Bill, etc.), some enroll but later discover that their credits are non-transferable or that their for-profit school degree is less valued after ETS. While personnel should use the education center for assistance, they should also do independent research to ensure high quality and impartiality.

Response by Melissa Conn made Nov 29 at 2020 4:17 PM

Melissa Conn — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 16:17:49 -0500

If you are a student

Response by SGT James Hammons made Jan 29 at 2021 6:23 PM

SGT James Hammons — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 18:23:07 -0500

Yes