How Can I Prepare for Returning to School at 27?

2014-11-16T13:59:16-05:00

So when I graduated High School I went straight into a community college for a degree program I felt I wanted to do, after only one semester I started having doubts that it was going to lead to employment and I finished the semester and never continued school. I then joined the Army Reserves and spent the last almost 7 years as a Civil Affairs Specialist. I am planning to ETS and have decided to return to school, I have enjoyed every aspect of Civil Affairs and want to stick with a similar career field. Through my searching I found that Penn State offers a BA in International Political Economy which will work for an undergraduate to their Community and Economic Development Masters Program.

Long story short, I am going back to school and planning to do it entirely online, something I also have not been subjected to. I figured RallyPoint would be a great source of advice from fellow soldiers who have experienced returning to school later in life and using online degree options. What are some things I should prepare for? What questions should I ask of the Military Advisor at the school? Are there military scholarships I should look into? Any advice would be highly regarded and greatly appreciated.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 2:06 PM

2014-11-16T14:06:23-05:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I did something like what you're planning, but I did it while on active duty. The thing about online classes (vs. in classroom classes) is that you have to be a bit more disciplined when learning online. At least that's my take. Some online classes have mandatory times for you to be online, but most of the ones I encountered were very free-flowing, with discussions, papers, quizzes, tests, etc.

Bottom line is that I found it easy to fall behind in online classes - much easier than in a traditional classroom class - so stay disciplined and "on top of" your workload. That's my advice.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 2:57 PM

2014-11-16T14:57:42-05:00

I'm a little closer to this situation, since SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member is in my company.

Isaac, I found a career field along the lines of what you are looking at as a State Emergency Management Official. If you check it out, I think you will find that it suits your situation and location. It will require a fairly specialized degree program, but it will fit your experience nicely.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 17 at 2014 10:08 AM

2014-11-17T10:08:19-05:00

Definitely ask about discounts and life credits. At Benedictine University I received a 25% discount for having a DD-214. As far as online I prefer the face to face environment as online classes you are more or less teaching yourself. If you go the online route be prepared for lots of papers. At least that was the case with the online classes I took. Best of luck to you in your educational pursuits.

Response by SSG Ralph Innes made Nov 17 at 2014 12:28 PM

2014-11-17T12:28:37-05:00

I went close to the same plan. I did two years of community college straight out of high school. At that point in my life, I still didn't have any purpose, motivation, or direction. Upon ending my two years, the first Gulf War started and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I joined and spent 7 years in before being accepted to the Green to Gold Program. (I know you see SSG as my rank. Long story) When I went back to college under that program, I was a different student. I was older than the vast majority of the students and took the work more seriously than I did before hand. The other students were complaining about being this or that, and I was just happy I had a pillow at night and wasn't being rained on while I slept.

I did take one online class that I needed to graduate early, and quite honestly, I found it to be the hardest class I took. I don't know if it was the class itself or the fact that I didn't have anyone to ask questions to or throw ideas at.

Regardless of which route you take, I suspect you will do better than your fellow students due to the discipline you have from your service. Good luck and give em hell.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 5:15 PM

2014-11-17T17:15:48-05:00

Ok, I need advice on the best course of action. I have never thrived at operating military benefits and have an opportunity for a grant-in-aid that would reduce the tuition from $534/credit to $324/credit. The issue is that it can be used with TA but cannot be used with the GI Bill.

Originally, my plan was to be the "stay at home parent" while returning to school, by using TA with the Post 911 GI Bill. I've never used any of the education benefits the military has and have really no idea what to expect. I don't need to make much extra than tuition costs to supplement my wifes income to do this, but would I be nuts to turn down the Montgomery GI bill right away and/or the grant-in-aid program? I also have $20,000 SLRP. Who is the right person to contact to go over this? My county VSO? The VA?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 9:49 PM

2014-11-17T21:49:48-05:00

SPC Jensen,

I haven't taken online courses but I have been a non-traditional student for my college career. First of all, you CAN use your GI Bill and get student grants through FAFSA. I've found that being older and going to school you are more focused and motivated, I'm sure you will do great.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Nov 18 at 2014 9:42 PM

2014-11-18T21:42:49-05:00

Congrats brother! This is a big commitment to make. Prepare to really balance career, education and family time. We have around 200 RallyPoint members that are Penn State grads and you can find them in the link below. Please feel free to reach out to them if you have any specific questions about the school or degrees. Some of our members might even have the International Policy concentrations. I have a very close friend that took the Penn State online emergency management masters and really enjoyed the online classes.

Really get to know the military/veteran admissions advisor and ask very pointed questions about how much it will cost you (if anything) out of pocket. This advisor can usually give you direct examples of service members that came before you and used the GI Bill. Definitely ask the school's admissions folks if they have any specific scholarship applications for veterans. Many do have this. I really wish you the best and please let us know what you end up deciding!

Military members in Pennsylvania State University | RallyPoint

Connect with military members in Pennsylvania State University on RallyPoint

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Nov 18 at 2014 9:48 PM

2014-11-18T21:48:28-05:00

Fantastic, we never stop learning until we are dead.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2014 1:37 PM

2014-11-19T13:37:58-05:00

From someone who finished his BS at age 50, I applaud you!! Never stop learning. The JST should give you a rough idea of what you can get credit for. Whether you do or not depends on the school

RE: the GI Bill. Not all of your AD time counts as a reservist. Your best bet is to get all of your 214s uploaded into the VA's site and work with an education counselor. It can be a little time-consuming but they'll give you a straight answer.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-12-29T14:38:56-05:00

While in school, use your experience to assist you in your assignments. You will learn the good and the bad about decisions and situations you have been involved in and be able to explore them in depth. Think about Human Resources, you can write about recruiting, talent management, pay and compensation etc. As a member of military organizations you can talk about management and leadership, strategic thinking, and effective command and control etc. The list is endless and allows you to draw from what you know.

Beyond this I also challenge you to try topics you know very little about in order to broaden your knowledge base.

Don't be afraid to ask for help and ask friends to read your papers for you. Before you turn your papers in, read them out loud to hear the mistakes you may have made.

I applaud you for continuing your education. We all need to be life long learners.