While active what should I consider when picking a college to go to?

2013-09-17T19:35:33-04:00

Type and or location of the main office of the school.

Response by Sgt Joshua Ray made Sep 17 at 2013 7:38 PM

2013-09-17T19:38:53-04:00

Make sure when choosing your school you know where you want to live. I ran into issue when I got out with picking a school that was out of state from where I wanted to live. This caused issues because I had to take extra classes as a result. Keep in mind when you choose a school where are you going to live once you get out? what will transfer? and/or what is the goal of your studies?

Response by CWO2 B. Sean Fairburn made Sep 17 at 2013 8:24 PM

2013-09-17T20:24:23-04:00

Your Internet Connection.
Thats the consideration.
I would have said Location but Now with Telepresence and EDX.com College is Changing forever and Fast. You dont need to Be there to get the good out of it. Online classes are the wave of the Future. So I say Again, A good Fast Internet Connection. Or better Yet save the Money Buy a Great Computer System that you put together yourself, Decide what Field you want to go into that is actively LOOKING for people to fill those jobs. and Search You Tube for tutorials on those Programs and How to's to use the Software or Skill set. Then Practice Practce Practice and get good on that Program It will get you a Job faster than a Degree. IMHO. Semper Fi

Response by CWO2 B. Sean Fairburn made Sep 17 at 2013 8:34 PM

2013-09-17T20:34:24-04:00

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-09-13/googles-eric-schmidt-and-ann-marie-slaughter-agree-college-kinda-stinks?goback=%2Egde_57156_member_274182933#%21

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 18 at 2013 4:27 PM

2013-09-18T16:27:41-04:00

CWO2 Fairburn brings up some really good points. I would also add that it would be helpful for you to connect personally with some veterans who are (or used to be) in the academic program or field of study you're considering. Ask them their thoughts as a fellow vet -- ask them what they liked, hated, and wish they had known before starting. These stories can be more significant takeaways for you than what you may find on the internet, since schools are prone to control much of what's said about them online. Best of luck!

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 2:17 PM

2013-09-20T14:17:29-04:00

Always, consider the accreditation of the school and the military support from your advisor/va rep from the school. Determine your class load and how it is presented from that school and always talk to someone who graduated from that same program before beginning. Find out about what your in for and how the school will support you before you begin.

As a student/soldier you will be tested and you want to be setup for success so you don't drop out later!

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Sep 20 at 2013 4:16 PM

2013-09-20T16:16:50-04:00

You need to consider your schedule, a traditional education and classroom is great, but if you have a full time job and family to take care of it may be tougher to balance life. Also what career opportunities you have near a campus, if you want to be in a specific industry and the companies you want to work for are near a specific college it may be good to attend a college near there to build relationships, gain experence, and likely get a foot in the door since many companies look to hire from colleges close by. I went with an online university since the speed and availibility of courses was not great at the traditional college I attended before. Also look at which colleges offer any type of veterans assistance. Many colleges will have an office with veterans that help with obtaining and using your educational benefits. Also look at what benefits your state offers to veterans. Some states offer free tuition or discounts for veterans.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Sep 20 at 2013 5:39 PM

2013-09-20T17:39:49-04:00

Another important thing to consider is what training you have that will apply towards your chosen degree program. I managed to get credit for most of my military training (I was a ground radio repairman), and that was worth about 30 or so units towards my degree. Different colleges will look at your military history differently than other universities.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Oct 30 at 2013 7:08 PM

2013-10-30T19:08:01-04:00

Consider only those schools which enjoy regional accreditation. Accreditation is a key requirement for graduate school, transfer to other institutions and many civilian jobs. Then assess your ability to meet program goals in timely fashion. Some have very structured time lines without much room for adjustments. Make certain you understand what is being asked of you, and that you can accommodate the requirements within your duty schedule. I completed my MA while still serving on active duty by going half time, and getting the support of the command before starting school. Plan ahead. Good luck!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 7:09 PM

2013-10-30T19:09:59-04:00

If you're not continuing in your field/MOS once you leave active duty, research what occupational fields are expanding. Of course, IT is (and probably always will) expanding but, so is transportation.

Response by TSgt Candace Becker made Nov 3 at 2013 7:48 AM

2013-11-03T07:48:01-05:00

Definitely consider your schedule. For example: I just started college, and due to my heavy deployment rotations and busy schedule back home, I only really have time for online courses right now. Also, if you do decide to take online courses, have a reliable source of internet. I just found out the harder way with my last class, that internet in a deployed environment can be very spotty... and oh so conveniently, on the week of my final exam.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 24 at 2013 10:30 PM

2013-12-24T22:30:21-05:00

Four key factors:

Accreditation of the school-whether sit down or online.

Transferability of any credits you already have.

Credit for military training and life skills.

And above all, military friendly for ease of use.

Response by MCPO Robert Kelley made Jan 24 at 2014 3:32 PM

2014-01-24T15:32:31-05:00

I would make sure the school is regionally accredited (not
nationally). It makes it much easier to transfer credits if you need to later
on.

Response by PO1 Ricky Allen made Mar 13 at 2014 6:49 PM

2014-03-13T18:49:01-04:00

Make sure they take your credits earned in the military.

Visit the school.

Regional vs. National : I know the military is cultish when it comes to regional favorites but I must plug that I currently work at a Nationally accredited school and it's not the "body farm" even I thought when I saw it. There are some out there, and I can't speak about them because I don't know them and I'm a better person than that, but make sure it's the university that meets your needs, understands you, and most importantly respects your military service! You're more than benefits!

Logistics: Where is the school located? How far from work? home? is it on the way or are you going off the routine to make this happen?

Staff: Are they sincerely concerned? Do you see them speaking to students on a daily basis beyond the cubicle or do they just leave there and get into their cars and rush out?

Habits: We're military - We have an expectation on humanity as ah whole when we leave the uniform. A lot of people will NOT GET THAT. You're going to feel alone. You're going to be stressed, nervous, all of the above. What does that school do for you in those areas? What are they doing for veterans? And I mean besides earning the "Best for Vets" seal?

Something to chew on.

Response by SrA Bobby Lovelace made May 26 at 2014 9:47 PM

2014-05-26T21:47:50-04:00

the first thing you should consider is what do you want to do. then find a school that offers that. Yes location is key you don't want to comute for 2 or 3 hours each day just to get a degree.

Response by TSgt Scott C. Brammer made May 27 at 2014 5:04 AM

2014-05-27T05:04:15-04:00

How easy it will be to transfer the credits to another college if you can't finish at that school. Also, how willing they are to accept the credits that you have already accumulated from other institutions. Also, one suggestion for people to consider if they are active duty is to go to a college that has the shorter 10 week long classes rather than the traditional 18 week long ones. Remember, you are in the military and are subject to being deployed somewhere and it sucks when that happens and you are in the middle of a class and you have to drop it and retake it later.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made May 27 at 2014 10:22 AM

2014-05-27T10:22:45-04:00

Accreditation, and the ability to carry those credits to the next school, because if you're active duty, you WILL need that.
You might also consider an on-line school, there are some really good ones out there, even Dartmouth is on-line now, and after the first few classes, you don't have set class times to worry about, which, given the military, is a good thing since 24 hour duty really screws up a class schedule!

Response by Sgt Jarrod Tallman made May 27 at 2014 12:09 PM

2014-05-27T12:09:11-04:00

It is VERY important to note it does matter where you went to school. This comes in to affect when you graduate and are looking at getting a job. From my experience everyone was very patriotic when I was in school but employers wanted to know what I did afterwards. The funny thing is two of my former directors were former Marines and still was more interested in what I did after the Marines. Alumni networks and professors help you land your first job, and they generally have access to jobs that are not posted. I learned from experience that TCU was a great place to go to school, not so good for helping with employment afterwards. Texas A&M on the other hand, I have received job offers in class, through the Aggie network and through contacts in my classes! Just something else that everyone should be thinking about, in today’s market a undergraduate degree is just a degree, if it is not in the right major, right school and with the right Alumni/professor/network.

Response by 1LT Jeremy Ramsey made May 27 at 2014 2:36 PM

2014-05-27T14:36:29-04:00

I am glad to see that you are advancing your skills in education, but you must not take this step lightly. I am currently an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities and I can tell you first hand that the difference in quality in many schools is very obvious. Don't always rely on how the school is accredited, as there are many accrediting organizations out there who simply take money and hand out their accreditation. Also, be very cautious of the accelerated degree programs and the overkill of the online schools. It is my personal opinion that schools like University of Phoenix have absolutely turned the collegiate world in the wrong direction. Focus on the quality of the education and not just a "get a degree quick" idea. I personally think that you should focus on a college that promotes "hands-on" education. I have a doctorate degree and can honestly say that I learned more in my profession as an attorney than I ever did in the college world. I teach my classes with a real world feel and all professors should do the same. I would be happy to help you navigate the field if you need.

Response by Sgt Loren Petty made May 27 at 2014 9:37 PM

2014-05-27T21:37:51-04:00

Pick a field of interest that is so exciting to you that you would do the work for free, then go to the school that specializes in that field. And stay away from private diploma mills that are taking advantage of Vets to get government funds.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 10:25 PM

2014-05-27T22:25:55-04:00

i never knew what i wanted to be when i grew up and i still didn't when i retired from the air force. i had several credits from several colleges across the nation. some were accepted and some weren't. i had courses that were incomplete because i went tdy and didn't withdraw from them. therefore, my grade point average was in the tank. so i got serious about year and half before i retired. i took some military courses and applied for a community college of the air force degree. don't rule out your nco academy or the like courses. they are transferable as are most military courses. i transfered that to a local community college. i took what courses i needed to get an aa or as degree at that community college. then as a backup plan i got an airframe and powerplant license, my civilian equivalent job. when i retired i took transcripts to a four college and transfered everything i needed for a double major in finance and management degrees. it took me almost 30 years to graduate with a 3.85 average. a friend told me most employers that require a four year degree don't care what your degree is in they just care that you have a four year degree. i never used my four year degree for business or management employment. one other thing i did was to apply for military disability. i was found to be 40% disabiled so i qualified for voc rehab. what a deal. tuition, books, supplies, and a monthly monetary benifit was provided by va.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:34 AM

2015-08-25T01:34:47-04:00

It really depends on your major. A good VA office doesn't hurt either.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 2:51 AM

2015-08-25T02:51:11-04:00

It depends on if you're taking with education options to have a break from service.. Personally I take school while on active duty status, so my factors for choosing a school where accreditation, That they had to field of study that I was looking for, the ability to do online school, and the understanding of teachers for when I'm in the field or deployed. I think the baseline factor should be that they have the online ability, And that they have the proper field of study that you wish to pursue. I wish you luck in your academic studies and adventures if you have any further questions feel free to shoot me a message.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 16 at 2018 10:19 PM

2018-04-16T22:19:52-04:00

Elaborate if you can, OK? Major? Interests? Objectives? Assoc? Bach? Grad level? Senior enlisted eventually? Warrant? Commissioned? Flight? Clinical at all, in any field? Try to do a really detailed bio sketch, if you can, the more specifics you give, actual course titles, credits, grades, GPA, the more I and/or others here can suggest, OK? I can suggest numerous things if you'd want to here more, I take rather an interest in such things, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 16 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-04-16T22:21:07-04:00

http://www.excelsior.EDI

Youmcam trust them, very SVC friendly, formerly part of NYS govt, split off, privatized, I did a 2nd bach in !ath wptruntem, a friend did his bach in !ath, went Navy OCS using it, that I know for sure, OK?

www.excelsior.EDI

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 16 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-04-16T22:21:26-04:00

http://www.tesu.edu

They're in NJ....

College Degrees for Adults at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University provides opportunities for adults to earn a college degree. Explore our programs, online courses and flexible transfer credit policies today.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 16 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-04-16T22:21:50-04:00

http://www.charteroak.edu

They're in CT....

www.charteroak.edu

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Apr 13 at 2022 8:52 AM

2022-04-13T08:52:46-04:00

First and foremost, are you looking for a degree or are you seeking knowledge and development? It is sad to have to set that as a preface. I do not recommend CTU by knowledge at all. Major? Degree? If you can stop in at the JEC and find a hybrid class, that's what I recommend. In person mixed with online. If you are getting field time intermittently, it allows you a more fluid structure. If you are complete garrison, in person works better. East or West? Myriad of schools to recommend on both coasts.