Posted on Mar 21, 2015
A Couple Tips for Those Transitioning From Active Duty to Full Time Student
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Quick background so you know where I am coming from...
-Recently transitioned from active duty to reserves after 9 years of service
-Full time student who works on campus for Veterans under the Veterans Affairs
Quick background so you know where I am coming from...
-Recently transitioned from active duty to reserves after 9 years of service
-Full time student who works on campus for Veterans under the Veterans Affairs
The following are the things I find many Veterans not knowing or doing, and should
-If you are planning to go to school in a state that doesn’t match your residency or LES, you may have to pay out of state tuition fees. The GI Bill does not cover those fees and you may have to pay it out of pocket. Most schools require you to have residency for a period no less than a year, so you need to plan in advance; however, some states/cities/schools have waivers so call your school’s veteran’s representative.
-Apply for VA disability prior to separation to expedite the process for you’ll have priority.
-Convert to the post 9/11 GI Bill. Some may not want to do this because you may make more money sticking with the old GI Bill. The post 9/11 provides allowance for housing; however, depending on your zip code, your housing allowance may be lower than the amount you would be paid under the old GI Bill. You have to compare the costs of tuition and the moneys you receive from the GI Bill.
-Obtain a copy of your GI Bill Letter of Eligibility via eBennefits.va.gov and your DD-214, your school will ask for this to certify you for benefits.
-Contact your school’s veteran’s representative or their veteran’s resource center that you should hope they have. There should be a certifying official that will help you, or just do the paper work on your behalf to obtain your educational benefits.
-Apply to school in advance so you do not sit out an entire semester after you separate.
-Build a network of student veterans on campus. This will be easy if there is a veteran’s resource center where they all congregate to study or take breaks between classes. These student veterans will have the experience you lack, they will look out for you so ask questions and have them check your academic planning and decisions.
-Take advantage of priority registration, disability programs, veterans programs, tutoring.
-Use rate my professor and your fellow veterans in choosing your classes. It will be helpful to take a class with another veteran so you can help each other out. *STORY TIME LOL* There are two Marine Corps scout snipers at my school, both served in the same unit, deployed together, separated together, take the same classes together, study together, get straight A’s together, now transferring to USC together. Just like you wouldn’t go to combat alone, don’t tackle school alone, teaming up will increase your capabilities.
-Ask your school if they partner with the VA and their work/study program. You can get paid minimum wage tax free for working on campus helping other veterans. You would help a fellow brother out anyways, so why not get paid for it too!
-If you are an OEF/OIF veteran, you rate 5 years free health care through the VA, use it and stay healthy. Being sick at school will hurt you so stay on top of it!
-Anything less than being a full time student means you forfeit money. Go full time so you don’t lose out.
-If you’re at least 20% disabled, you also rate vocational rehabilitation. When used properly, it can provide the same benefits as GI BILL plus more. DO NOT USE ALL OF YOUR GI BILL prior to switching over to vocational rehabilitation. What many students do is use most of their GI Bill first and leave some of the 36 months unused, switch over to VocRehab and obtain a Masters Degreee and some even a Doctorates. Look into it, this requires planning.
-Lastly, stay affiliated with the military either in the active reserves or the inactive reserves. Keep your foot in the door because you never know how your transition will be. Many want to go back after they realize that the grass wasn’t greener for them. It’s easier to get back when you are still affiliated with the military.
I HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEBODY, FEEL FREE TO QUESTION ME!
-Recently transitioned from active duty to reserves after 9 years of service
-Full time student who works on campus for Veterans under the Veterans Affairs
Quick background so you know where I am coming from...
-Recently transitioned from active duty to reserves after 9 years of service
-Full time student who works on campus for Veterans under the Veterans Affairs
The following are the things I find many Veterans not knowing or doing, and should
-If you are planning to go to school in a state that doesn’t match your residency or LES, you may have to pay out of state tuition fees. The GI Bill does not cover those fees and you may have to pay it out of pocket. Most schools require you to have residency for a period no less than a year, so you need to plan in advance; however, some states/cities/schools have waivers so call your school’s veteran’s representative.
-Apply for VA disability prior to separation to expedite the process for you’ll have priority.
-Convert to the post 9/11 GI Bill. Some may not want to do this because you may make more money sticking with the old GI Bill. The post 9/11 provides allowance for housing; however, depending on your zip code, your housing allowance may be lower than the amount you would be paid under the old GI Bill. You have to compare the costs of tuition and the moneys you receive from the GI Bill.
-Obtain a copy of your GI Bill Letter of Eligibility via eBennefits.va.gov and your DD-214, your school will ask for this to certify you for benefits.
-Contact your school’s veteran’s representative or their veteran’s resource center that you should hope they have. There should be a certifying official that will help you, or just do the paper work on your behalf to obtain your educational benefits.
-Apply to school in advance so you do not sit out an entire semester after you separate.
-Build a network of student veterans on campus. This will be easy if there is a veteran’s resource center where they all congregate to study or take breaks between classes. These student veterans will have the experience you lack, they will look out for you so ask questions and have them check your academic planning and decisions.
-Take advantage of priority registration, disability programs, veterans programs, tutoring.
-Use rate my professor and your fellow veterans in choosing your classes. It will be helpful to take a class with another veteran so you can help each other out. *STORY TIME LOL* There are two Marine Corps scout snipers at my school, both served in the same unit, deployed together, separated together, take the same classes together, study together, get straight A’s together, now transferring to USC together. Just like you wouldn’t go to combat alone, don’t tackle school alone, teaming up will increase your capabilities.
-Ask your school if they partner with the VA and their work/study program. You can get paid minimum wage tax free for working on campus helping other veterans. You would help a fellow brother out anyways, so why not get paid for it too!
-If you are an OEF/OIF veteran, you rate 5 years free health care through the VA, use it and stay healthy. Being sick at school will hurt you so stay on top of it!
-Anything less than being a full time student means you forfeit money. Go full time so you don’t lose out.
-If you’re at least 20% disabled, you also rate vocational rehabilitation. When used properly, it can provide the same benefits as GI BILL plus more. DO NOT USE ALL OF YOUR GI BILL prior to switching over to vocational rehabilitation. What many students do is use most of their GI Bill first and leave some of the 36 months unused, switch over to VocRehab and obtain a Masters Degreee and some even a Doctorates. Look into it, this requires planning.
-Lastly, stay affiliated with the military either in the active reserves or the inactive reserves. Keep your foot in the door because you never know how your transition will be. Many want to go back after they realize that the grass wasn’t greener for them. It’s easier to get back when you are still affiliated with the military.
I HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEBODY, FEEL FREE TO QUESTION ME!
GI Bill
Schools
Benefits
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 4
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Some additional things to consider.
IF you are still in, use your TA to get as many elective credit completed as possible. Try to get your AA/AS/AAS because the degree will transfer and protect most/all your credits.
IF you are no longer in or getting out before being able to get an Associate degree, attend the local community college, have them do a credits evaluation for your service...which can be more than you might think...and get your Associate degree there and transfer to a four year program...if that is what you are seeking (Your four year degree will not have an * saying "But he spent half his time at a Community College pay half of what he would have here) IF you have the ACF or the VA will cover ALL your cost ignore the part about getting your Associate degree BUT you still might want to start the process of getting credit for your service...maybe even take a Summer course and then transfer all your credits. When you get to the four year institution, have them do an evaluation of your credits too...it is free and you never know.
IF you are attending college for a break and to do the partying all your friends did after High School and you have no interest in getting your degree, ignore everything I have said and I am very surprised you have read this far into the post. Have fun and the first round is on Staff Sergeant Fair.
IF you are still in, use your TA to get as many elective credit completed as possible. Try to get your AA/AS/AAS because the degree will transfer and protect most/all your credits.
IF you are no longer in or getting out before being able to get an Associate degree, attend the local community college, have them do a credits evaluation for your service...which can be more than you might think...and get your Associate degree there and transfer to a four year program...if that is what you are seeking (Your four year degree will not have an * saying "But he spent half his time at a Community College pay half of what he would have here) IF you have the ACF or the VA will cover ALL your cost ignore the part about getting your Associate degree BUT you still might want to start the process of getting credit for your service...maybe even take a Summer course and then transfer all your credits. When you get to the four year institution, have them do an evaluation of your credits too...it is free and you never know.
IF you are attending college for a break and to do the partying all your friends did after High School and you have no interest in getting your degree, ignore everything I have said and I am very surprised you have read this far into the post. Have fun and the first round is on Staff Sergeant Fair.
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Very helpful information, I am currently under vocational rehab and I used up my GI Bill in the 1990's, now I want to enter a new profession, and VOC rehab is just superb. I will graduate with a bachelors in human services in spring of 2015.
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Good tips. Got my undergrad while I was still on active duty. (OK it took 22 years) Retired. Got my Masters Degree under Voc Rehab. I agree with SSgt Fair - get with the other veterans at your school. Help each other out.
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