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The best college advice comes from people who have been there, done that. Take advantage of what they know by reading about their real-life experiences. These students know what they're talking about!
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Military & Veterans
Dear Returning Veteran,
Veterans returning home from active combat know they will encounter a significant number of challenges. Although the potential danger many of them have faced on a daily basis has now disappeared, for those I have had the honor to meet and advise, the uncertainty that lies ahead - readjusting to civilian life, learning to reestablish ties with family and friends, choosing a civilian career and seeking employment - can be pretty scary as well.
I tell everyone I counsel that the Post 9/11 GI Bill was designed to take a lot of anxiety out of that transition. The funding available to each veteran who has served on active duty provides a break - up to 36 months of housing allowance, tuition and books - to explore options, new interests, train for a change in career direction, enhance skills in a pre-deployment profession, do some serious thinking or just go off on an intellectual adventure. The American people wanted to give each veteran this opportunity. It is the smallest gift we could offer in return for the service they have given us.
I rarely meet veterans who are not extremely intrigued by the possibility of a college degree. For many, the cost had always been the greatest obstacle. Others lacked the focus and motivation, "I did well in classes that interested me" or "I always managed to pass the tests, I just did not want to do the homework" or "I wanted to do something exciting, to be a part of something important and high school sure wasn't the place I could find that."
Now, thanks to the GI Bill, cost no longer stands in the way. The military has trained service members to focus, organize, and execute as no school could have, and college students get to choose their field of study. Even more important, veterans bring what was exciting and important back with them into the academic communities they join. What they have seen and accomplished in their military careers makes them valuable assets to colleges - inspiring leaders both in and outside the classroom.
BUT, veterans ask me, did I wait too long? Can I remember my math and English? How can I compete with kids who didn't take this post-high school "break" of three, six, ten years? That's when I tell them the good news that my time as an advisor to veterans has taught me your skills are still there. They could probably use a little refreshing but with a few weeks of tutoring and brushing up on these skills, you will be more academically capable than you ever could have been straight out of high school and competition with 18- year-olds will not be a concern.
The first thing I discuss with potential college applicants is location. There are interesting colleges and universities near almost any spot the veteran hopes to settle. Very frequently, I find a veteran has always dreamed of attending a particular school and I never discourage any dream. If the chosen school requires an academic record or standardized test scores the veteran lacks, then a year or two at a nearby community college can both provide that record and prepare the veteran for transition to the four-year school. Many colleges no longer require an SAT or ACT score, and there are adult or continuing education programs at most universities that offer non-traditional entrance doors and permit veterans to demonstrate their capabilities as they go. The most important thing I want veterans to know is: it is not true that college is for "other" people. There is a college or university out there with a spot just for you and you will not only succeed, you will excel. This I know from experience.
When I inform those I counsel that the first thing I want them to do is write a college essay, the response is rarely enthusiasm. The fact is, however, I could publish a book of the most extraordinary essays written by the veterans I have advised. You see, unlike the typical high school applicant, veterans have a story to tell – an important account of trials and accomplishments. That is what the admissions office wants to hear. 1) why did you choose the military instead of college 2) how have you been strengthened and molded by your experience in the service 3) why are you now ready and anxious to take education seriously 4) where do you hope education will lead you? Though some applications describe essays as "optional" – I would never permit an application from a veteran to be submitted without one. An application should highlight the greatest assets of the applicant. A veteran's story, what he or she has experienced, overcome, conquered, is a story no new high school graduate can match.
Letters of recommendation, also often listed as "optional" additions to an application, are equally essential. I tell the veterans, a letter from someone who knows and respects you is usually far stronger than one from someone famous or celebrated who really does not know you personally at all. Most high school students request letters from teachers and if a veteran can contact an old teacher from one of those classes he or she really enjoyed, then that is one excellent possibility. I suggest the veteran send a note or email with some background information to help teachers remember few facts they may have forgotten. A second letter from a commander, a supervisor or battle buddy is always a good choice. A chaplain, pastor or employer might also write a valuable recommendation.
What remains to be gathered are official transcripts from each school the veteran has attended, a military transcript, a completed application form (usually online), and a Post 9/11 GI Bill application (on the VA website FORM 22-1990). I always make sure the veteran has established contact with someone in the admissions office, one who handles military applicants is my first choice.
This process may seem overwhelming at first, but, if you take it step-by-step, you will soon realize you have all the necessary pieces to submit your application and gain acceptance at an institution of higher education. While in the military, you have demonstrated your drive, discipline, perseverance, and ability to successfully overcome obstacles you never thought you would face. Use these skills to accomplish your academic goals, setting yourself up for continued success as you pursue your military or civilian
Sincerely,
Heather Bernard
Your College Advisor
Mentors
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