Quick Tips for Attending College As a Veteran

The change from being in active military service to joining an undergraduate degree program can be one of the toughest phases in a veteran's life. Though a complex transition, certain tips, resources, and benefits can help mitigate such a culture shock, as well as boost the chances of higher education success for all active-duty members. Learn more about what Tulane SoPA recommends for veterans making the switch to university life.

Attending College As a Veteran

A common misconception regarding higher education learning involves the belief that joining an undergraduate degree program after military service is an unattainable goal. One main factor behind such a doubt is that many veterans think that school is vastly different from what they have been engaging in during service. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Though the nature of active duty and university learning may differ in what they entail, veterans who enroll in an undergraduate degree program can apply the disciplinary skills obtained in the military towards earning a higher education.

Whether you're seeking to further your career in the armed forces or take on a new career path, pursuing college as a veteran also comes with a variety of perks. Some of the most notable benefits of enrolling in a degree program include:

• Higher wages in your career
• Boosted employee marketability
• Increased economic stability
• Enhanced job satisfaction

Research Benefits for Veteran Students

Aside from career development, veterans enrolling in higher education learning also have access to a range of benefits that can help offset the costs of studying. One resource, the GI Bill^®, acts as a support system that helps veteran students pay for college, graduate school, and other training programs. This educational assistance program can shoulder some–or even all–costs associated with your studies, so long as you have served on active duty for at least 90 days following September 10, 2001.

Resources specifically for veteran students

Though finding your place in the classroom after active duty can be a culture shock, resources exist for veterans of all backgrounds to acclimate to the nature of educational learning and university life.

Warrior-Scholar Project

The Warrior-Scholar Project helps veterans succeed in the transition from active service to a higher learning environment. It has served over 1,700 veterans in top colleges and universities across the United States and aided these newfound degree-seekers in college-prep academic boot camps spanning one to two weeks. Warrior-scholars enrolled in these programs can acquire the necessary skills needed to succeed in university through one-on-one tutoring, workshops and research projects, faculty lectures, and more.

Service to School

Service to School (S2S) is a bridge that helps veterans find the right college and get personalized support in your path to higher education. This non-profit connects service members and military veterans with mentors who work to ensure that veterans are admitted to top universities throughout the United States. Easing the admission process, veterans enrolled in the S2S program receive guidance in the following preparatory areas:

• Test preparation
• Resume and transcript reviews
• University application and essay help
• Interview preparation
• Networking guidance

Meet With Your Academic Advisor Often

When enrolling in your new university, you'll likely be paired with an academic advisor whose main role is to help you identify the best paths to take in your new degree program. As a veteran joining college, regularly speaking with your academic advisor during your adjustment period will provide you with the following benefits:

• Help you set goals for your degree
• Connect you with a financial aid advisor
• Assist with determining which credits from the military may transfer into college credits
• Help you enroll in courses that will fulfill your degree requirements

Think About Online Learning

As a veteran, you may have a full plate with family, work, and other life-related obligations, making traveling to campus for your scheduled classes difficult. Luckily, the internet has made it easier to jumpstart your career from the comfort of your home. Choosing a university or degree program offered online can make obtaining your degree attainable while still attending to life's many responsibilities. At Tulane SoPA, we offer a number of online and hybrid degree options that work with your schedule and let you learn on your own time.

Seek Out On-campus Veteran Groups

Colleges that have a significant enrollment of veterans are likely to have veteran support groups and programs that help unconventional students address any possible academic challenges that may be encountered along the way. Such communities can serve as a means for veterans to meet other students with similar educational goals and military backgrounds. As a veteran, joining an on-campus support group for like-minded students can not only help you get acquainted with your new university, but it can also mitigate the separation that comes along while transitioning from active service to a civilian lifestyle.

Veteran Student Resources at Tulane SoPA

A destination for veterans looking to enhance their educational background, Tulane SoPA offers numerous veteran student resources that can help you fulfill your professional ambitions. As a central space for students with a background in the armed forces, the Tulane Student Veterans of America (Tulane SVA) chapter allows veterans to find a sense of belonging on campus while pursuing their academic studies. Open to all students, Tulane SVA encourages its members to engage in a way that fosters the growth of life-long relationships through open discussions of shared experiences with fellow veterans.

In addition to providing veteran communities, Tulane SoPA also welcomes its students serving in the armed forces with educational benefits, federal loans, and diverse options for financial aid assistance. To learn more about how Tulane SoPA values its veteran students, request more information online.

FAQs

Do you get college credit for serving in the military?

Active duty members and veterans are eligible to receive college credits for their time spent in the service. These credits can be accessed through a military credit transfer which is made available by most universities and colleges.

Can active duty service members enroll in college?

While many people believe the myth that you can't pursue both college and the military at once, most universities offer flexible options to gain higher education while serving your country.

Do veterans have to take the SAT/ACT for college?

The decision on SAT/ACT test requirements for veterans depends on the institution you choose. However, most colleges and institutions do not require these scores when admitting veterans.

Do veterans get into college for free?

Attending college for free as a veteran depends on your state of residence. To determine whether you'll receive free tuition as a veteran, you'll want to familiarize yourself with your state's laws.

Do veterans get into college easier?

Though being a veteran can certainly make you stand out as a university applicant, it doesn't always mean you'll have it easier when being accepted into a degree program. To boost your chances of acceptance, it's best to research schools that have high considerations for active military members and veterans.

Pursue Your Higher Education at Tulane SoPA

Tulane SoPA remains committed to educating, serving, and advocating for our students with military backgrounds. With a number of resources to help veterans adjust to academia, you can pursue your higher education with programs that are convenient for your timeline and unique career goals. Start your application now to learn more about all that Tulane SoPA has to offer our veteran students.