March 10, 2017, by Kara Masterson – With thousands of veterans leaving the service every year, it is no surprise that they are an attractive demographic for colleges and universities. Given the fact that veterans are often excellent students, this is not at all surprising. Here are a few quick tips to help make sure that you make the most of your unique situation.
Stay Disciplined
One of the most important traits, and one that helped make sure that your time in the military was successful, is discipline. While you won’t have a DI shouting at you, it is important to remember that the first few weeks of student life are as much of a change as boot camp. Embrace the changes, but be sure to take on papers and studying for tests with plenty of discipline. That level of commitment will allow you to finish your degree faster and with less stress.
Avoid Scams
While there are plenty of legitimate options out there, there are a number of scams too. One thing that anyone contemplating starting a degree should want to do is check the accreditation of the school. Make sure to only look at places that have accreditation, and remember that regional accreditation is the best type. If a college is hesitant to discuss accreditation, take that as a massive red flag that they should be avoided.
Know Your Finances
As a veteran, there are a number of programs that exist to help you pay for your education. Many of these fall under the umbrella of the GI Bill, which can help significantly when it comes to paying for college. The bill not only can help pay for tuition and books but can even pay a monthly housing allowance and a relocation bonus. You can learn more about your eligibility, as well as the benefits of the bill, here: http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill/learn-to-use-your-gi-bill.html.
Study What You Love
Being passionate about a field will help make sure that you are successful in completing your degree. For example, many veterans develop a love of history, especially military history. As a result, one of the most popular degrees for veterans is an online Master’s degree in military history. Whatever you do, make sure that you are dedicated to your field of study. Just like service to country, some things have to be motivated by more than just money.
Going back to school after service can be a big change and a lot more work. However, it is definitely well worth it. All you have to do is set your mind to it and you can accomplish anything. Just follow these few tips and you will be able to have your degree in no time.