How does college work with my job training?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 14:58:47 -0400

I just got enlisted a few weeks ago into the National Guard as a 68w. I want to college, but I will have my job training for 18 weeks after I graduate from boot camp, so it should start in september. My question is..should I apply for the spring semester of 2019 instead of fall 2018? And what if I already applied to the fall semester of 2018? I am currently a senior in high school.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 3:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 15:10:14 -0400

Applying to the Spring Semester will be your best option. If your 68W training begins in September, you will completely miss the start of the Fall Semester as you won't be released from 68W training to start that Fall Semester. If you are already registered, you will need to cancel those registrations for reasons I just stated.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 3:46 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 15:46:38 -0400

I would go with the spring semester. I actually had a similar situation when I went through basic and AIT. I ended up graduating a month later than I originally planned due to circumstances outside of mu control. In retrospect I think it worked out for the better since it allowed my to unwind bit before starting college.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 5:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:42:34 -0400

PVT Private RallyPoint Member I will mirror what CPT Private RallyPoint Member said. Plan on the spring semester. Check w/ your unit as they might work with you on college, but DEFINITELY don't assume you can go to college & AIT this fall.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Nov 1 at 2017 6:26 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 18:26:35 -0400

If you have already applied and wind up getting accepted, I would ask about deferring enrollment by one semester. Most schools allow that, even at the graduate level. That would prevent you from having to reapply, and you can start after your training is complete.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Nov 1 at 2017 6:33 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 18:33:07 -0400

I would apply for Spring Semester and the very best of luck to you in your new future with the National Guard. Keep us all posted as to your progress and once again Good Luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2017 12:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 00:01:16 -0400

I would go with Spring, you will want to settle a bit before getting back into things. You're going to look at things differently, do things differently and sometimes not even realize it. At first I thought I would enjoy being away from the Army for a little while and... I didn't. It took time to get used to it. Take the time to relax and get yourself into your new role. Guard is different then Active, though we still have the same standards so don't stop doing PT.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2017 12:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 00:07:53 -0400

If I read your post correctly, you are starting an 18 week AIT in September. By my math, that puts you graduating in time for Spring semester in jeopardy as well, if you account for Christmas Exodus. When would Spring Semester start?
I figure you'd be done and home around 1 February.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Bean made Nov 2 at 2017 8:43 AM

LCpl Kenneth Bean — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 08:43:44 -0400

All of the previous comments are correct. I applied at the University of Richmond here in VA back during the summer but didn't plan on starting until the spring due to prior commitments. Just talk to your academic advisor and be COMPLETELY open with them about your military commitments. Remember that as well when you start classes. Faculty will usually be flexible with students that have mandatory drills. I would share any commitments that you know of as close to the start of the semester or as soon as you know about them. 1SG Healy is also on to something, see what your college's policy is on military education/service for college credits.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2017 9:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 09:35:41 -0400

I guess it would depend on you and what you want to do, I actually was enrolled for a year, took the fall semester off, Basic started Aug 11th and AIT ended Dec 10th then went back that spring. Of course this was back in 92, a stones age from today.