I start college in January. I got out of active duty and switched over to the reserves. Does anyone have any advice/tips?

2015-09-14T13:20:39-04:00

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 14 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-09-14T13:22:40-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I would use your GI Bill, if you have it, sign up for grants and see what the reserves in your state offer.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 14 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-09-14T13:26:30-04:00

Go into it with the idea of being a sponge. Learn all that you can and be open minded. Also, I found that most college students and professors that I ran across were never in the military and had no idea what it was all about. I found that the veterans tended to gravitate towards one another and proved to be an invaluable source of support even if it was informally. My final piece of advice is to stay the course. It will get hard, and chances are you will question why you are there at least once. Just remember that the degree is worth it in the end.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 14 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-09-14T13:33:49-04:00

1) Take advantage of CLEP/DANTES as they are cheaper per credit hour than normal college.

2) Check your JST for existing credits so you don't have to repeat anything.

3) Use the Reserve "kicker" if you are able (if it still exists).

4) Scholarships, grants, etc. Research is your friend.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-09-14T13:40:24-04:00

Rely on your discipline to keep up with your class material. You will see fellow students that are in school to party and have a good time. Many of these students will not complete their degree program. You are there to obtain a degree. stay focused!

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 14 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-09-14T13:51:16-04:00

You should do well in College after being on active duty in the military. College requires a lot of hard work, discipline and all nighters studying until dawn prior to exams which the military has prepared you for. But don't make the mistake I made by working too many hours at a part time job or getting too caught up in all the social life because that could cut down on your study time in the library ..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-09-14T16:01:05-04:00

Make sure that You request your transcripts from JST and have them sent to the school you are going to attend. If you are using your GI Bill please learn the difference between VEAP, REAP, post 911 (if you qualify) and the Montgomery. You can ultimately extend your benefits if you use VEAP first and then the GI bill. Talk with the school and find out what and how they will accommodate you of you are unable to attend class, if you have to attend BA or ECT. (My school video records the lectures and extends my due date). Use TA if you qualify, but make a goarmyed account sooner than later and submit everything you get related to your schedule and cost.
This is just the beginning because if you qualify for loan repayment, than you can also use the Stafford loans, but you are required to make some payments. I myself am still learning about this.