Have a military education exit strategy.

[vetvso]

I have been getting several private messages recently and wanted to share my ideas and opinions from an ex-military standpoint. I think others here can also add additional information that can help those leaving the military or are veterans.

Your still active duty and that does help. I don't know your MOS but let's assume you have some experience up to 4 years or more. Your JST transcript will be key and your benefits for the New GI Bill and Chap 31 Voc Rehab apply. 

I prefer military taking the following approach and in retrospect, this is what I did but not entirely. 

1. Save up your vacation to the max for your ETS.

2. Continue testing out on all CLEP/DSST credits while free.

3. Look for ETS program that allows you to stay on active duty but begin school 1 semester or more before your final paperwork.

4. I find TESU to be very good for ex-military. Start setting up your program ASAP and get all of your evaluated.

5. Ensure you capture all injuries before you finish ASAP and hit the doctor before it's too late. Everything must be recorded no matter what. This will impact your schooling later.

6. My preference is the Liberal Arts Degree since we can test out most of this quickly. 

7. If you go with TESU try to get the military to pay for one class now. With 16 credits you should not have to pay the $2500 fee.

8. Use the TESU military office and they will help you waive the fees.

9. You must submit on exit for a disability rating and see if you can qualify for VA Chap 31.

10. Start planning your Master's specialty now, and consider schools, and programs. I'm leaning to Rutgers myself because they have a good online masters program and would have to consider TESU since they are both state New Jersey schools.

11. You also might want to consider an additional BA or BS if you still have undergrad funding from VA ED benefits.

12. Use your vacation time to test out on everything you can. Take every test possible before you exit. Free is good and you can still submit for reimbursement to VA later but it's a hassle.

13. Apply for your FAFSA Student Aid and try to get your Pell Grant each and every year. As your income goes down you should qualify for more.

14. Apply for all of your school's scholarships and grants even if you get chap 31. This will help establish you in the system for graduate school later.

15. Start Planning for Grad school now, and learn what the requirements will be.