College is not for everyone and the value for some veterans to learn a trade. However, some careers require a college degree. It’s important to figure out the right approach for you before you jump into it.
10 Strategies for Veteran Success in College
College is not easy for many veterans but using these 10 strategies can make it manageable.
1. Leverage Military Experience
As a result of your military experience, you have some unique soft skills that those coming in right from high school do not have. Discipline, leadership, and the ability to adapt to high-pressure situations are all crucial in academia.
- Use the self-discipline honed during your service to manage your coursework effectively. Develop a daily or weekly routine that mirrors the military structure you’re used to.
- Lead by example in group projects. Your ability to work in a team, solve problems, and manage resources is valuable in a collaborative academic setting.
- Because college can be unpredictable, rely on your military experience to adapt to new environments and challenges with ease.
2. Use Your GI Bill Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill and other education benefits for veterans are powerful perks from your military service. Using them wisely can cover most, if not all, of your tuition and related expenses.
- Make sure you fully understand what is covered under your Post 9/11 GI Bill, including tuition, housing allowances, and stipends for books and supplies.
- Regularly check in with your school’s Veterans Certification Official to ensure your benefits are applied correctly and on time. They are your connection to the Veterans Affairs Office for all things related to your GI Bill.
3. Seek Support Services
Many colleges have dedicated resources specifically for veterans to help ease the transition from military life to student life.
- Veterans Resource Centers can help you navigate the academic system, access tutoring services, and provide a place where you can connect with fellow veterans.
- If you find the transition challenging, don’t hesitate to access counseling services. Veterans often face unique emotional or psychological challenges and seeking support can make a significant difference.
4. Connect with Other Veterans
Veteran student organizations provide a community where you can connect with people who share similar experiences and challenges, and talk the same language as you. Many times, students without military service might not understand what you have been through whereas fellow veterans can relate to and may even have experienced the same or similar situations.
- Surrounding yourself with others who understand military life can reduce feelings of isolation. You can share strategies for success and create study groups with other veteran students.
- Look for veteran-specific groups or extracurricular activities on campus. These organizations often provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and advocacy for veteran-specific needs.
5. Develop a Study Routine
The structured nature of military life can translate well into academic success if you create a solid routine.
- Allocate specific time for classes, studying, and assignments each day, and stick to it. You’re used to schedules, so create one that balances school, work, and personal life.
- Large academic projects can be daunting. Break them into smaller tasks, set deadlines for each part, and tackle them one step at a time.
6. Build Relationships with Faculty
Establishing a good rapport with your professors is vital for both academic success and future networking.
- Take advantage of office hours to ask questions about assignments, clarify lecture materials, or seek advice on career paths.
- Introduce yourself early on, especially if you think you might need extra help. Building a relationship with your professors shows initiative and can help when you need guidance or letters of recommendation.
7. Prioritize Self-Care
It’s easy to burn out when balancing academics, personal life, and transitioning from military service.
- Colleges typically have resources like mental health counseling and stress management workshops. Take care of your mental well-being, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Stay active through recreational activities, fitness centers, or intramural sports. Physical activity can reduce stress and improve focus.
- Keep your workload in check by managing your time effectively. Taking breaks and making time for hobbies, your family or relaxation is crucial for maintaining your overall well-being.
8. Translate Military Skills to Civilian Language
When working on assignments, participating in discussions, or seeking internships and jobs, you need to frame your military experience in ways that resonate with civilian audiences – in ways they can understand.
- Skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership are universal. Define your military roles in terms of these skills when explaining your experience in academic or civilian contexts. Avoid using military jargon when interacting with non-military students (or at least explain what the term means).
- If you had a specialized role in the military, find ways to relate that to your coursework or field of study. This can help you stand out in class projects and internships. Again, avoid military jargon as others may not understand what you mean.
9. Utilize Academic Resources
Don’t hesitate to use all the academic resources your school offers. Many veterans are older and may not have been in a school environment for some time.
- If you’re struggling with certain subjects, seek out tutoring services. Many schools offer free or low-cost tutoring for subjects like math, science, and writing.
- Writing centers can help you improve your academic writing, while study skills workshops can help with note-taking, test preparation, and time management.
- Some schools offer tutoring tailored to veterans, who may need extra help adjusting to academic life after years away from school.
10. Plan for the Future
While focusing on your coursework, keep an eye on how your degree fits into your long-term goals.
- Take advantage of your school’s career services, including resume building, interview prep, and job fairs. Many colleges have job placement services specifically tailored to veterans.
- Seek out internships or networking opportunities early. Building connections in your desired field before you graduate can give you a leg up when it’s time to transition into the workforce.
- Regularly assess your academic progress and career aspirations. Adjust your course load or extracurriculars based on your evolving goals. Because your GI Bill education benefits are limited, avoid wasting them by picking a degree major early on and sticking with it.
If used correctly, these ten strategies can help ensure that your transition to college is not only smooth but also sets you up for long-term academic and professional success. Use to your advantage when the military taught you. That experience and training will take you far while in college and beyond.
