Asking the right questions

One part of getting the right information is knowing what questions to ask. People--like college counselors and professors--tend to assume you understand everything they're talking about. Stop them when they're talking and ask them to explain things. You'll feel stupid while you're doing it but at least you won't actually be stupid after you're done.

Coming up with the right questions is difficult even when after talking to some people in school. When you first start reading about college and the words just look like gibberish, don't worry. Remember what a civilian would feel like reading something with a bunch of military acronyms in it: they would think we're speaking another language. It just takes time.

So are there shortcuts? Can you learn from other veterans' experiences? Sure. The easiest way is to just ask other veterans, especially the guys going to the school you've chosen. Go to the Student Veterans of America website (located here) and find your school. From there just fill out the contact request form. They'll get back to you with a contact number and you can talk to them on the phone for a few minutes, maybe schedule an appointment to meet them face-to-face.

Another option is to work off the list below. Just pick the ones that apply to you:
Do you have a lot of student vets? How long does it take for them to get their GI Bill?
Are there support services (like tutoring, child care, or job placement) available? Are they free?
Do you offer credit for my military transcript or service? How much? Is it transferable if I want to attend another school?
What sorts of jobs will (insert major or interest) get me in this area? Do you have connections with these businesses?
How many years will it take before I'm finished if I do this program? How much will it cost?
What courses have other veterans taken that they really enjoyed? Do these fit in with my major/interest?

These are just a few to get you thinking about how school can benefit you. At the end of the day you are going to school to get a degree so you can get a job so you can earn a lot of money doing something interesting. Don't look cite of that; asking the right questions will let the people at the school know you're serious.