Veterans’ Keys to Success
To achieve success in your educational journey, it is crucial to reflect on several key questions:
- Why do you want to pursue a college degree?
- What career or job title do you aspire to attain after graduation?
- Which degree will best prepare you for that career?
- Will you need a graduate degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, to remain competitive in your chosen field?
- Where do you intend to live after graduation?
- Are there job opportunities in your chosen field in the area where you plan to reside?
- What is the projected job demand in your industry over the next five, 10, or 20 years?
- Is this a career that you will find fulfilling and enjoyable?
Once you have answered these questions, you are ready to embark on your educational journey. Here are some tips to help ensure your success:
- Set Goals: Establish both short-term and long-term goals. Reflecting on your personal and professional objectives before enrolling will help you align your degree program with your aspirations and achieve your goals.
- Understand Your Benefits: The Post-9/11 GI Bill® can help fund your education. To maximize these benefits, take the following steps:
- Review your Certificate of Eligibility, which outlines the educational benefits you are entitled to.
- Choose your degree program carefully to avoid unnecessary changes that could deplete your benefits.
- Register for, attend, and successfully complete your classes. Withdrawing from courses can result in the loss of valuable eligibility time, even if it does not affect your GPA.
- Seek assistance as needed. Polk State College offers various support resources to help students succeed.
- Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to explore additional federal and state financial aid options beyond your GI benefits. Note that grants and scholarships are beneficial as they do not require repayment, while loans do.
- Consult with an Academic Advisor: Upon admission to Polk State College, you will be assigned an academic advisor. This advisor will assist you in mapping out your degree plan, selecting courses that meet degree requirements, and achieving your educational objectives.
- Approach Your Education Professionally: Treat your education with the same seriousness as a job. Create a schedule and allocate dedicated time to complete your coursework. Effective time management is crucial, especially if you are balancing family, work, and school responsibilities. While it may be challenging, it is achievable with dedication and organization.
