Hi all,

I came across this page online after doing some research for school in the future. Without disclosing too much information that wouldn't be already obvious, I'm in the military and trying to plan ahead for when I get out. I have a bunch of questions about the process. What should my timeline look like? How close to the end of my active duty time should I start applying? I've read up a good degree about the application process itself but I am a bit confused on GI benefits. I've read it covers up to $24,000 a year with the Yellow Ribbon covering another chunk of it and the rest being out of pocket. I've read also about housing allowance, does this count if you do not live on campus? I have a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations but I'm interested in the Master of Public Administration program. Would I be able to apply for that or would I have to stick with the Master of International Affairs program? What sorts of things do they look for in a veteran applying for a graduate program, or is it equal across the board? If anyone has a similar experience and would be willing to share it would be appreciated.

I’m thinking of applying to post bacc program for poli-sci. I’d love to take the trip from Brooklyn to see the campus and speak with a campus veteran. Any recommendations?

Hello everyone, I joined the Army a year after HS in hopes of obtaining a citizenship through the MAVNI program. My contract ends in 16 months, and I’ve been exploring my options of what to do after the Army. I’m from Fort Lee, NJ, right across the GWB. I had a 3.6 GPA in HS, and a 27 ACT score. I attended a community college for a semester before the Army, and have been taking online classes ever since I was eligible for TA. I have a 3.85-3.9 as of now. Columbia has also been a distant dream since HS. However, after reading stories from veterans, I feel like it wouldn’t hurt to take my chances. I want to know more about the application process, and some of the experiences veterans went through while at ColombiaU. Thank you!

Hello everyone so I have just been accepted for Fall 2019 semester at GS and I am trying to figure some things out before I start with the admissions process.

1.) I currently have 20 months left of my Post 9/11 GI Bill and I am hoping to transfer 60 credits over to GS and I was wondering if this common or if this is enough GI Bill to cover my time here. Then is it true GS does not accept online classes for transfer credit?

2.) Will be able to speak to an adviser and know how many credits transfer over before I make my decision and pay the $500 Acceptance Reply?

3.) Besides the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon, and FASFA what other scholarships and grants are available for vets?

4.) Then has anyone been told that their BAH allowance doesn't count as income when they try to find an apartment because I have heard of that and that NYC has passed some law that requires landlords to accept that as income. Also when trying to find shared apartments does this problem usually arise too?

My back up plan is to go to ASU (Arizona State University) and they already have accepted my transfer credits however I know Columbia and NYC is THE place to continue my degree in Political Science. Any type of tip or information helps thank you!

Hey ladies and gents. Finally made a Reddit account just to post this. I am a Navy vet and was recently accepted to Columbia GS for Fall 2019. I'd like to do my due diligence before I sign the dotted line (fool me once; JK). I'm mostly concerned with the financial viability of a veteran going to an expensive school in an expensive city and would like to hear from current/recent GS student veterans.

To give some background, I'm a single male with 100% of untouched GI bill benefits and no history of using grants/scholarships hoping to pursue an Economics degree.

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1.) Tuition and fees: The GI Bill calculator states an out of pocket cost of $ 34,403 (I don't know if that's specifically GS). According to the GS website, Yellow Ribbon takes off another $20,000 from the bill. I imagine grants will cover some portion of the remaining $14,403, however that's a still a daunting amount and that's just tuition cost. For those in my specific position (single 100% GI bill x 36), is that a realistic annual out of pocket cost or are there other opportunities that will lower that cost to zero?

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Also, how has the subject of this article affected veterans so far? Is it as impactful as the article suggests?https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2018/11/15/columbia-ends-decade-old-debt-exemption-policy-for-gs-student-veterans-threatening-registration/

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2.) Hidden/extra educational costs: What other costs, on top of tuition fees, should I consider. Textbooks? Parking fees? Any extra cost I should consider would be helpful :).

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3.) House and living expenses: GI bill calculator states BAH of $3,669. Would that cover housing and living expenses? What's the best way to maximize that money without living that barracks life all over again?

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I'm honestly conflicted with going. I didn't think I'd be accepted considering I'm five years removed from formal education. I planned on going to a bigger state school (rhymes with Dairyland) and attempt transfer to prestigious schools after a year of collegiate experience with the hopes of doing well enough to have 100% of tuition paid for without dipping into my GI bill.

I have concerns with the transition and work load. I appreciate how passionate you are with the school, but is it a realistic transition or is my plan to go to a less rigorous school for a year and transfer the smarter move?

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I'm probably leaving a lot out, but any advice is welcomed. Thank you for your time!

Hey guys,

I'm a USAF vet looking to transfer to GS from community college. I'm looking for any tips or guidance on the application process, especially the essay. Any kind of help would be appreciated.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/studentveteranengagementsurvey

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Fellow Veterans,

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Please take the survey. Working to complete field research for an Education degree with a Veterans Services specialization. Contact me with any questions mbichrest@rivier.edu.

Thanks,

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Mike

Rising senior seeks motivated training partner for conditioning swims at dodge gym and runs in riverside park. Prefer shirtless runs with ranger silkies. Aspiring to exceed pararescue grad standards. Post workout fuel sesh at Mel's.

No matter what stage of the process you are at, free to post any questions you want answered by current student veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service to full-time studies.

Edit: grammar