What advantages do I get applying to college with an active duty parent in the military (also a veteran from another branch)?
Depending on the state, you may be elible for in-state tuition at the public university
Your parent may be able to transfer their GI Bill benefits
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Did your veteran parent use the GI Bill?
I’m hoping someone here can comment on that.
In addition to the GI Bill, some states and schools offer application fee waivers and/or priority registration for classes for children of active military. Please thank your parent for their service!
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Yes, Utah automatically grants instate tuition to students from anywhere in the country with parents who are veterans or in the military. I expect there are other states that do the same.
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Do you know which states specifically offer this?
Any schools you know of specifically?
No, but I was looking more at if any colleges see it as a favorable thing/hook
No. The answer would be different if you were the veteran. And it could make an interesting essay. But simply being a military brat isn’t a hook.
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The UC schools all do this. I’m sure there are others. I don’t know of any schools that give an admissions boost.
It varies by state. And any 3rd party list may be out of date. But afaik, CA and NC, are not included.
As a Veteran who is married to a Veteran (Retired) with one child in college part time and another who is a rising senior getting ready to apply for schools:
I do not know of actual things that would help with the application process for a dependent child (but I will be watching this thread in case there is something I do not know about).
If using benefits to pay for school- there are many ways to get potential instate tuition rates at many public schools.
There are also exceptions for instate consideration if/when PCS’s occur at certain times during your high school education.
This will require a bit of looking into since many places have slightly different rules/needs to be meet.
As for an actual leg up over the competition- dependent children often have plenty to choose from when it comes to essays about overcoming hardships. But that is all that I can think of at this time.
Do the UC schools only give it to students currently stationed in the state? I’ve lived in CA previously, but currently am a resident in VA.
Thank you!
You’ll have to check with them and with every other school you’re interested in. I believe it was three years ago when my nephew was applying. Good luck to you!
No, it’s not a hook. A hook is something that, for the most part, can’t be “created”: URM-underrepresented minority, first generation, low-income, recruited athlete/Olympian, legacy, international celebrity status, child of billionaire donor, etc.
As you know, California has a huge population of active military. A number of their children have had at least 3-4 years of a California high school education leading to residency status. These kids get the full benefits of California residency.
If you are a nonresident, I believe that you get a break on tuition, but housing and fees could be an issue. However, each UC is different in how they fund their Veterans programs. You have to contact the VA office of each Uc that you plan to apply to. The more “popular” the UC, the more competitive it will be.
Parent military status is typically not considered a college admission “hook”, although (as noted above) it can have some implications regarding paying for college.
Some colleges do consider favorably if the student is in the military or is a veteran.
Penn State offers in-state tuition for the children of veterans and active duty military. Here’s my post about it: In-state tuition for OOS students at Penn State (dependents of veterans & active military)
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I think you should find the right schools for you and schools where you will qualify and could attend. That does include affordability so if having in state tuition helps you to afford, then great. At the same time, you are not in the military / don’t have the experience so why would a school take you for that?? Now, perhaps your parents military background or constant moving and adapting will make for a great essay and that will help you??
I have relatives who have been in Germany and now the Netherlands. I’m sure, if the kids when they grow up decide to write about their upbringing, it could be quite interesting.
Can’t agree more on this! If you were relocating frequently, you may have fodder for a very interesting essay.