Welcome to the Getting Started page for Students!
This Student Roadmap can provide you with a wealth of information about the post-secondary
education process for military Servicemembers and their families. You can navigate
through this roadmap by clicking on the names in the menu to the left or the roadmap symbols
above that correspond to your need. If you are new to the post-secondary educational
process please begin at the Education Center page (next) and follow our recommended route
along the roadmap to get an overview of the process, who you need to talk to and what to look for.
The following pages contain important information regarding the highlighted topics, but
always remember that your best source of information will be the Educational Counselors
that you will be working with throughout your journey at your local installation.
If you can't find it here and just need some help, you can also call the Compass Help
Desk at 877-91COMPASS (or 877-912-6672). We'll do our best to answer your question or
put you in touch with someone who can.
Here is a brief introduction to the topics that we cover in this roadmap to help you find
your certificate or degree, an institution to attend and how to pay for it:
- Getting Started - The first stop on your trip. This page is a good
place to gather information about the roadmap and the topics you'll encounter along
the way.
The first thing you will need to do is set a goal. Make sure it is your goal,
not someone else's. If you are not sure what you want to study, what degree level to go after,
or what goal to set then you should contact your Education Center.
If you can't get to a counselor, there are several free tools available to you that could help you explore careers and develop goals. One
such tool is called "DISCOVER" by ACT. DISCOVER is a
comprehensive career planning program that combines the power of their research-based
developmental guidance model with the convenience of multiple delivery options.
It is available at www.act.org/discover.
You may be able to obtain an account through your Education Center or Transition Assistance Office.
Check with them to find out. If not, ACT offers a 30-day free trial on their website that can get you started.
DISCOVER will help you match your skills and interests to applicable degrees and careers.
- Education Centers - Visit this page to obtain information
about counselors for your branch of service. This page has links to the Education Center
pages for all branches of service and allows you to find out how to contact a counselor
in your area. You should contact them early in this adventure, because they will be assisting
you along your entire journey. They are a great resource, .... use them! Don't try to do
this on your own.
- College 101 - An introduction to College... from a
Marine's perspective. Although the slide show is a specific requirement for the Marine
Corps, it has a lot of useful information in it if you are just beginning the process
of going to school for post-secondary education or a vocational program. If you are a
Marine, you have to take this before you can sign up for a class using Tuition Assistance
(TA).
- How to Pay for College - You've talked to the Education Center and
you're ready to get signed up for classes. Have you thought about how you are going to pay
for it? Do you have all of the information you need? This page has resources that you need
that are related to paying for College. The four most common methods are: Tution Assistance (TA);
GI Bill; Scholarships; and, Federal Student Aid. Visit this page to find out more about your options.
- Military Tuition Assistance - This page has information
regarding Tuition Assistance for all Servicemembers, payment limits, who is eligible, and links to service specific
websites or portals.
- Choosing Your School! - Utilize the powerful features
of the Academic Explorer (AeX) and find the perfect match for your educational needs.
- What is Next? - "Okay, I've selected a school... NOW
WHAT?" The resources in this section can prepare you for contacting and enrolling
at your institution.
Enjoy your visit and thank you for taking the first steps
on your educational adventure with AeX!