<p>If that is the case - THE WAY I UNDERSTAND IT IS - (Note the disclaimer)
the most expensive public school is $10776. The GI Bill will pay your tuition up to this amount for any school in NJ if you go to school in NJ. </p>
<p>I think you need to talk to someone in the VA. Schools are actively seeking Veterans - many schools are very knowledgeable and have all the correct information.</p>
<p>I suggest doing some soul searching - figure out how you want to make a living. Set some career goals. I could be wrong but from your other posts you don't sound like someone who would be happy going to school just for the sake of going to school. </p>
<p>Would you be interested in working for the Government? FBI, CIA, State dept? Those careers would be viable to an Army veteran who majors in international relations, psychology, etc.....</p>
<p>You can do it, Nick. I got a lot more out of graduate classes I took as an adult than undergrad classes I took right after high school because: 1) I had more life experience, which helped me to see how what I was studying was relevant, applicable, and useful; and 2) I was married so the "social life" wasn't as big of a distraction as it was when I was younger. These are some of the same things that are going to help you succeed at school now.</p>
<p>Take a lower level or remedial math class at a CC if you need to, along with a writing class. Take your time, improve your skills (and your confidence) and do well in the classes. Then apply to the school you want, pointing out your success in these two classes and your growth over your four years in the service.</p>
<p>So I guess I better pick where I want to go, try to become a resident, and then go to school. I don't want to go to school in New Jersey.</p>
<p>I thought about working for the government, but I am not so sure in what area. I could easily see myself doing something at any one of those agencies, but if I were to do something like that, it wouldn't be planned. I certainly want to do something on a big level, and the government offers that. After being in the Army(Infantry), and being a part of something so big and powerful, while having a direct, active role in what is really going on in the world, it is a little disappointing not being a part of that anymore.</p>
<p>Of course, finding a degree that would work well for those occupations is something that needs to be thought about carefully.</p>
<p>But, I think I will get a lot more out of classes now. I know a lot. The Army and going to Iraq, in addition to all my traveling, has given me quite a lot of experience, and I have perspectives now that are are quite unique.</p>
<p>I would love to think everything happened for a reason, but whenever I think that, something pops up and washes the idea down the drain.</p>
<p>JustAMonOf4, you seem to know a lot about the GI Bill and military. What's your connection?</p>
<p>Nick, you asked how familiar I am with Cleveland State. Medium familiar.
I have been to meetings there, so I know the campus a bit.</p>
<p>I know people who teach at Cleveland State and two students who go to Cleveland State and love it (and they were not particularly expecting to love it). It is in downtown Cleveland. They recently added more housing, but it really has more of a commuter culture, not full of 18-20 year olds who live in dorms. Which is better for you, I think. The school and its services are set up to work well for people who go home to their own homes and apartments at night.</p>
<p>Cleveland State's vet support program SERV was described in an article in the NY Times last Sunday and there was a segment about it on NPR - you should be able to listen to it on NPR.com</p>
<p>I am a professional transfer student. Well, not quite but moving along with my Marine husband every few years means I've "gone back" to college many times. I'm nearly done!</p>
<p>My best suggestion is to kill two birds with one stone by taking a community college class if at all possible. Going back to college is an adjustment. Not jumping back into a full course load will help you develop good school habits. Also, even just one great grade that is current will impress upon colleges how serious you are about your studies now.</p>
<p>I have found state colleges to be very willing to work with me. Once I explain I am a military spouse, most people go out of their way to be helpful. Look for schools, like the one mentioned in this thread, that are looking for you. If nothing else, having a financial aid that understands how the GI Bill works will save you a lot of time.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you on your continued success and thank you for serving.</p>
<p>Might I suggest (if it hasn't been suggested already...haven't read all the postings) that you look for schools with SOC agreements. My institution caters to a lot of adult military students and they get to transfer in a lot of credits based on their military experience. Can't tell you how many have never stepped foot in a true college classroom yet transfer in more than 100 college credits :)</p>
<p>You can also look to colleges that cater to military personnel...they tend to be more understanding about GPA and usually don't have OOS tuition charges. You can even consider some private institutions, as they LOVE to cater to veterans and active duty personnel. Some privates even provide discounts on tuition to active duty military and veterans.</p>