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SMC|Student Services|Veterans Resource Center|New Student Checklist

New Student Checklist

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The process of applying for school, obtaining benefits, determining a major, creating an education plan, and attending school can take some time.  It's important that you follow these steps to prevent any unnecessary delay in receiving educational entitlement.

Attend a Veteran Student Orientation Session in Spring 2013:

  • Benefits and Resources - March 19 and 26, 2013

          11:30-12:30p in Business 111

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  1. Apply for the GI Bill (www.gibill.va.gov)
    1. Fill out the Veterans Online Application and submit it to the VA electronically
  2. Apply for admission to Santa Monica College (www.smc.edu, tabs: new student, apply online, launch online application)
  3. Complete the online student orientation (www.smc.edu/orient)
  4. Apply for financial aid
    1. Register for your PIN first for the FAFSA (www.pin.ed.gov)
    2. After 24 hours, apply for aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
    3. Make sure to add SMC's federal ID#: 001286
    4. Any further questions can be handled by the financial aid office in the admissions complex at the main campus.
  5. Apply for Board of Governors (BOG) waiver
    1. Pays for tuition for California residents who qualify (must have 1 year and 1 day in CA to be considered a resident)
    2. Log on to Corsair Connect to complete the online application (www.smc.edu, tabs: current students, corsair connect, login, apply for BOG waiver)
  6. If you have taken coursework elsewhere please have an official transcript sent to the admissions office (note that you cannot hand deliver your transcript, they must be sent from the other academic institution)
    1. Santa Monica College Admissions Office, 1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
  7. Take the Math and English placement exams (if needed) at the assessment center located in the Liberal Arts building room 109 (note: this office gets extremely busy prior to the beginning of a semester, please arrive early)
    1. Visit the Assessment Center for tools on preparation for the placement exams (www.smc.edu, tabs: new students, quick links, assessment).
  8. See a Veteran Counselor located in the liberal arts building room 135 to create an educational plan, the following items are required:
    1. Copy of DD214 or Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)
    2. Proof of Montgomery GI Bill Kicker (if applicable)
    3. Certificate of Eligibility (provided by VA once you are approved for educational benefits)
    4. Unofficial transcripts from other institutions
    5. Student ID number
  9. Enroll in Classes (be sure that the classes you select are coming directly from your education plan)
    1. (www.smc.edu, tabs: current students, corsair connect, login, enrollment)
    2. select semester for which you want to enroll
    3. click add a class for left side
    4. click on search icon, find your course, select it
    5. Visit the VRC to fill our a request for approval form, if you add or drop any classes you need to let the certifying official immediately, failure to do so may result in garnished VA payments.
  10. Apply for you VA health card by visiting the VA Medical Center located at 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073