New GI Bill Forum

[Rotor]

Same situation as last year. The VA knows I started school but they have not sent any funds to me yet. UCLA started the semester a week before classes started so I am hoping that the VA was notified a week earlier. That would mean my money would land in my account sometime around early to mid September. Lets use this board to keep track of how fast the VA is working this year.

BTW, since my financial aid for this (3L) year is based on what I earned during 1L and fall of 2L, I am getting more need based grants than in prior years. They don't factor GI Benefits into the calculations for awarding financial aid.

If you haven't received notice from the VA that it has received the certification from the school, the hold up is with the school, not VA. That was always the hold-up at Berk, though they have promised better results this year (with performance targets and the LS registrar monitoring it).

[MURPH]

Dammit. I called my school and asked if they sent the certification to the VA. They said they did. Two days later I got the notice from the VA. I'll bet they didn't send it until I called them to remind them.
I'd complain more but I got a little extra financial aid so I am going to let it slide. But now I have to wait longer.

[bizzybone1313]

Bump. It seems that most people in this thread choose to be in the military before the new GI Bill came out. You just happen to be blessed with the GI Bill after the fact. What do you guys think about enrolling in the military at this time in order to secure the educational benefits for law school? Good or bad idea?

[JCFindley]

Bump. It seems that most people in this thread choose to be in the military before the new GI Bill came out. You just happen to be blessed with the GI Bill after the fact. What do you guys think about enrolling in the military at this time in order to secure the educational benefits for law school? Good or bad idea?

I think it is an outstanding idea IF you do in fact want to serve your country and accept what goes with that.

I used to recommend it on here a lot BUT caught shit for it so I stopped.

It does give you a soft that can actually help you get admitted. It gives you WE that can help you get a legal job. And, it can be basically a quarter million dollar benefit at some private schools with the YRP.

[bizzybone1313]

Bump. It seems that most people in this thread choose to be in the military before the new GI Bill came out. You just happen to be blessed with the GI Bill after the fact. What do you guys think about enrolling in the military at this time in order to secure the educational benefits for law school? Good or bad idea?

I think it is an outstanding idea IF you do in fact want to serve your country and accept what goes with that.

I used to recommend it on here a lot BUT caught shit for it so I stopped.

It does give you a soft that can actually help you get admitted. It gives you WE that can help you get a legal job. And, it can be basically a quarter million dollar benefit at some private schools with the YRP.

I am starting to consider this option, because the Iraq war has been ended and the Afghanistan war is projected to end in the next few years. It seems like a good way to not have to worry about LS debt. If law schools want to continue to jack up tuition, this seems to be a great way to circle around that. What is the minimum number of years required? I have been doing some research online. I keep seeing different numbers. I have seen 4, 8 and even 2 years.

[JCFindley]

Bump. It seems that most people in this thread choose to be in the military before the new GI Bill came out. You just happen to be blessed with the GI Bill after the fact. What do you guys think about enrolling in the military at this time in order to secure the educational benefits for law school? Good or bad idea?

I think it is an outstanding idea IF you do in fact want to serve your country and accept what goes with that.

I used to recommend it on here a lot BUT caught shit for it so I stopped.

It does give you a soft that can actually help you get admitted. It gives you WE that can help you get a legal job. And, it can be basically a quarter million dollar benefit at some private schools with the YRP.

I am starting to consider this option, because the Iraq war has been ended and the Afghanistan war is projected to end in the next few years. It seems like a good way to not have to worry about LS debt. If law schools want to continue to jack up tuition, this seems to be a great way to circle around that. What is the minimum number of years required? I have been doing some research online. I keep seeing different numbers. I have seen 4, 8 and even 2 years.

The commitment varies depending on the training you receive. I think 4 years is generally the norm unless you do flight school or something else that costs a lot. I have seen commitments of 2 and 3 from time to time but to get the full Post 911 GI Bill you will need 36 months of active time.

[unc0mm0n1]

Bump. It seems that most people in this thread choose to be in the military before the new GI Bill came out. You just happen to be blessed with the GI Bill after the fact. What do you guys think about enrolling in the military at this time in order to secure the educational benefits for law school? Good or bad idea?

I think it is an outstanding idea IF you do in fact want to serve your country and accept what goes with that.

I used to recommend it on here a lot BUT caught shit for it so I stopped.

It does give you a soft that can actually help you get admitted. It gives you WE that can help you get a legal job. And, it can be basically a quarter million dollar benefit at some private schools with the YRP.

I am starting to consider this option, because the Iraq war has been ended and the Afghanistan war is projected to end in the next few years. It seems like a good way to not have to worry about LS debt. If law schools want to continue to jack up tuition, this seems to be a great way to circle around that. What is the minimum number of years required? I have been doing some research online. I keep seeing different numbers. I have seen 4, 8 and even 2 years.

If you join please don't join the Army. In case I ever get called back from the IRR, I would never want to serve some place with you.

Edit: Just want to elaborate. I have no problem with people who look at the fiscal benefits of joining the military but the benefits must be secondary. I'm assuming you're a college grad and probably want to be an officer, you haven't asked a single question about what it takes to be a leader or the rigors of the job. You'll be responsible for someone's son or daughter and they could care less about your GI Bill. Just because Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down there are possible conflicts all over the world and you have to be ready for that. The questions you ask remind me of many of the entitled, selfish, self-centered officers who I served with. You can tell the people who were just counting down the time to getting out and those who truly cared and wanted to serve and make the Army the best organization it could be. So once again if all you want is the money and that's your sole motivation for joining please don't join the Army.

[bizzybone1313]

If it came down to it, I would put my life on the line. The military is a huge commitment. I don't see anything wrong with the questions I asked. At the end of the day, someone that serves is ahead of 90% of the American public, who do not serve-- that means something.

[JCFindley]

If you join please don't join the Army. In case I ever get called back from the IRR, I would never want to serve some place with you.

Edit: Just want to elaborate. I have no problem with people who look at the fiscal benefits of joining the military but the benefits must be secondary. I'm assuming you're a college grad and probably want to be an officer, you haven't asked a single question about what it takes to be a leader or the rigors of the job. You'll be responsible for someone's son or daughter and they could care less about your GI Bill. Just because Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down there are possible conflicts all over the world and you have to be ready for that. The questions you ask remind me of many of the entitled, selfish, self-centered officers who I served with. You can tell the people who were just counting down the time to getting out and those who truly cared and wanted to serve and make the Army the best organization it could be. So once again if all you want is the money and that's your sole motivation for joining please don't join the Army.

FWIW, I agree with this AND the response. While all the military branches are combat organizations there are some that are more combat oriented than others. Specifically the Army and Marines need true leaders in their officer corps because leading men into combat requires that, (at least it should.) The USAF for the most part is made up of REMFs and most will never put themselves in harms way. Don't get me wrong, there is still a lot of sacrifice on the part of its service men and women but being a public affairs or maintenance officer does not require the kind of front line combat leadership skills that you would need being Ranger or Marine LT. Even so, the REMF corps still need good leaders that put their troops above themselves. (Yes, I know the Air Force has specialties that are front line combatants but it also has a lot that are not.)

He didn't actually say he was looking at being an "O" BTW and there are a LOT of enlisted men and women with four year degrees that join because of the educational benefits.

If it came down to it, I would put my life on the line. The military is a huge commitment. I don't see anything wrong with the questions I asked. At the end of the day, someone that serves is ahead of 90% of the American public, who do not serve-- that means something.

It does.

[GreentoJD]

Bump. It seems that most people in this thread choose to be in the military before the new GI Bill came out. You just happen to be blessed with the GI Bill after the fact. What do you guys think about enrolling in the military at this time in order to secure the educational benefits for law school? Good or bad idea?

I second what the above posters have said, but also keep in mind that the Post 9/11 GI Bill won't be available forever. Congress will eventually put an end date on who it will cover. Does this apply to you if you enlist soon? Probably not, especially if you got in even a day of service during the covered period and met the total time in service requirements (assuming Congress takes an equitable approach to ending coverage). Does it apply to someone enlisting around the time Afghanistan switches from OEF to something else? Probably. There would still be the Montgomery GI Bill, but it's not as generous as the Post 9/11.

[vkosta]

Hey everybody,
That might be a dumb question but maybe someone can explain me a couple things about GI BILL and UCLA Law School:

1. It says on their website that the actual cost for J.D Program is $44,922 per year for in state students ( https://www.law.ucla.edu/current-studen ... fault.aspx )
Does it mean that I need: $44,922 X 3 years = $134 766 for all 3 years to complete J.D. Program or $44,922 is the total cost of 3 years UCLA J.D. Program.

Cause according to the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning the amount of tuition and fees, there is no way $134 766 can be covered:

"Effective August 1, 2011 the amount of tuition and fees payable changes for degree programs offered by Institutions of Higher Learning (graduate or undergraduate) as follows:

U.S. Public Schools: We pay the actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965]

Private and Foreign Schools: The lesser of the actual net cost for tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965], or $18,077.50 for the academic year beginning on August 1, 2012
Please note that the above is subject to proration based upon the benefit. "

2. Can anybody, please, give me a rough idea of how many month during the year BAH will be paid by post 9/11 GI Bill?

3. As a part of UCLA admission you have to pass LSAT and send all transcripts to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.
3.1. Is it possible to use VA benefits to pay for LSAT test?
3.2. is it possible to use VA benefits to pay for evaluation and translation of my transcripts, since I went to school in Europe ?

4. Which bill will be better to use for UCLA Law school - Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill ?
My guess is Post 9/11 GI Bill even though that I opted and paid $600 Buy-Up Program.

5. How difficult is it to get to UCLA Law school after the army and pay for it with Gi Bill ?

[bowser]

Hey everybody,
That might be a dumb question but maybe someone can explain me a couple things about GI BILL and UCLA Law School:

1. It says on their website that the actual cost for J.D Program is $44,922 per year for in state students ( https://www.law.ucla.edu/current-studen ... fault.aspx )
Does it mean that I need: $44,922 X 3 years = $134 766 for all 3 years to complete J.D. Program or $44,922 is the total cost of 3 years UCLA J.D. Program.

Cause according to the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning the amount of tuition and fees, there is no way $134 766 can be covered:

"Effective August 1, 2011 the amount of tuition and fees payable changes for degree programs offered by Institutions of Higher Learning (graduate or undergraduate) as follows:

U.S. Public Schools: We pay the actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965]

Private and Foreign Schools: The lesser of the actual net cost for tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965], or $18,077.50 for the academic year beginning on August 1, 2012
Please note that the above is subject to proration based upon the benefit. "

2. Can anybody, please, give me a rough idea of how many month during the year BAH will be paid by post 9/11 GI Bill?

3. As a part of UCLA admission you have to pass LSAT and send all transcripts to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.
3.1. Is it possible to use VA benefits to pay for LSAT test?
3.2. is it possible to use VA benefits to pay for evaluation and translation of my transcripts, since I went to school in Europe ?

4. Which bill will be better to use for UCLA Law school - Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill ?
My guess is Post 9/11 GI Bill even though that I opted and paid $600 Buy-Up Program.

5. How difficult is it to get to UCLA Law school after the army and pay for it with Gi Bill ?

UCLA is a public school. The GI Bill covers full in-state tuition. The cap is for private schools.

[Rotor]

1. Does it mean that I need: $44,922 X 3 years = $134 766 for all 3 years to complete J.D. Program or $44,922 is the total cost of 3 years UCLA J.D. Program.

That is the annual tuition. And don't forget, that tuition is not locked. It will likely rise each year.

Cause according to the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning the amount of tuition and fees, there is no way $134 766 can be covered:

What in the block you quoted suggests there is no way to pay that amount? As explained above, UCLA=public=full tuition and fees. Congratulations and thank you for your service.

2. Can anybody, please, give me a rough idea of how many month during the year BAH will be paid by post 9/11 GI Bill?

Depends on your school cendar, but typically it will be parts of August, December, January and May; and all of Sept/Oct/Nov and Feb/Mar/Apr.

3. As a part of UCLA admission you have to pass LSAT and send all transcripts to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.
3.1. Is it possible to use VA benefits to pay for LSAT test?
3.2. is it possible to use VA benefits to pay for evaluation and translation of my transcripts, since I went to school in Europe ?

3. There is no pass/fail. You just have to score well enough for schools you apply to to consider/accept you. You want to be above median if possible--the more the better. (Ditto GPA--though some vets (myself included) outperform their LSAT/GPA numbers.
3.1. No. Though considering you can go to public school for "free", the cost of the LSAT shouldn't be a barrier. (Note I use quotations around "free" because you will likely still need to borrow to cover expenses beyond what GIB pays (e.g. Books>$1000, living expenses>BAH)).
3.2. No. See 3.1.

4. Which bill will be better to use for UCLA Law school - Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill ?
My guess is Post 9/11 GI Bill even though that I opted and paid $600 Buy-Up Program.

Your guess is correct. How many MGIB payments would it take to get to that very large number you calculated in #1? (About 85 months--and that's just tuition!! Add BAH and I'm guessing you'd have to draw MGIB for 10 years before you made the same amount).

5. How difficult is it to get to UCLA Law school after the army and pay for it with Gi Bill ?

Depends on too many factors to give you a reasonable answer. Once you have an LSAT Score, go to lawschoolnumbers or lawschoolpredictor to get a sense of your odds. Or come back to TLS and post a "what are my chances thread" but for love of all things holy wait until you have an actual score and LSDAS GPA.

[vkosta]

Rotor,
Thank you for all your answers!
I really appreciate your time writing me answers. I'm just trying to have a clear view and a plan of what I got to do after the army.

1. So, I guess since UCLA is a public school all Tuition & Fee Payments for an in-State Student will be paid by the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and I don't have to worry about $44,922 annual payment.

2. BAH on average school calendar: parts of August, December, January and May; and all of Sept/Oct/Nov and Feb/Mar/Apr - lets say 7-8 full month are covered which is not bad

[bowser]

I think you can get the VA to pay for the LSAT registration fee, and possibly also a test prep class (this is a recent change).

[paul554]

I think you can get the VA to pay for the LSAT registration fee, and possibly also a test prep class (this is a recent change).

NO!!!!!!!!!

They do offer test reimbursement fees but be WARNED they will dock you 30 DAYS of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for this. Obviously the amount you lose in a housing stipend alone makes this a VERY VERY foolish endeavor. It is a shame because they used to cover the cost of tests such as CLEP, LSAT, MCAT and such for free as long as it was your first time. I got 3 CLEP test done for free and was about to do the same for my LSAT when this change came out in 2012.

[ScottRiqui]

A full trip through law school only uses up ~27 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility, right? Anyone have plans for what to do with the rest?

[usafgirl]

So what is the best way to ask GI Bill questions (besides this forum)? I've been told that the bases is not helpful. I was thinking of trying to VA office in town but will they still work with me if I'm still on active duty?

It just seems like I get a lot of 'umm that should work,' and I'd like something more definitive before I make life choices based on it.

[ScottRiqui]

So what is the best way to ask GI Bill questions (besides this forum)? I've been told that the bases is not helpful. I was thinking of trying to VA office in town but will they still work with me if I'm still on active duty?

It just seems like I get a lot of 'umm that should work,' and I'd like something more definitive before I make life choices based on it.

I'm hoping to get some firm answers during the Transition Assistance Program class, or at least a reliable point of contact.

[Rotor]

So what is the best way to ask GI Bill questions (besides this forum)? I've been told that the bases is not helpful. I was thinking of trying to VA office in town but will they still work with me if I'm still on active duty?

It just seems like I get a lot of 'umm that should work,' and I'd like something more definitive before I make life choices based on it.

I'm hoping to get some firm answers during the Transition Assistance Program class, or at least a reliable point of contact.

I wouldn't count on TAP. At mine there was a lot of "big hand/little map" discussion of programs, but not actionable detail.

There is a FAQ at va.gov that has lots of answers. You can submit your own question and they are pretty good about actually answering. Unfortunately, sometimes the answer is "it depends".

And yes, VA will work with you if you are active duty.

[Ling520]

A full trip through law school only uses up ~27 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility, right? Anyone have plans for what to do with the rest?

Is that consistant across schools? I'm asking because I have around 24 months of GIBill left so I'll be able to survive as long as the law school year isn't too much longer than 9 months.

[voytek]

Thanks for all the useful info in this thread.

I have a question regarding transferability of post-9/11 GI bill. My dad is currently active duty and delayed his retirement so his benefits would be transferable to us. I noticed, though, that children can't use the benefit after age 26. I'm 24 now, and I'll turn 26 during 2L. Does this mean I can only use the benefits up until my birthday? (I assume it would be pro-rated for that month) And, it seems to good to be true that it will pay full in-state tuition for law school (~45-50k). Say I decide Berkeley/UVA, would it pay all the tuition + BAH? Please tell me it's true.

Also, do I need to disclose GI Bill benefits in any financial aid applications? I'm not even sure yet if I'll be using them, we might give them to my little brother for undergrad depending on what kind of scholarships I get.

Thanks in advance.

[ScottRiqui]

Yes, it will pay all tuition and fees at any public university. There's also a book stipend and BAH, as you mentioned. If you're considering a private school, I'm not sure if attending under your father's GI Bill benefits would qualify you to use the Yellow Ribbon program, but it's something to look into.

And you're correct that you'll be cut off on your 26th birthday.

[Ramius]

--LinkRemoved--

I was just wondering if anyone else read this article regarding the Miller Plan for GI Bill eligible vets?

Seems like a great deal to me and will open up more options for vets looking to apply to state schools in states where they don't currently maintain residency. I realize quite a few public schools have YRP to cover expenses for out of state students, but this would simplify it and give more reason for an applicant to take comfort in applying to state schools other than their own.

Any thoughts from the fellow vets on here?

[ScottRiqui]

I don't know if it will pass, but it would be nice. In the meantime, if you attend a public school in Texas under the GI Bill, you're already entitled to in-state tuition with no residency requirements. Other states may offer similar benefits on their own.

EDIT - just saw the sidebar in the linked article. Evidently, 13 states already offer in-state tuition to non-residents who are attending under military benefits.