​​​​​​​​​​ Student Veteran

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 the educational entitlement.

Note:   If you are a prospective student from another state, please note that your VA educational benefits will not cover non-resident fees.  You may be eligible for a waiver under California law (AB13).  SEE VACA Waiver and Admissions and Records Residency Requirements.admissions@smc.edu | 310-434-4380​​​​


New Studen​t Checklist​

  1. Apply for the GI Bill, Veterans Benefits.​​

  2. Apply for Admission to Santa Monica College.

  3. Complete the online Student Orientation.

  4. Apply for Financial Aid  (310) 434-4343​ financialaid@smc.edu 

    1. Apply by submitting the FAFSA online where you will first need to obtain an FSA ID.

    2. Make sure to add SMC's federal ID#: 001286

  5. Apply for California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Pays for tuition for California residents who qualify (must have 1 year and 1 day in CA to be considered a resident.  Non-California student are not eligible.

    1. Log on to your Corsair Connect to apply Corsair Connect

  6. If you have taken coursework elsewhere please have an Official Transcript(s) sent to the admissions office (note that you cannot hand deliver your transcript, they must be sent from the other academic institution) transcripts@smc.edu  

    1. Santa Monica College Admissions Office, 1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 

  7. Assessment Testing for English/Math (Summer/Fall 2019) - due to the passage of Assembly Bill 705 (AB 705), students are following a new process for enrolling in English and math classes, which include placement into transfer-level English or math classes, transfer-level courses with additional support or one level below transfer.​

    1. Visit the Success and Engagement Center​ online for tools on preparation for the placement exams or access the guided self-placement tools, go to Corsair Connect. Log in, click the “Placement” tab, and follow the instructions on the screen.

  8. Schedule an appointment through your Corsair Connect with a Veteran Counselor to create an veteran acadmic educational plan, the following items are required:

    1. Copy of DD214

    2. Certificate of Eligibility (provided by VA once you are approved for educational benefits)

    3. Unofficial transcripts from other institutions 

    4. Student ID number

  9. Schedule an appointment with VSOC Counselor (Dr. Julie Johns, to go over VA benefits and any possible entitlements (i.e. Vocational Rehabilitation, Stem Extension on GI Bill, Disability Claims)

  10. Schedule an appointment with US Vets Counselor  (Carl Freeman: cfreeman@usvetsinc.org) to go over any counseling needs outside of college (i.e. Free furniture, Free legal assistance, rent or other needs)

  11. Enroll in Classes(You will only be paid for courses listed on your VRC education plan)

    1. Log in to Corsair Connect, select enroll

    2. Select semester(s) for which you want to enroll

    3. Click add a class, click on the search icon, find your course, select it

  12. Fill out Certification Agreement Form immediately after enrolling in classes

    1. Schedule an appointment with a Veteran's Counselor to go over your enrollment and submit the Certification Agreement Form (Note: if you add or drop any classes listed on the Certification Agreement Form let the certifying official immediately, failure to do so may result in garnished VA payments.

      Certification-Agreement-Form 2020.pdf

  13. Apply for your VA HEALTH CARD by visiting the VA Medical Center located at 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073.  Check with VA during COVID-19 crisis for any changes.