​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 educational entitlement.


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ABCs of VA Educational Benefits & Payment

  1. Apply for the GI Bill: Fill out the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) and submit it to the VA electronically.

  2. Apply for Admission to Santa Monica College and complete the online student orientation.

  3. Apply for Financial Aid

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

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

    3. Any further questions can be handled by the financial aid office in the admissions complex at the main campus.

  4. 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 SMC application.

  5. If you have taken coursework elsewhere, send an official transcript to the Admissions Office. Note: You cannot hand deliver your transcript, which must be sent from the academic institution to:

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

  6. Take the Math and English placement exams, if needed, at the Assessment Center located in the Liberal Arts 109 (note: this office gets extremely busy prior to the beginning of a semester, please arrive early)

    Visit the Assessment Center for tools on preparation for the placement exams (SMC Website, tabs: new students, quick links, assessment).

  7. See a Veteran's Counselor at Liberal Arts 135 to create an educational plan. The following items are required:

    1. Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)

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

    3. Unofficial transcripts from other institutions

    4. Student ID number

  8. Enroll in Classes (if you wish to use your VA educational benefits be sure that the classes you select are on your VRC educational plan – only).

    1. Log on to Corsair Connect to enroll in classes. You can see course offerings in the Class Schedule.

    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 and select it.

  9. PDF FileFill out a Certification Agreement. You must stop by the VRC and complete the Certification Agreement to begin payment of educational benefits from the VA.

    1. If you add or drop any classes listed on your Certification Agreement form, you will need to let the certifying official know immediately by filling out an ADD/DROP form changing your original Certification Agreement request. Failure to do so may result in garnished VA payments.

    If you do not have an educational plan on file with the VRC or you have enrolled in courses that are not listed on your educational plan:

    1. Visit the VRC located in the liberal arts building room 135, see a Counselor to create an educational plan or update your existing educational plan.

    2. Fill out a Certification Agreement to begin payment of benefits from the VA.

    3. If you add or drop any classes listed on your Certification Agreement form, you will need to let the certifying official know immediately by filling out an ADD/DROP form changing your original Certification Agreement request. Failure to do so may result in garnished VA payments.

  10. Apply for a VA health card by visiting the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center  (11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073).