Veterans Success Center

New Student Checklist

 

New Student Checklist

Student Veteran

The process of applying for school, obtaining benefits, determining a major, creating an academic 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.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all SMC services are closed for in-person services. We are remote via email, telephone and zoom

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.

New Student 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

    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 and Records 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. 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 Assessment Center webpage 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. Book an appointment with Veteran Counselor through your student portal, Corsair Connect, telephone or email
    1. Appointment Booking Online
      1. Log in to Corsair Connect.
      2. On the main page, scroll down to SMC Quick Links on the left-hand side.
      3. Click on Book a Counseling Appointment.
      4. When you are in the booking system, you will be able to sort by Program/Area, Counselor, Day,  and Time (Example: Veteran, Sandoval, Tuesday, 8 a.m.)
      5. Once an appointment is booked, you will receive a confirmation email sent to your SMC email.
      6. Make a note of your appointment as a reminder to be available during this time.
      7. You can also cancel existing appointments and view your appointment history.
      8. Ensure your telephone/cell number is accurate in Corsair Connect by selecting "Enrollment Services" and then "Profile/Preferences".
    2. Create an Academic 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. SMC Student ID number

    3. Enroll in Classes (you will only be paid for courses listed on your approved VRC academic educational 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

    4. Fill out a Certification Agreement Form immediately after enrolling in classes

      1. Book an appointment with a Veterans counselor and submit your Certification Agreement form to the Veterans counselor.
        (Note: if you add or drop any classes listed on the Certification Agreement Form book another appointment with a Veterans Counselor immediately, failure to do so may result in garnished VA payments.
        Certification Agreement Form

  9. Meet with VSOC Counselor, Stephen.Lam@va.gov

    In-Person Office Hours:

    • Wednesday/Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. SMC Veteran Success Center
    • 310-882-3411

  10. Meet with US Vets Counselor, Raynard Beckham, to go over any mental health counseling needs outside of college via email, RBeckham@usvet.org@usvets.org.

  11. Apply for your VA HEALTH CARD by visiting the VA Medical Center located at 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073