Checklist for Getting Started

Veterans Checklist – Quick Print

Student Veterans are encouraged to make an appointment or stop by the VRC or VSOC offices to review the steps outlined below and ensure a smooth transition to higher education.

Step 1: Activate Benefits & Apply for Admission

• Complete the application: Education Benefits [VA Form 22-1990] at www.ebenefits.va.gov/ to activate benefits. Print a completed copy for your records.

  NOTE: If you have used VA education benefits at another institution, complete [VA Form 22-1995] to indicate the change in schools.

• Apply for admission to RIC using the Common Application at www.commonapp.org/ Many veterans will apply either through:
  • Performance-Based Admission (fewer than 12 college credits) OR
  • Transfer Admission (24 or more college credits)
    More information at http://www.ric.edu/admissions
• Send all official transcripts from the following sources to: RIC Admissions, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908
• Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) at http://aarts.army.mil/
• Community College of the Air Force Transcript Request Forms (CCAR) at http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp
• Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) at https://smart.navy.mil/
• US Coast Guard Transcripts at http://www.uscg.mil/
• DSST scores (if applicable)
• Contact Admissions to have any previous military training evaluated for college credit: Student Veterans will be awarded a maximum of 4 traditional credits for standard military training time. Additional credits can be awarded for upper level baccalaureate courses OR credits from CCAR (Air Force).

Step 2: Enrollment & Certification of Benefits

• Once officially enrolled at RIC, all PBA students should contact the PBA advisor in the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS) at 401-456-8083 to complete writing and math placement testing. All PBA and Transfer students will then be notified of a mandatory orientation to schedule classes.
• Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to RIC's VA Certifying Official. This letter from VA, Buffalo, NY verifies your eligibility for the GI Bill. Request a copy from the VA by calling 888-442-4551 or "Submit a Question" on the GI Bill website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/

Step 3: Financial Aid

• (Optional) Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ RIC's FAFSA number: 003407

Step 4: Maintain Verification

• Verify your attendance every month with Chapters 30, 1606, 1607. Contact the VA by phone (877) 823-2378 or online at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/
• Contact RIC's VA Certifying Official immediately if there are any changes in your enrollment status, including adding courses, dropping courses, withdrawing or receiving incomplete grades to not incur personal charges
• IMPORTANT
  • Chapters 30, 1606, or 1607 pay tuition up front (Ch33 and Ch31 do not)
  • Guard and Reserve Members - STAP or STEP waivers must be submitted to the Bursar's Office.

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