Your identifying information. Check whether you are a veteran, a transitioning service member (within 180 days of separation), or an eligible dependent.

(legal name, SSN, applicant type)

• ×Transitioning SMs waiting until after separation - up to 180 days before separation date is eligible.

Brief service history and your current education level (high school diploma, some college, degree, technical certification). This helps the counselor identify appropriate programs for your background.

(branch, service dates, MOS, highest education)

• ×Not including your MOS/rating - the counselor uses this to identify transferable skills to civilian occupations.
• ×Understating education level - include any certificates, licenses, or partial degrees even if not completed.

Briefly describe what you are looking for: career exploration, school selection guidance, GI Bill benefit maximization, resume review, job search assistance, or other education/employment questions.

e.g., Not sure what to study; interested in healthcare or technology; want help deciding between community college and university given my GI Bill.

• ×Being too vague that counseling session has no direction - include your interests even if broad.

Sign and date. Counseling is free and does not commit you to any program.

(signature/date)

• ×Not knowing this counseling is 100% free and non-committal.