Applicant Checksheet

Checksheet Inquiry to Enrollment

Application to Enrollment, Penn State Admissions Process

  • Complete Application for Admission.
  • Include a copy of your military transcript along with your admissions credentials.
  • Receive Offer of Admission from Penn State.
  • Pay Enrollment Fees. See Offer of admission or log into Friends of Penn State Account. (NB: The VA doesn’t pay these fees.)
  • Complete your online math placement test (ALEKS). The invitation sent via email.
  • First-year and new transfers, sign up for New Student Orientation (NSO).
  • Complete your Preregistration Activity Guide and the Financial Responsibility Agreement in LionPATH.
  • Change of campus and re-enrollment students, meet with your new adviser to schedule classes.
  • Get Penn State Photo ID Card.
  • First-year and new transfers, attend NSO, meet with your adviser, and schedule classes.

Getting Approved for your GI Bill Benefits

  • Apply for your VA Education Benefits. Find the link to your correct application.
  • Receive a letter in the mail from the VA. This is your Certificate of Eligibility and details of what benefits you are eligible to receive.
  • Bring your Certificate of Eligibility to Penn State Altoona Office of Veterans Affairs in room C105 of the Smith Building.
  • Also, submit the following documents:
    • Veterans: Member 4 copy of DD214
    • Guard/Reserve: Notice of Basic Eligibility (Form 2384-1) and Member 4 copy of DD214
    • Voc Rehab: ask VA to submit Authorization (Form 28-1905)
    • Spouse/Dependent: no documentation required other than the Certificate of Eligibility

Getting Financial Aid

ALL STUDENTS: apply for financial aid even if you don’t anticipate you will need it.

  • Apply for Financial Aid at the FAFSA site.
  • Our Title IV School Code is 003329. Apply by May 1 for maximum consideration.
  • Consideration for some Penn State merit scholarships requires submission of the FAFSA.

Next Steps

Once a student has completed all of the steps outlined above, they should request to use their benefits for the current semester or future semesters.

  • Make an appointment to speak to the School Certifying Official (SCO), Amanda Lynch ([email protected] | 814-940-3343). Submit your Eligibility paperwork (see Getting Approved for your GI Bill Benefits, above) if you have not already done so.
  • Have an academic goal in mind. The VA will only pay for courses that meet outstanding degree requirements for your intended major.
  • You may be undecided at Penn State, but you must select a major to receive your VA Education Benefits.
  • Meet with the SCO and discuss your academic plan and scheduled courses. Make any necessary schedule adjustments to maximize your benefits.
  • Complete the New Student Information Sheet, Certification Request Form (CRF), and run/print your Academic Requirements Report or What-If Report. See instructions on the reverse of CRF. Submit all paperwork to C105 Smith.
  • Ask SCO if you are eligible for Priority Registration and the In-State Tuition Rate (if your residency is out-of-state).
  • Contact the SCO before you make ANY schedule changes between now and the end of the semester.
  • Once the SCO submits your paperwork to the VA, you will receive an email from the VA to your Penn State email account.
  • Receive Award Letter via US Mail. Bring this document to C105 Smith.
"GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.