A Step-By-Step
Guide for
Veterans

If you’re a veteran looking to start a career in cybersecurity, follow this step-by-step guide to make sure you have access to available resources and assistance. We’re here to help

1. Sign Up for Veterans Educational Benefits

  • Apply for benefits on the government website
  • If you have used VA education benefits at a previous college, submit a "Change of School" form

Once your application has been processed, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will send you a "Certificate of Eligibility" (COE) via U.S. Mail. You will need both of these to complete the next steps. Bring both your COE and DD214 to your first counseling appointment.

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2. Become a Merritt College Student

  • Apply to be a Merritt College student
  • You will get a confirmation email congratulating you on joining Merritt College.
  • This "Welcome email" contains instructions on how to create a password-protected account in Passport. "Passport" is the electronic system we use to add and drop classes, view your grades, etc. In Passport, you will be assigned a Student ID number. Bring both your student ID number and your password to your first counseling appointment.
  • If you have trouble with any of the above steps, you can get help in the Merritt College Welcome Center, Bldg R, Room 105, during regular business hours (M-F 8:30-4:30). Our Student Services Specialist works closely with our student veterans and can answer your questions.
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3. Complete the "New Students Enrollment" Steps

  • Get to Know Merritt College Via Online Orientation
  • IMPORTANT: at the end of the online orientation, you're given an option to print a Certificate of Completion. Print and bring this certificate to your first counseling appointment. If you don't have access to a printer, you can use the student computers in R-105 to log back in and print it.

  • Find your starting point in English and Math
  • Bring one of the following to your first counseling appointment:

    • High school transcript showing English and Math grades and/or
    • Transcript(s) from previous college(s) showing English and Math grades
    • For advising purposes, unofficial copies of transcripts are fine. However, if you plan to get a degree from Merritt or transfer from Merritt to a four-year college, we need to collect official copies of your transcripts during your first semester.

  • Student Education Plan (SEP)
  • Make a Veterans Counseling appointment by either calling the college or coming in person to R-109. Always tell them you're in the Veterans Program. Bring the following to your first Veterans Counseling appointment:

    • DD214
    • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    • Transcripts from all previous colleges, if any
    • If this is your first college experience, bring high school transcript
    • Peralta Student ID number
    • Online Orientation Certificate of Completion
    • Your Passport ID and password (so that you can enroll)

  • Enroll in Class
  • Once you have your SEP, sit at the computers in R-105 (or use your own laptop) to enroll in the courses specified in your SEP. We have Peer Advisors to walk you through the enrollment process.

  • Get Your Classes VA-Certified
    • Print your class schedule
    • Complete a Certification Enrollment Form to activate your benefits. You can get these forms from Veterans Services in R-105.