Besides everything else you talked about, I appreciate how honest you are about your educational journey. I feel like too many people get so caught up in going to school because “that’s what you’re supposed to do”, never minding their mental health, or more importantly-their financial future. School is one of those things that can be a daydream while you’re pursuing it because of the constant performance feedback that many people fail to get later in life. Once you’re finished, things can go south quickly. Nice to hear someone just say they wanted to withdraw for a bit simply because that’s what they wanted to do. Go after your goals, guys, but don’t just go after what society tells you to if it’s not for you.
Wow, that's rough. I'm so glad I found this video as it was extremely helpful. I will be more mindful going into my GI benefits journey. It would be great if the VA could notify students that they've used their one-time grant, but I guess it's just another one of the many things we need to be careful about. I'm glad everything ultimately worked out for you!
It would definitely be a good idea for them to send out notifications. The more you know the better. More often than not, failing is the better option when using VA benefits for school. Thank you!
Yo bro legit live in new zealand listening to this never gonna go usa I guess . Got a chainsaw to my leg so just watching your podcast to past the time
That's wild man! The reach of the internet is crazy! I appreciate the support but I'm bummed to hear what happened to your leg. Hopefully it heals completely.
It's kind of crazy to come across this video now! I have similar aspirations to do Mechanical Engineering, although I am definitely in that similar boat... despite already having an undergraduate, I'd likely look at another three years of school to get another Engineering undergraduate. May I ask was there anything in particular that drew you away from the field? Was it just all of the math requirements? What ultimately did you end up choosing to get a degree in? Thanks for all these insightful videos, by the way! Super helpful for me figuring out a future.
Sorry this happened to you I'm glad you didn't have to use up the 4 months. I found out just taking online courses one at a time gave me 30 credits a year. I recommend this to anyone who's like me and just hates to be overwhelmed. My online classes last 5 weeks and when one class is finished the next class starts the very next day so there's no break except 2 week xmas break. To anyone active duty if your training is done I recommend living by the following credo: ABTC - Always Be Taking Class - It doesn't matter if your deployed or not you can do one online class at a time. The teachers will work with you. Should be able to knock out 30 credits a year like I did.
I completely agree with you! That's an awesome strategy to go with. Taking just one class at a time for four years will make a big impact and is barely an inconvenience.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m going through a similar situation. I want to withdraw and use the 6 credit exclusion. I’m concerned I’ll still have to pay back something to the VA though.
Based on my experience, as long as it's your first withdrawal and you do it all at once you should be good. You can always call the GI Bill phone number to talk through it with someone, but that's still not a guarantee.
Good video you should keep up with youtube and start another channel for another podcast. Or lol try to get into being on the radio you have a voice to be on the radio
Hi. I'm glad i found your video. Been trying to contact va but can't give me specific answers & no one mentioned about this 6h. Anyway, i am planning to withdraw one class because I'm not meeting the grade I'd like and will affect my overall gpa preventing me from getting in a program. I'd rather have a "w" than a failing grade. Can i still use the 6 cr. Rule w/o "mitigating" circumstance?thanks
This is why I hate college payment programs. Pay x on Tuesday but only if you're wearing a batman costume, if not you lose all benefits. Being clear and concise is important especially when dealing with money.
Are there other programs that can be used at the same time as the G.I. Bill to supplement it to pay for private universities? If so, can you make a video on that?
@@jasonburds I am relatively familiar with the Yellow Ribbon program. However, I have not seen your video on it so I will watch it. Are there any other programs? In your G.I. Bill video you mentioned other programs so that is why I am asking.
@@DamianSmikle gotcha! If you maximize the yellow ribbon potential, you shouldn't need further supplementation. In my GI bill video, I was mostly referring to yellow ribbon, pell grant through FAFSA and pursuing scholarships. If I find a better program, I'll definitely make a video!
hey, I had a brief question, I'm currently enrolled taking 17 quarter units, but I need to withdraw from one class. Does that put me in position to accumulate debt? Thank you btw and i love your content
I am not in a position to provide a definitive answer on this. However, if you are passed the Add/Drop deadline, a debt will be incurred. If you have not used your 6 credit exclusion rule, the VA *should* apply that and thus protect you from the liability of the debt. This is only my understanding and I would not recommend taking action on it. I would call 1-888-442-4551 to get the most accurate information for your circumstances.
Hey I was just curious if you knew what would happen if you failed a course but didn't drop it and the course went towards your degree? Would you owe the VA back money?
Hi thank you so much for the information, i dropped two of my classes October 27 reducing me to currently part time (still considered full time for the total semester). Will I still get BAH for the prior days I was full time during the month of October?
You should have already been paid out, no? Did you withdraw after your W period? If I'm understanding correctly, it sounds like you used your 6 credit exclusion rule on this.
@@jasonburds I have not been paid out yet and I did withdraw during the W period. I definitely took advantage of the 6 credit exclusion rule after watching your video. Thank you 😊
Ok, great video. Question, did the VA count your first drop because you received a “W” on your transcript because you didn’t drop before the drop deadline and then dropped again? Based on previous replies, if my son has been full-time for three straight semesters has never dropped a class after the drop deadline has no withdrawals on his transcript, he should still have his six credit exemption. Is that your understanding? I know you can’t give definitive advice, but you’ve been through this in probably know more more about it than I do.
This is correct. You can withdraw before the deadline and it's as if you were never in the class and wont impact your 6 credit exclusion. If you drop after the withdraw deadline you end up with a W and you 6 credit exclusion will be used. Yes, I did all my dropping after the deadline.
Sure. There are all kinds of enrollment schedules for schools. You'll still get paid, but the VA will do the math to determine the equivalent amount to being full time on a semester basis. Might just look a little different.
Yes. They give you numerous options for repayment. Debt management center is fairly good at managing that. You can always call to set up different arrangements.
I'm failing a class that I need despite my best efforts. I'm taking 15 credits total, but if I drop just the one class and am still at 12 credits total, would nothing change ? Or would this use of the 6 credit rule still make me owe back for the one class cancelled?
It will use your six credit exclusion rule. You're better off just finishing the class since you have to take it again for your program. If you're worried about GPA, I would talk to your counselor to see if there's a way to avoid that negative impact. The VA doesn't care if you fail a class that's part of your degree program.
So if I use the 6 credit exclusion and I go under full time will it affect my pay? for example if I am taking 13 credits and I drop 6. Now that I am only in 7 credits will my pay and everything still be affected?
So I droped one class. Never used this and the VA says I owe 1,090... I think I am going to call them on this. They should let it slide from what I am understanding?
If used properly, I Believe the goal is that you don't owe anything. But calling the GI Bill hotline and talking through it with someone before actually dropping any classes is the best way to ensure no debt.
I have had trouble with attendance as well due to an immediate family issue during this semester I just don’t want to be penalized for it when I have legit circumstances.
Mitigating circumstances are always circumstantial. It was told to me that it's a way to not have a penalty, but it's pretty subjective. I don't know how they decide that.
If you use the those job hunting websites, you'll make $30,000.00 in one year and unfortunately, after those loans are paid back, you are laid off because there are no multi millionaires according to the IRS
Depends why you're failing. If you're going to class, doing the work and still failing - no. If you are failing because you're not showing up to class and not doing the work - yes.
@@jasonburds lol that's where I want to finish off at. The only issue I don't like is how they only give you 50% of your BAH if your full time online. Online college has come along way. The BAH is based off the school location so it would make sense to finish off at a school that has a very high BAH, especially if your only getting 50% of the BAH.
@@dansilvester661 I had a great experience. I didn't use my GI Bill for it though. Between their veteran/military discount and pell grant, I came out basically net 0.
@@jasonburds nice. I'm working on my associates with Central Texas. Probably going to finish off with Liberty. But because BAH goes off the school address I'll probably go else where now.
Besides everything else you talked about, I appreciate how honest you are about your educational journey. I feel like too many people get so caught up in going to school because “that’s what you’re supposed to do”, never minding their mental health, or more importantly-their financial future. School is one of those things that can be a daydream while you’re pursuing it because of the constant performance feedback that many people fail to get later in life. Once you’re finished, things can go south quickly. Nice to hear someone just say they wanted to withdraw for a bit simply because that’s what they wanted to do. Go after your goals, guys, but don’t just go after what society tells you to if it’s not for you.
Thank you. I appreciate that. There's no direct route through life and you never truly "arrive". Constantly have to remind myself of this.
Wow, that's rough. I'm so glad I found this video as it was extremely helpful. I will be more mindful going into my GI benefits journey. It would be great if the VA could notify students that they've used their one-time grant, but I guess it's just another one of the many things we need to be careful about. I'm glad everything ultimately worked out for you!
It would definitely be a good idea for them to send out notifications. The more you know the better. More often than not, failing is the better option when using VA benefits for school. Thank you!
Yo bro legit live in new zealand listening to this never gonna go usa I guess . Got a chainsaw to my leg so just watching your podcast to past the time
Love the story telling stuff bro
That's wild man! The reach of the internet is crazy! I appreciate the support but I'm bummed to hear what happened to your leg. Hopefully it heals completely.
Great insight as always bro 👍
Thanks man!
It's kind of crazy to come across this video now! I have similar aspirations to do Mechanical Engineering, although I am definitely in that similar boat... despite already having an undergraduate, I'd likely look at another three years of school to get another Engineering undergraduate. May I ask was there anything in particular that drew you away from the field? Was it just all of the math requirements? What ultimately did you end up choosing to get a degree in?
Thanks for all these insightful videos, by the way! Super helpful for me figuring out a future.
Sorry this happened to you I'm glad you didn't have to use up the 4 months. I found out just taking online courses one at a time gave me 30 credits a year. I recommend this to anyone who's like me and just hates to be overwhelmed. My online classes last 5 weeks and when one class is finished the next class starts the very next day so there's no break except 2 week xmas break.
To anyone active duty if your training is done I recommend living by the following credo:
ABTC - Always Be Taking Class -
It doesn't matter if your deployed or not you can do one online class at a time. The teachers will work with you. Should be able to knock out 30 credits a year like I did.
I completely agree with you! That's an awesome strategy to go with. Taking just one class at a time for four years will make a big impact and is barely an inconvenience.
Helllllllll no man , I would flip shit after that! 😩😤 , that’s a big hit
Definitely sucked.
5:41
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m going through a similar situation. I want to withdraw and use the 6 credit exclusion. I’m concerned I’ll still have to pay back something to the VA though.
Based on my experience, as long as it's your first withdrawal and you do it all at once you should be good. You can always call the GI Bill phone number to talk through it with someone, but that's still not a guarantee.
Good video you should keep up with youtube and start another channel for another podcast. Or lol try to get into being on the radio you have a voice to be on the radio
Lol. Thanks man! I do have a podcast associated with this. You can find Military Bottom Line on all the major podcast apps
Hi. I'm glad i found your video. Been trying to contact va but can't give me specific answers & no one mentioned about this 6h. Anyway, i am planning to withdraw one class because I'm not meeting the grade I'd like and will affect my overall gpa preventing me from getting in a program. I'd rather have a "w" than a failing grade. Can i still use the 6 cr. Rule w/o "mitigating" circumstance?thanks
Follow up q. Do i have to have mitigating circumstances?
I’m in the same boat… The major that I’m currently working on is not as interesting as I thought it would be
Did you already drop? It's not taking on the debt. Power through the semester then make your change.
ITT Tech rocks!
Sarcasm?
Great vid.
Thanks Kilo!
This is why I hate college payment programs. Pay x on Tuesday but only if you're wearing a batman costume, if not you lose all benefits. Being clear and concise is important especially when dealing with money.
lol. I shoulda known about the batman costume.
You Rock!
Lol. Thanks man!
Are there other programs that can be used at the same time as the G.I. Bill to supplement it to pay for private universities? If so, can you make a video on that?
Check out my video on the yellow ribbon program! I think that's what you might be looking for?
@@jasonburds I am relatively familiar with the Yellow Ribbon program. However, I have not seen your video on it so I will watch it. Are there any other programs? In your G.I. Bill video you mentioned other programs so that is why I am asking.
@@DamianSmikle gotcha! If you maximize the yellow ribbon potential, you shouldn't need further supplementation.
In my GI bill video, I was mostly referring to yellow ribbon, pell grant through FAFSA and pursuing scholarships.
If I find a better program, I'll definitely make a video!
hey, I had a brief question, I'm currently enrolled taking 17 quarter units, but I need to withdraw from one class. Does that put me in position to accumulate debt?
Thank you btw and i love your content
I am not in a position to provide a definitive answer on this. However, if you are passed the Add/Drop deadline, a debt will be incurred. If you have not used your 6 credit exclusion rule, the VA *should* apply that and thus protect you from the liability of the debt.
This is only my understanding and I would not recommend taking action on it. I would call 1-888-442-4551 to get the most accurate information for your circumstances.
Man I fucking LOVE these vids
Thanks bro! So glad to hear that!
Hey I was just curious if you knew what would happen if you failed a course but didn't drop it and the course went towards your degree? Would you owe the VA back money?
thanks for providing such a great answer!
I worked for 10 years and filed a welfare claim to pay for my higher education..
honestly.... it's cheaper just to pass the courses and then switch
One hundred percent it would have been. Lessons learned.
Hi thank you so much for the information, i dropped two of my classes October 27 reducing me to currently part time (still considered full time for the total semester). Will I still get BAH for the prior days I was full time during the month of October?
You should have already been paid out, no? Did you withdraw after your W period? If I'm understanding correctly, it sounds like you used your 6 credit exclusion rule on this.
@@jasonburds I have not been paid out yet and I did withdraw during the W period. I definitely took advantage of the 6 credit exclusion rule after watching your video. Thank you 😊
Ok, great video. Question, did the VA count your first drop because you received a “W” on your transcript because you didn’t drop before the drop deadline and then dropped again? Based on previous replies, if my son has been full-time for three straight semesters has never dropped a class after the drop deadline has no withdrawals on his transcript, he should still have his six credit exemption. Is that your understanding? I know you can’t give definitive advice, but you’ve been through this in probably know more more about it than I do.
This is correct. You can withdraw before the deadline and it's as if you were never in the class and wont impact your 6 credit exclusion. If you drop after the withdraw deadline you end up with a W and you 6 credit exclusion will be used. Yes, I did all my dropping after the deadline.
@@jasonburds thanks brother.🤙🏼
Does this rule still apply for dropping classes after the withdraw period of the semester?
This only applies to dropping classes after the withdrawal period. If you drop before, the school refunds you.
Can you clarify - that first class you dropped - was it before the add/drop deadline? Or were you enrolled for like a week and dropped it?
It was after the add/drop deadline. That's when there is a debt incurred. If you drop before you/the VA will get a refund.
Will VA pay BAH for once course a month style colleges? That is only 3 credits. Still going for a bachelor’s degree. Just part time.
Sure. There are all kinds of enrollment schedules for schools. You'll still get paid, but the VA will do the math to determine the equivalent amount to being full time on a semester basis. Might just look a little different.
I may be in the same situation. How long did they give you to repay them?
I'm sorry to hear that. I don't remember exactly. If you got any VA rating, they will just take from that every month until it's paid off.
If you get debt from the VA, do they give you the option to pay it off in one payment?
Yes. They give you numerous options for repayment. Debt management center is fairly good at managing that. You can always call to set up different arrangements.
I'm failing a class that I need despite my best efforts. I'm taking 15 credits total, but if I drop just the one class and am still at 12 credits total, would nothing change ? Or would this use of the 6 credit rule still make me owe back for the one class cancelled?
It will use your six credit exclusion rule. You're better off just finishing the class since you have to take it again for your program. If you're worried about GPA, I would talk to your counselor to see if there's a way to avoid that negative impact.
The VA doesn't care if you fail a class that's part of your degree program.
So if I use the 6 credit exclusion and I go under full time will it affect my pay? for example if I am taking 13 credits and I drop 6. Now that I am only in 7 credits will my pay and everything still be affected?
Yes. Your BAH amount will change if you drop below full time.
So I droped one class. Never used this and the VA says I owe 1,090... I think I am going to call them on this. They should let it slide from what I am understanding?
If it's the first time, I would think. But it can get really complicated. Know the reg and you'll be able to do well.
Soooo. If im taking 6 credits right now. And. I use the 6 credit exclusion rule. Would i owe the school or VA for anything?
If used properly, I Believe the goal is that you don't owe anything. But calling the GI Bill hotline and talking through it with someone before actually dropping any classes is the best way to ensure no debt.
If you want to drop the semester will it be penalty free with the mitigating circumstances if it’s your first semester and you bombed it?
I have had trouble with attendance as well due to an immediate family issue during this semester I just don’t want to be penalized for it when I have legit circumstances.
Mitigating circumstances are always circumstantial. It was told to me that it's a way to not have a penalty, but it's pretty subjective. I don't know how they decide that.
If you use the those job hunting websites, you'll make $30,000.00 in one year and unfortunately, after those loans are paid back, you are laid off because there are no multi millionaires according to the IRS
Not sure what you're referring to
Do you have to pay the VA back if you fail a class?
Depends why you're failing. If you're going to class, doing the work and still failing - no. If you are failing because you're not showing up to class and not doing the work - yes.
Why not got to trade school instead
That's entirely an option for those interested. I wish I did that. Lol
What school online did you do?
I ended up finishing at Liberty University online
@@jasonburds lol that's where I want to finish off at.
The only issue I don't like is how they only give you 50% of your BAH if your full time online. Online college has come along way. The BAH is based off the school location so it would make sense to finish off at a school that has a very high BAH, especially if your only getting 50% of the BAH.
@@dansilvester661 I had a great experience. I didn't use my GI Bill for it though. Between their veteran/military discount and pell grant, I came out basically net 0.
@@jasonburds nice. I'm working on my associates with Central Texas. Probably going to finish off with Liberty. But because BAH goes off the school address I'll probably go else where now.
@@dansilvester661 can you afford to make it happen without using your GI Bill? Save it for grad school or a pivot later on?
So I can either drop a single 6 hour credit course or one 3 credit course? I’ve read that I can’t drop two 3 credit courses.
The best way to ensure no confusion is to confirm with the VA liason at your school.