Tell us about yourself, Karenina!

Hometown: Killeen, Texas

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Neuroscience at Yale University, class of 2028

What did you do in the military? Cyber Warfare Technician

Fun fact about yourself: I have a tattoo half-sleeve of my dachshund because he is a very good boy.

Tell us about your experience applying to college. I used to have a strained relationship with school. Growing up, my self-worth was tied to my academic accomplishments. I got good grades and even graduated high school as the class valedictorian, which brought me pride but also left me feeling lost and unsure of my path beyond others' expectations.

I wanted to find who I was outside the classroom, so I joined the Navy as a Cyber Warfare Technician. My decision to enlist faced criticism from friends and family who saw it as a mistake. However, I saw joining as an opportunity to discover myself. My service allowed me to overcome new challenges and uncover my potential as a whole person. From intensive training in networking concepts to leading peers, the Navy demanded adaptability and continuous learning, and I grew in response to what came my way.

Most importantly, I found my voice. I struggled with my mental health and hit a low in 2022. Unfortunately, when I sought help, I was met with hostility and ambiguity from the base appointment line. Fueled by this experience, I crowdsourced testimonies from my peers and brought the issue of mental healthcare barriers to my command, resulting in clarified resources and additional providers. Though positive change was made, I felt the fight wasn’t over. I learned that getting better was an ongoing, lengthy process for many. This inspired me to change direction toward a career in clinical research.

I knew I needed to go back to school, so I sought guidance from Service to School (S2S). S2S’s virtual fairs provided invaluable insights into what top universities sought in applicants and helped me decide where to apply. Additionally, I received personalized guidance in crafting my application from my ambassador, Jesse. As another Cyber Warfare Technician, he understood my experiences completely and was crucial in translating them into my college applications. I wholeheartedly believe I wouldn’t have been accepted into Yale University without him!

At Yale, I plan to major in Neuroscience and hope to join one of the research labs at the medical school. Beyond academics, I am excited to connect with my heritage through the Filipino club, Kasama, and explore new interests like stand-up comedy and music production through various campus clubs. Attending Yale is not just the next step in my career; it’s an opportunity to discover more in life and make meaningful change.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? S2S paired me with an ambassador who did the same job I did in the Navy and could relate to my experiences. It's huge having another set of eyes to demilitarize your experiences on paper, especially when they can completely understand where you are coming from and what you are trying to convey in your application materials.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm super excited to get back in touch with my roots as a Filipino-American! While I feel fortunate to have been born and raised in the United States, I've always felt a cultural disconnect between my relatives raised in the Philippines and myself. I want to learn more to understand my parents and grandparents better. One of the best things about Yale is how the college encourages its students to excel and explore beyond academics. I'm excited to leverage Yale's Kasama Club and language learning opportunities to enrich my life beyond the books.

What are your goals post-graduation? Currently, I see myself applying for an MD/PhD program with the end goal of conducting clinical research. My time in the military as both a peer and a leader for other Sailors sparked a personal interest in improving mental healthcare. I'm most interested in improving treatments for mental illness — if there's a way to expedite feeling better, I want to find it!

Karenina’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Communicate, communicate, communicate! Ask questions even when you assume the answer might be no. Much of the college application process is tailored toward traditional high school seniors; you'd be surprised at how flexible admissions officers can be if you're willing to ask for alternative solutions to things like letters of recommendation from teachers. Don't let the process scare you into giving up — just ask!

It's one thing to get help, and it's another thing to get help from someone who's where you want to be. Peer-to-peer mentorship helped me realize that my educational goals were not only dreams but very attainable. I felt comfortable leaning on my S2S Ambassador because he had been in my shoes; he'd already tread the path I was about to embark on, and I trusted that he could get me to where he was.

Congrats again Karenina on your acceptance to Yale University!

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Tell us about yourself, Seth!

Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Mathematics/ Political Science at Vassar College, Fall 2026

What did you do in the military? Yeoman, USCG

Fun fact about yourself: Use to be pretty good at swing dancing

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? As a new seaman on the CG Cutter Sherman, I got to participate in a line crossing ceremony. When the ship crossed the artic circle I became a blue nose. Never have I experienced anything like that, and I doubt I will experience something it again.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Deciding to go to college creates one large open ended challenge. Where do I start? What college do I want to attend? What degree do I want? How do I apply? What is financial aid? Why am I working this hard for my education?

S2S helps you navigate this challenge. The people of S2S are familiar with these types of questions and are able to provide insight and advice. They help one come to their own answer of why college and why now. But it does not stop there, they also give you the opportunity to write an essay that is a part of your application, they help you navigate the common app, and provide interview prep.

In short, the biggest benefit of S2S is the breath of services it offers.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I reached out/ met with/ talked to a lot of schools during my application process. Conversations are a two way operation, and Vassar College was the only one to maintain the conversation for a year! I have developed connections at a college I have yet to visit. I am so grateful for the support Vassar offers, I am grateful to the veteran coordinator at Vassar, and I am grateful for the special attention Vassar offers veterans. All of this and I have not started school yet. Truly, college is more than an education, it is a place to develop connections. I am already developing those connections, and I most excited about continuing to develop them.

Seth’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

College is more than an education; it is an incredible opportunity for personal growth, exploring new interests, and forging new friendships. As you embark on this journey, remember these help tips:

+ Embrace the academic opportunities. Engage deeply with your courses and explore subjects outside of your comfort zone.
+ Build a supportive network. Connect with fellow students (through S2S and Warrior-Scholar Project) and seek mentors (S2S, WSP, veteran coordinators).
+ Prioritize personal development. Pursue extracurricular activities, stay open to new experiences.
+ Maintain Balance. Find a healthy balance between school, self-care, friends, and family.
+ Reflect of your journey! Keep a journal or blog. Memories offer valuable insight.

College is more then an education, it is an opportunity to reinvent yourself. A place where you can have your new beginning.

I recommend peer to peer mentorship for anyone whishing to attend college. College is one big peer to peer mentorship program. Get use to talking to people, explaining your thoughts, listening to others, respecting different opinions, and providing feedback. All of these traits are skills that S2S develops that will help you succeed in an academic setting.

Congrats again Seth on your acceptance to Vassar College!

Tell us about yourself, Kayla!

Hometown: Elko, NV

What is your anticipated school and intended major? MBA at Harvard Business School

What did you do in the military? UH-60 "Blackhawk" Pilot

Fun fact about yourself: My husband, John Walsh, and I are both incoming candidates to Harvard Business School Class of 2026 and expecting our first baby this Spring! He's the one in the picture with me that I submitted. He was also a Blackhawk pilot and used S2S during the MBA admissions process.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? My S2S's wise insight and advice for the overall MBA application process was essential to my journey and finding success in the MBA application cycles. Conversations with my Ambassador kept me focused, motivated, and on a timeline to achieve great final products for all my essays and portal responses with her prompt assistance and guidance for where I should start. My Ambassador’s help and feedback iterations were always faster, more thorough, and more prompt than I could have ever expected.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I truly can't wait to get back into academia and learn from the diverse cohort in my MBA class.

What are your goals post-graduation? I hope to consult on operations strategy, ideally in the Clean Tech space.

Kayla’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Once you have an idea of the path you hope to take post-service, find someone who's further along on that path, ideally a veteran from a similar MOS and background. Ask for 15 minutes of their time to learn what their experience has been working in that space. It's a good way to find out if that's what you truly want to do and learn from their experiences. Don't be afraid to cold email or message on LinkedIn. Most vets are more willing to take time to help each other out than you might expect!

After 8 years in the Army, I don't think I ever really stopped to reflect on my experience until the MBA application cycle. Having a peer slightly ahead of me in the journey to higher education helped me reflect and synthesize my experiences into impactful 400-900 word essays for each MBA application was invaluable in finding success in the admissions process.

Congrats again Kayla on your acceptance to Harvard Business School!

Tell us about yourself, Daniel!

Hometown: Wilmington, DE

What is your anticipated school and intended major? MBA at The Wharton School , class of 2026

What did you do in the military? Aviation Officer / Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? The opportunity to lead men and woman through demanding missions and guide them through personal and professional challenges.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? S2S provided me a no-cost sounding board to plan out my application and explore the value of an MBA. It connected me with a wide network of veterans who went through this process recently. I was connected with Sean Woods (HBS '24) and he stayed with me throughout the application cycle. He accommodated my weird hours while deployed and helped me work through all aspects of my application. His help was invaluable.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm excited to return to my home region and dive into the MBA experience. Wharton has a strong veterans network and positions graduates to find success in all industries. Wharton also allows students to build a unique personal program with a wide range of majors available.

Daniel’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

My advice is simple. Leverage the veterans network early and often. I would not have found success without the feedback and mentorship of a number of trusted veterans.

There is a large network of military veterans who have pursued an MBA from top schools. S2S made it easy to access that experiential knowledge. Veterans are direct and thorough, and mentorship from people like me allowed honest feedback and guidance.

Congrats again Daniel on your acceptance to The Wharton School!

Tell us about yourself, Justin!

Hometown: Westborough, Massachusetts

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Course 1-12, Climate System Science and Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Class of 2028

What did you do in the military? 1C6X1 - Space Systems Operations

Fun fact about yourself? If we're friends, I'll probably cook for you at some point.

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? My proudest accomplishment was graduating my first class of GPS satellite operators as a new instructor.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Service to School helped me in two ways. First, it connected me with the mentors and experts I needed to succeed. Second, through the VetLink Addendum, it gave me a way to communicate my military experience to MIT admissions.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm excited to immerse in the MIT community and dive into academic research. Of all the things I consider impressive about MIT, I most admire its culture. The purposefulness, camaraderie, and sense of humor I've seen in students, faculty, and alumni reminds me of the culture I experienced in the service.

What are your goals post-graduation? I'm not sure yet. Course 1-12 is brand-new, so I'll have to see what opportunities arise as I progress. Regardless, I'm optimistic.

Justin’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

See if you can attend a Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp at the school you're interested in! Also, don't be afraid to reach out to admissions if you have application questions.

The peer-to-peer mentorship I received through Service to School helped me light the path I hoped to walk. My mentor's guidance informed how I approached everything from my application to on-campus housing. Her experience and advice smoothed the learning curve substantially. I highly recommend other veterans to connect with a mentor through Service to School.

Congrats again Justin on your acceptance to MIT!

Tell us about yourself, Karyna!

Hometown: Chicago, IL

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Physician Associate at Stanford School of Medicine, Class of 2026

What did you do in the military? Supply and Accounting in the US Marine Corps

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Service to School provided me with an excellent mentor who guided me through the rigorous application process. We conducted mock interviews together, and he played a crucial role in enhancing my personal statement to effectively highlight my military service.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm thrilled to finally embark on my journey in practicing medicine! This has been my dream since childhood, and it feels surreal to have been accepted into one of the top programs in the country. I specifically chose Stanford University for its commitment to fostering PA leaders and preparing healthcare providers to serve in medically underserved areas.

Karyna’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

As veterans, we have undergone experiences that grant us a unique perspective. Ensure that you emphasize this on your application. The grit and adaptability inherent in a veteran's background are valuable assets that are appreciated on any team. I encourage you to leverage these qualities to the fullest during your interview process.

Being mentored by another veteran was one of the most valuable experiences I gained from S2S. My mentor not only understood my path to medicine but also shared my commitment in aiding underserved communities. Drawing on our shared experiences, his expertise significantly enriched my application and provided guidance on which aspects to emphasize during the interview process.

Congrats again Karyna on your acceptance to Stanford School of Medicine!

Tell us about yourself, Marcel!

Hometown: North Plainfield, NJ

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Yale University, Class of 2025

What did you do in the military? Communications Engineer/Electronics Technician

What is a fun fact about yourself? Experienced both 126 degree and -25 degree weather in the same year

What is your proudest accomplishment in the military? Becoming Communications Watch Officer and Leading Petty Officer for Strategic Communications Wing One.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? The expertise of my advisors RJ Hakes and Jim Selbe allowed for me to reconstruct my military experience into a tangible, cohesive expression of my identity and personal history. The VetLink addendum in particular is an incredible and unique opportunity for veterans to capture their extraordinary journey in their own words.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? Yale has a renowned academic culture that has stood the test of time, one that I am truly excited to immerse myself in and succeed. My favorite part about Yale as an incoming student is the unrelenting support of the Yale faculty as well as the acceptance and mentorship of the Eli Whitney Scholar community.

What are your goals post-graduation? I intend to pursue a Master's degree following my graduation with an intent to expand upon my electrical engineering background.

Marcel’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Use every possible resource available to you, specifically including Service to School! Be open to alter your preconceived ideas of what's possible and always know you have so many students and educators within the veteran community excited to help you.

Learning from those that have already succeeded in the college admissions process is a blessing. All of my anxiety filled questions were quickly answered and I was able to approach my process with confidence due to the support I received.

Congrats again Marcel on your acceptance to Yale University!

Tell us about yourself, Christian!

Hometown: Long Beach, CA

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, Class of 2026

What did you do in the military? Armor Crewman

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Service to School linked me with an incredible advisor who was always there to support me whenever I needed it. I deeply value the direction and guidance he gave me throughout my journey. Hearing stories from students like me provided me with the motivation to pursue not only higher education, but also admission to an incredibly prestigious institution like Princeton University. I have a deep love and appreciation for everything that S2S does for the veteran community.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I am simply excited to grow at a university like Princeton! As a first generation college student, it is humbling to know that I will be able to take my family’s name to the highest levels of academic prestige. I am ready to be challenged academically at the School of Public and International Affairs and I am excited to grow from the many relationships I will build with the students, staff, and faculty. My favorite part about Princeton is the ferociously loyal alumni network. The network proves to me that alumni are passionate about Princeton because it played such an important role in their journey. I am ready to join their ranks! Go Tigers!

What are your goals post-graduation? After graduation, I intend on pursuing a graduate degree. This is only the next step on a road leading to higher education.

Andres’ advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Get involved with S2S. The more you submerge yourself into the organization, the more resources you will discover. These resources are created just for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out help.
Don’t ever sell yourself short. Your potential is unlimited.
Give 100% of your effort and you will always find fulfillment in the results.

I would certainly recommend peer-to-peer mentorship to everyone! Having someone in your corner who has navigated the oftentimes complicated path of applying to institutions of higher learning is like having an ace up your sleeve. The guidance and direction that peer mentors can provide you with will make a world of difference in how you tackle these obstacles.

Congrats again Andres on your acceptance to Princeton University!

Tell us about yourself, Mo!

Hometown: Wellesley, MA

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Human Biology at Stanford University, Class of 2026

What did you do in the military? I served as a 68W Combat Medic as part of the 10th Mountain Division

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Being part of the 3-71 Cavalry Medical Team and providing medical services to local nationals during my overseas tour was a profoundly enriching experience. It fills me with a sense of pride and purpose to know that I was able to make a positive difference in people's lives when they needed it the most.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? I believe the VetLink Addendum definitely allowed my military service history to shine, something that might not have been reflected as accurately and completely in traditional common applications and supplemental documents.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I am excited when I think about returning to the world of academia, which I left behind four years ago. I am also drawn to the prospect of forming connections in more conventional ways, away from the constraints of my past experiences. As for Stanford University, it is the location that attracts me the most. I can almost see myself there, basking in the balmy Californian weather, a delightful change from the harsh winters of northern New England.

What are your goals post-graduation? I would like to continue applying to medical school and complete my medical degree.

Mo’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

There is an abundance of resources for veterans out there. Take your time and have the patience to do some research before making decisions! The results will be well worth your efforts.

The influence of peer-to-peer mentorship was instrumental in my college application journey, especially when it came to refining my personal essays and providing moral support. Given my experiences, I'd wholeheartedly recommend this to other veteran students. The truth is, the understanding and shared experience between veterans is something truly special. There's an innate depth of empathy and understanding that a fellow veteran can bring, something that traditional academic advising cannot provide.

Congrats again Mo on your acceptance to Stanford University!

Tell us about yourself, Patrick!

Hometown: Moraga, CA

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Finance at The Wharton School, Class of 2025

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have flown to every public airport in Washington State!

What did you do in the military? I was an Army Aviation officer. Besides flying the aircraft, I also led a company of 44 soldiers and a maintenance platoon of 36.

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? My proudest accomplishment in the Army was when I was given the opportunity to lead my company of 44 pilots and mechanics. In this role, I was able to grow personally as a leader and help my subordinates achieve their goals, both in and out of the cockpit.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Service to School didn't just provide me a personalized ambassador; it also provided me access to second-year students that were farther along in their post-military journey. I could ask them anything and everything. Service to School built a team of individuals around me that wanted to see me succeed. I was blown away by the support I received.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? From the events I've attended already, I am most excited to meet my classmates. Wharton seems to really value diversity of experience. No matter what my future classmates have done, it is evident already that they all excel. I'm ready to learn so much from them!

What are your goals post-graduation? Following graduation, I hope to work in NYC in strategy consulting, specifically in a firm's PE-adjacent group.

Patrick’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Don't self-select out! If your stats are in your desired school's middle-80% range, then just apply. Let the school tell you no.

How has peer-to-peer mentorship helped you on your journey to higher education? Would you recommend peer-to-peer mentorship to other veteran students? Absolutely. Only in those sorts of peer-to-peer environments can you see a path forward for yourself. These ambassadors have followed the same path you are embarking on- therefore they uniquely understand the transition like no one else.

Congrats again Patrick on your acceptance to The Wharton School!

Tell us about yourself, Aseef!

Hometown: Queens, NY

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Clean energy VC at Berkeley Haas 2025

Fun Fact About Yourself: Post-separation, I'm traveling through Africa for a year

What did you do in the military? Operations research analyst

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? During my time in Afghanistan, I conducted combat analyses that directly advised the commander of 21,000 NATO & allied troops from 39 nations.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? I really loved getting connected to other vets who are further along the exact path I'm following. More than anyone else, they understand exactly where I've been and how to get to where I want to be.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm excited to dive into an environment where it's not abnormal to believe you can have a big impact both in the business world and, through that, on many people's lives. I'm especially excited that a large portion of the Berkeley Haas student body is focused on the mission of increasing environmental sustainability.

What are your goals post-graduation? I intend to work in clean energy venture capital and bring my experiences from my personal background, the military, and my travels to work toward increasing global energy equity.

Aseef’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Most of your peers aren't pursuing the path you are, but that doesn't mean your path is unattainable. You're absolutely good enough and S2S can get you connected to others who are where you want to be.

At times, you may ask yourself if you're being overly aspirational in your plans and the journey can feel confusing. But having that peer-to-peer mentorship guides you very specifically and makes the goal realizable.

Congrats again Aseef on your acceptance to UC Berkeley Haas!

Tell us about yourself, Ben!

Hometown: McArthur, Ohio

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Psychology at the University of Michigan, Class of 2027

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a classically-trained French chef

What did you do in the military? Data Systems Administrator, Machine-gunner

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? During a deployment in 2018 I implemented a ground-to-air communications link that allowed for direct communication with helicopters during the execution of clandestine missions OCONUS. I also worked in conjunction with Pentagon liaisons to facilitate a multi-organizational communications platform upon which NATO coalition forces could safely communicate.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Service to School put me in touch with veteran admissions representatives at countless top-tier schools. It is because of these conversations that I was able to get in contact with veteran students at these institutions, many of whom offered me additional assistance with my admissions essays, interview preparations, etc. I am confident that my veteran connections at these schools, facilitated through Service to School, were the driving force behind my acceptance to the University of Michigan.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I am incredibly fortunate to have received a generous financial aid package from the University of Michigan. This will allow me to save my remaining GI benefits for medical school following my undergrad education, and I am beyond excited to be joining the active veteran's community aboard this college's campus. Furthermore, I will finally be able to pursue my dream of performing mental health research within this institution's renowned research facilities, which will further bolster my future medical school application.

What are your goals post-graduation? Upon graduating from the University of Michigan, I intend to apply to medical school with the goal of one day becoming a psychiatrist. From there I am looking forward to working closely with people suffering from trauma-related psychogenic disorders, and I am particularly concerned with destigmatizing mental healing within the veteran community.

Ben’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

If you are seeking to better yourself through higher education, it is unequivocally in your best interest to reach out to Service to School to aide you in the process. They will provide you with the connections, the mentorship, the support, and the confidence to pursue goals way higher than you may have ever imagined, and they will further help you to recognize and communicate the extensive value you bring to the table as a veteran applicant.

I would have never considered applying to the colleges I have since been accepted at were it not for the peer-to-peer mentorship provided through Service to School. My S2S ambassador was an invaluable resource who helped me consider the deeper meaning behind many of the application essay prompts, and it is because of this mentorship that I was able to concisely transfer my experiences and aspirations into impactful, effective essays.

Congrats again Ben on your acceptance to the University of Michigan!

Tell us about yourself, Devin!

Hometown: Stresa, Italy/ Orange County Califorinia

What is your anticipated school and intended major? MBA at Columbia Business School 2025

What did you do in the military? Supply Administrations, Martial Arts Instructor

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? My proudest accomplishment in the military was completing a successful tour in Afghanistan in 2012 with 1st EOD company.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? The biggest benefit of using Service to School during my application process was having access to a knowledgeable mentor who provided guidance and support throughout the entire process. From reviewing my application essays to providing resume improvements and helping me select which schools to apply to, my mentor at Service to School was invaluable in helping me present my best self to the admissions committees.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm thrilled to join Columbia Business School for its world-class faculty, diverse classmates, exceptional value investing program, and military-friendly environment. I eagerly anticipate learning from experts and peers while leveraging the school's NYC location for unique networking and job opportunities. Columbia's commitment to supporting military veterans, focus on experiential learning, and renowned value investing program make it the ideal choice for my personal and professional growth.

What are your goals post-graduation? Post-graduation, I aim to work in investment management, applying skills from the value investing program. I aspire to lead in the industry, promote responsible investing, and mentor future professionals.

Devin’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Don't worry too much about your GPA. Instead, focus on telling your unique story and demonstrating how your military experience translates into valuable skills for business school. Highlight your leadership, adaptability, and teamwork abilities. Understand that as a veteran, you bring value to the classroom, enriching discussions with your distinctive perspective. Research schools with strong veteran support networks, and leverage resources such as mentorship programs and veteran-focused scholarships. Reach out to current students or alumni with military backgrounds for insights and connections.

Peer-to-peer mentorship has been incredibly helpful on my journey to higher education. As a veteran student, I faced unique challenges and uncertainties, and having a mentor who has gone through similar experiences was invaluable. It was helpful to have a candid relationship where I could ask questions that I might not feel comfortable asking someone from a different background. I would definitely recommend peer-to-peer mentorship to other veteran students.

Congrats again Devin on your acceptance to Columbia Business School!

Tell us about yourself, Kloey!

Hometown: St. Joseph, MO

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Neuroscience at Brown University, 2026

What did you do in the military? Human Intelligence Collector

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? The biggest benefit to using Service to School was being connected with an Ambassador who is truly dedicated to my success. My ambassador spent countless hours answering questions about colleges, connecting me with alumni, and encouraging me when I felt dispirited about the application process.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school?My favorite thing about Brown is the emphasis on diversity. I am excited to study at a world class institution while connecting with other students who come from varying walks of life.

Kloey’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Don’t be afraid to shoot for the stars. Anything is possible if you work hard enough.

I’ve learned so much through peer-to-peer mentorship about what to expect at elite colleges and how to succeed in such an environment. I would definitely recommend peer-to-peer mentorship to other student veterans.

Congrats again Kloey on your acceptance to Brown University!

Tell us about yourself, Jonathon!

Hometown: Crescent City, CA

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University , Class of 2027

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love bikes! I'm currently riding my bicycle from Spain to Ireland and I've gone 1600 miles so far in the last month and a half. I’m in Amsterdam at the time of writing this!

What did you do in the military? I was an Engineering Laboratory Technician on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Finishing the Naval Nuclear Power Program and finally being able to apply what I learned on the job.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Having the opportunity to submit the VetLink addendum along with my application. That was the perfect place to talk about my military accomplishments in a way that makes sense to admissions officers, and I think it really rounded out my application. Having a motivated ambassador available to help me fill it out as well was an invaluable resource.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm most excited about being able to dive deep into the engineering world and focus purely on studies. We have our whole lives to work, so why not take this opportunity with the education benefits we’ve earned and explore! My favorite part about Stanford is their emphasis on academic freedom. It’s highly encouraged to explore a wide range of studies, and you don't have to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year.

What are your post-graduation goals? After graduation, I’d like to help design autonomous underwater vehicles for oceanographic research. I love the ocean, I love surfing it, I love diving it, I love the creatures in it, and sometimes I just plain love looking at it. I think this would be the perfect way to combine two of my passions.

Jonathon’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

In the military, your experiences may not seem very unique to other service members, but in a college applicant pool of people from all different walks of life, your experiences in the military are what make you shine. Talk about moments that truly meant a lot to you – not just the ones you think an admissions officer will like. Sometimes even the smallest things can make the most meaningful stories as long as they're intimate and personal.

Having a mentor I shared similar experiences with helped me find value and make sense of some of the things I wanted to say in my application. They were also able to help find the best alternatives to parts of my application that were meant for a graduating high school senior since I applied as a freshman, for example, getting recommendations from recent employers instead of teachers. I would absolutely recommend having a peer mentor.

Congrats again Jonathon on your acceptance to Stanford University!

Start your own journey to #AdmissionAccomplished!

Tell us about yourself, Richard!

Hometown: Brooklyn New York

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Government with a minor in psychology at Harvard University, class of 2026

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have recently started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but I'm not the best at it yet

What did you do in the military? I was a Navy Corpsman

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? I was a member of the medical team that provided assistance to the crew of the U.S.S. John McCain after their ship was hit in the Singapore harbor. It was one of the most solemn days of my life, but it was also amazing to be able to play a small role in helping recover the remains of fallen sailors and treating the injured crew.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? My ambassador [James] has been speaking with me for three years now. After our first phone call, I didn't speak with him for six months because I believed there was zero chance I'd ever have a chance at getting into any top school. He hit me up that summer and reignited the fire, and I applied for the first time in 2022. I got waitlisted at all my target schools and rejected by the rest, and it was one of the most disheartening moments of my life. When I told James I wanted to apply again, he was excited and ready to continue the journey. I'm incredibly grateful for all he's done for me while juggling the rigors of medical school.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? The history. I am incredibly humbled to gain the opportunity to join the brightest minds of this generation while pursuing my education in an environment that has nurtured and hosted some of the most remarkable individuals in history. It’s also really cool to be attending the oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.

Richard’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

I have three crucial points of advice that I now live by -

1. Work hard

2. Get used to failure. I've failed consistently for the last 26 years of my life. When I stopped letting failure and self-doubt affect my ambitions, things began to fall into place.

3. Give back to the community. I had a lot of people invest in me, especially when I wasn't even investing in myself. Push others to be greater, help them achieve their goals, and above all just try to be a good person.

In addition to my mentor James, I was fortunate to have assistance from another Service to School mentor, Luke. Both of them not only offered me helpful advice but also taught me the intricacies of admissions writing. Having someone who has once been in your shoes and gone through the same process as you is incredibly valuable.

Congrats again Richard on your acceptance to Harvard University!

Start your own journey to #AdmissionAccomplished!

Tell us about yourself, Mike!

Hometown: Miami, FL

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Law at Yale Law School class of 2026

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was the second to last in birth order among my 8 siblings.

What did you do in the military? I was an Avionics Technician/Collateral Duty Inspector

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Twice a year, the base where I was stationed would host a comprehensive training operation spanning several weeks. This operation involved squadrons and battalions from across the Marine Corps. While fulfilling our own responsibilities, my unit also provided support for these operations. I was recognized with a Certificate of Commendation for my crucial role in facilitating the success of this operation, contributing to an impressive flight success rate of 95%.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? The greatest advantage of utilizing Service to School was the invaluable opportunity to directly connect with a fellow veteran who possessed a deep understanding of navigating the law school admissions process with expertise. In other words, I had access to someone who possessed a wealth of knowledge that couldn't be easily found online and could only truly be comprehended through firsthand experience.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I am particularly thrilled about the prospect of exploring and pursuing the area of law that captivates my interest the most, whatever this may be. Based on my experience attending the Admitted Students Program and engaging in conversations with current and former students of YLS, I have formed an impression that the academic environment at the school nurtures and encourages intellectual curiosity. This is my favorite part about YLS.

Mike’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Engage in thorough research! Many answers regarding the law school admissions process can be found on the internet, Reddit, or Discord. Personally, I dedicated considerable time to independent research and acquired substantial knowledge on law school admissions even before connecting with my mentor. I don't propose going through this process alone, but rather taking the initiative to understand the broader aspects of how the process operates. This will enable you to formulate a preliminary plan, such as taking the LSAT early enough to allow for potential retakes while still applying early in the law school admissions cycle.

In my personal experience, having a fellow veteran who truly comprehended the challenges and transitions associated with military life and transitioning out of service proved immensely beneficial in developing a strategic plan for the future. My mentor possessed extensive knowledge regarding the law school admissions process and the relevance of VA benefits in pursuing a legal education. The ability to ask questions without any sense of hesitation or the need to present myself in a certain manner, as if speaking to an admissions officer or authority figure, created a comfortable and supportive environment. I wholeheartedly recommend the power of peer-to-peer mentorship.

Congrats again Mike on your acceptance to Yale Law School!

Start your own journey to #AdmissionAccomplished!

Tell us about yourself, Ed!

Hometown: New Milford, CT

Fun Fact About Yourself: I started watching Godzilla movies when I was 10. I have watched all of them

What is your anticipated school and intended major? History at Harvard University class of 2027

What did you do in the military? Infantry/Operations Chief

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Iraq and coming home with everyone.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? My ambassador was instrumental in helping me to craft my VetLink Addendum, Essays and answers to questions in a way that highlights and leverages my years of leadership and military experience.

How has the transition been from the military to civilian life? It has been difficult at times. Going from a full time Marine to a full time stay at home parent to 3 young children was a lot of change in a short amount of time.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? What’s your favorite part about the school you chose to matriculate at? Getting my education. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. My favorite part about Harvard is that I know every single member of the faculty will take my education as seriously as I do.

What are your post-education goals? Earn my PhD in History and become a college professor.

Ed’s advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Don't ever dismiss or doubt how valuable your military experience, training, and leadership are to colleges and universities. Promote yourselves based on that. You want to stand out from the crowd. When 1% of the population serve at any given time, you have a unique quality that they are looking for.

Being a 47 year old retired enlisted Marine, I didn't have much in the way of peer-to-peer mentorship. I did, however have some excellent officers who inspired me to pursue higher education. I would recommend peer-to-peer mentorship for everything from education to professional development.

Congrats again Ed on your acceptance to Harvard University!

Tell us about yourself, John!

Hometown: LaCygne, Kansas

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Electrical Engineering at Brown University, Class of 2027

What did you do in the military? Cryptologist

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? The Vetlink addendum is a great way to translate your military successes into human readable language, but I'm still going to have to go with the ability to have someone dedicated to reading your essays and providing feedback. The Ambassador is invaluable.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm most excited about learning how things work; The ability to tailor fit my degree to my interests with Browns Open Curriculum

John's advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

There's going to be a few applications make you feel like a round peg at a square hole party. Look for a school that makes you feel more like a puzzle piece just trying to find its place in the picture.

Peer-to-peer mentorship has been insightful; It has been important for me to have people with similar experiences to answer questions. Yes, absolutely I would recommend it to other veteran applicants!

Congrats again John on your acceptance to Brown University!

Tell us about yourself, Mike!

Hometown: Winter Springs, FL

What is your anticipated school and intended major? Business at Harvard Business School, Class of 2025

Fun Fact About Yourself: I feel most at peace when diving below the ocean's surface.

What did you do in the military? As an Army Aviation officer, I held various roles including aviation maintenance company commander, Black Hawk helicopter pilot-in-command, and task force intelligence officer.

What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? My proudest accomplishment in the Army involved serving as an intelligence officer while deployed to Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot and presenting the risk assessments to senior leadership that facilitated zero loss of aviation assets.

What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Service to School provided the means to connect with not just a personalized ambassador, but also a wider pool of veterans that wanted nothing more than for me to succeed. Service to School essentially set the stage for building a team of support that proved absolutely invaluable throughout my entire application process.

Why did you decide to pursue this education path? In order to effectively transition from an Army Aviation career to a career in sustainable business, I knew I needed to pursue a degree program with transformative capability. An MBA program with environmental initiative seemed like the perfect solution.

How has the transition from military to civilian life been? My transition from military to civilian life is still ongoing. Thus far, the process has been exceptionally smooth because of the connections I made with fellow veterans throughout the MBA application process.

What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I'm most excited about getting to know and learning from incredible classmates from all walks of life. My favorite part about Harvard Business School is undoubtedly the case method. The case method demands engaged conversation from every student, bringing to light fascinating discussions that would normally remain hidden in a traditional classroom.

What are your goals post-graduation? Following graduation, I hope to work in management consulting and gravitate towards climate/sustainability projects. After I accrue substantial industry experience, I hope to then transition into an executive leadership role at a climate-focused organization.

Mike's advice for veterans who are applying to college: 

Your experiences in the military harbor truly fascinating stories. Through the process of deliberate self-reflection, you will find the most effective means to tell those stories. Peer-to-peer mentorship was without a doubt the single most effective way to navigate the graduate school application process.

Peer-to-peer mentorship facilitates the genuine, frank conversations one needs to truly understand their position in the applicant pool. I could not recommend peer-to-peer mentorship highly enough.

Congrats again Mike on your acceptance to Harvard Business School!