New or Transfer Students

Be sure you reserve your SOAR session and plan your trip accordingly. Transfer SOAR sessions last 1 day, however, depending on how far away you are coming from you may need to plan a stay in Madison.

To reserve your SOAR session: https://soar.wisc.edu/

Information for planning your visit: https://soar.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/

If you have not already, apply for your educational benefits. Depending on the benefit, the process can take 45-60 days. Several types of education benefits can be used at UW-Madison. You can find information about what benefits we certify for current service members, veterans, and dependents here: Education Benefits.

Not sure what benefits you may be eligible for? Taking our Benefit Eligibility Survey is a good place to start!

Already applied and received your eligibility determination? Depending on the benefit you received eligibility for, you may need to submit documentation specific to the benefit to the University Veteran Services office. For example, if you receive eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) you must email your Certificate of Eligibility to veterans@wisc.edu. However, if you receive eligibility for the WI GI Bill® you must email the WDVA 2029 form to the University Veteran Services office. To find more information about what documentation you must submit to the University Veteran Services office, view your specific benefit(s) page(s) here: Education Benefits. On each individual benefits page, you will find a box at the bottom of the page called “Applying.” You will find the information on the documentation you need to submit within this box.

During SOAR you will meet with a member of our team who serves as a School Certifying Official (SCO). You will receive more information closer to your SOAR session about where and when you will meet with UVS staff to ensure a smooth transition of benefit use when you start at UW-Madison.

We understand that you may already have experience using educational benefits at your previous school, however, our rules and processes may be different than your previous school. Be sure to either bring or email ahead of time the necessary documentation for your benefits. To find more information about what documentation you must submit to the University Veteran Services office, view your specific benefit(s) page(s) here: Education Benefits. On each individual benefits page, you will find a box at the bottom of the page called “Applying.” You will find the information on what you need to submit within this box.

If you have additional questions or concerns please schedule an appointment with one of our team members. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Transfer credit should be evaluated and awarded by your SOAR date. You can find information about the transfer credit process, timeline, re-evaluation request, and more here: Transfer Your Credit to UW-Madison.

Be aware that the majority of military credit will transfer as general electives and may not reduce your time to a degree. A large number of general electives could negatively impact your financial aid eligibility and your admission to competitive programs with credit limits.

University Veteran Services will host a welcome event for all new and transfer students at the beginning of the fall semester. You will receive an email when the date gets closer informing you what the event will be, where it will be held, and what time. We look forward to meeting you once more at this event!

Be sure you reserve your virtual SOAR session. Virtual SOAR attendees must complete an online Canvas course that will be provided for you as you get closer to your session date.

To reserve your SOAR session: https://soar.wisc.edu/

If you have not already, apply for your educational benefits. Depending on the benefit, the process can take 45-60 days. Several types of education benefits can be used at UW-Madison. You can find information about what benefits we certify for current service members, veterans, and dependents here: Education Benefits.

Not sure what benefits you may be eligible for? Taking our Benefit Eligibility Survey is a good place to start!

Already applied and received your eligibility determination? Depending on the benefit you received eligibility for, you may need to submit documentation specific to the benefit to the University Veteran Services office. For example, if you receive eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) you must email your Certificate of Eligibility to veterans@wisc.edu. However, if you receive eligibility for the WI GI Bill® you must email the WDVA 2029 form to the University Veteran Services office. To find more information about what documentation you must submit to the University Veteran Services office, view your specific benefit(s) page(s) here: Education Benefits. On each individual benefits page, you will find a box at the bottom of the page called “Applying.” You will find the information on the documentation you need to submit within this box.

Contact the University Veteran Services office to schedule an appointment with a member of our team who serves as a School Certifying Official. You can schedule this appointment either before or during the week of your SOAR session.

We understand that you may already have experience using educational benefits at your previous school, however, our rules and processes may be different than your previous school. Be sure to submit the necessary documentation for your benefits as soon as possible. To find more information about what documentation you must submit to the University Veteran Services office, view your specific benefit(s) page(s) here: Education Benefits. On each individual benefits page, you will find a box at the bottom of the page called “Applying.” You will find the information on what you need to submit within this box.

Transfer credit should be evaluated and awarded by your SOAR date. You can find information about the transfer credit process, timeline, re-evaluation request, and more here: Transfer Your Credit to UW-Madison.

Be aware that the majority of military credit will transfer as general electives and may not reduce your time to a degree. A large number of general electives could negatively impact your financial aid eligibility and your admission to competitive programs with credit limits.

University Veteran Services will host a welcome event for all new and transfer students at the beginning of the fall semester. You will receive an email when the date gets closer informing you what the event will be, where it will be held, and what time. We look forward to meeting you once more at this event!