If you're not able to find the answer you're looking for on this site, feel free to use the discussion board to post your question to all ambassadors and the operations team.
For general questions, you can also reach out to the operations team any time at s2s.ug@service2school.org. Or, you can reach out to us directly using the emails below. Learn more about the S2S Leadership Team here.
Chief Operations Officer / VetLink Program Manager - Jim Selbe (jim@service2school.org)
Social Media & Community Outreach Coordinator - Amanda Dobias (amanda@service2school.org)
UG Applicant Program Manager - Sydney Matthes (sydney@service2school.org)
Pairing usually happens quickly during fall & winter but it is usually slow during the summer.
We'll pair you with up to two applicants at a time. If you prefer to work only with one or more than two, please let us know. Our goal is to get as many ambassadors as possible at least one applicant.
Send an email to s2S.ug@service2school.org with details about your applicant's decision. A member of the operations team will follow up.
Applicant "ghosting" happens from time to time. If you aren't able to get a hold of your applicant via email, try texting or calling. If that doesn't work, please email us at s2s.ug@service2school.org. Someone from S2S will reach out to your applicant and try to get a hold of him/her. If we can't get a hold of your applicant, we'll move him/her to inactive.
Generally speaking, the earlier the better. Many schools will save a few spots for applicants applying closer to the application due date, but it may be harder to get in since there are fewer spots available.
First, make sure they are listed with us as a VetLink applicant by checking their pairing email for that information and their assigned VetLink Advisor (Jim, Alex, or Sydney). This should be your main POC for that applicant.
If they are not assigned to a VetLink Advisor, Jim is the primary POC for general program questions.
If you're unfamiliar with the Common App, please watch the Ambassador Workshops on the resources page or there is a Common App Virtual Counselor you can use to learn more.
Sure! We recommend you identify yourself as an ambassador with S2S.
For VetLink schools, make sure they are listed with us as a VetLink applicant by checking their pairing email for that information and their assigned VetLink Advisor. This should be your main POC for that applicant, but Jim is the primary POC for general program questions.
Our new Ambassador Guidebook has a section on Application and Essay Assistance. Our S2S VetLink Addendum is a great exercise for applicants to start prepping for writing their admissions essays/statements. It can help them break down their military service and think about how they want to write about it in their applications
For VetLink applicants, we have a small team of essay reviewers that can provide feedback on application essays after you (the ambassador) review and provide feedback. Send essays to their assigned VetLink Advisor.
Our new Ambassador Guidebook has a section on Financial Aid.
Always, always, always fill out the FAFSA - even if they are using benefits! This applies for all public and most private schools (including our VL schools).
This allows schools to verify their identity and screen them for school based-aid that is not always based on financial need. States also use the FAFSA. It must be completed every academic year. States have priority deadlines but it can be completed and updated at any time through 30 June for the current academic year (Fall through Summer).
Students should also complete any financial aid applications required by the school and answer all questions on every admissions application to be fully considered for all financial aid the school offers. They could potentially be offered a partial- or full-ride especially if they don’t end up receiving Yellow Ribbon, have exhausted their benefits, or don’t have benefits.
Some schools are also “need-blind” and offer aid regardless of family income including some VL schools.
All VA/DoD programs including enlistment in the National Guard & Reserve; simultaneous participation in ROTC; and/or Chapter 35 if they qualify by their parents’ or spouse’s service.
State Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits including dependent benefits if they qualify by their parents’ or spouse’s service.
Outside Veteran scholarships from other organizations.
Outside dependent scholarships if they qualify by their parents’ or spouse’s service from other organizations.
Scholarships for descendants of those who have served in US military conflicts from lineage societies.
Scholarships from other societies based on any other cultural identity they claim as well as many other things!
Our new Ambassador Guidebook has a section on Test Prep, but S2S also has a limited number of scholarships to assist with SAT and ACT preparation for non-active duty veterans through AJ Tutoring and Veritas Prep. Contact Jim for more information. Many military education centers have resources for test prep also.
If you'd like to volunteer with a grad team (MBA, JD, Other Grad), please contact Alex at alex@service2school.org and she can update your profile.
You can continue to volunteer on the UG side or switch to only working with a grad team. If you'd no longer like to volunteer as a UG Ambassador, please contact Sydney at sydney@service2school.org.