Getting Started
Steps to Take
Getting started is a multi-step process at Shoreline. As a military-connected student, you have multiple applications to complete. These applications can be completed concurrently. You are advised to start your financial aid application as early as possible due to lengthy processing times. Use this step-by-step instruction sheet to get started.
- Complete an online application
- Be sure to mark Veteran on your application if applicable
- The application takes 3-5 days to process.
- Once processed, you will receive an email containing your ctcLink ID number
- Review the Department of Veterans Affairs website to learn about VA education benefits.
- Complete your online Education Benefits application
- It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA
- After admission, you will receive two emails - one containing your ctcLink ID number, and one containing a link to activate your Shoreline Network account
- Activate your ctcLink account and set your preferred email address
- Use the link in the email you received to activate your Shoreline Network account
- All email communication is sent to your preferred email address which is set in ctcLink. Check your preferred email often so you don't miss out on communications from the College
- Check out all Financial Aid options
- Complete the free online FAFSA. SCC code: 003791
- Learn about Placement options
- If placement is required, we recommend Directed Self Placement (DSP) for English and ALEKS for Math
- Please bring placement documents to your Indoc appointment
- Have all official transcripts (military and college) sent to Shoreline Community College
Enrollment Services:
- For Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard, your military transcript can be ordered from the Joint Services Transcript website
- For Air Force, your military transcript can be ordered from the Community College of the Air Force
- For other colleges, review the college website for information on how to order an official transcript
- If you are completing a Transfer Degree, see Transcript Evaluation
- Submit the transcript evaluation form to Enrollment Services
- Be sure to mark “Send to Veterans Programs” and list your military transcript
- Please bring unofficial transcripts to your Indoc appointment and any subsequent advising appointments
- Schedule a 30-minute Indoc appointment through Starfish
- Review the Required Documents form and bring all applicable documentation
- In this appointment, you will:
- Finalize your GI Bill® paperwork
- Learn how your VA Education Benefits work
- Learn about campus and community resources
- Discuss your education and career goals
- Develop a required academic plan to guide you in registering for classes
- Register for classes online in ctcLink
- Pay your Tuition & Fees:
- For students with Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) , Vocational Rehab (Chapter 31), Tuition Assistance (TA), or MyCAA benefits, the VA pays the college directly for your tuition & fees
- For students with Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD – Chapter 30), MGIB Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR- Chapter 1606), payment for tuition & fees is due within 5 business days following registration or the 1st day of the quarter, whichever comes first
- For students with Survivors’ and Dependents’ Assistance (Chapter 35), please discuss with the Veterans Program Coordinator/Certifying Official during your Indoc appointment
- Attend an NSO session
- Buy a quarterly Orca Card bus pass
- Buy a quarterly parking permit
- Check out the Bookstore and/or research other options for purchasing/renting textbooks
- Familiarize yourself with the Shoreline eLearning tool, Canvas, and login at the beginning of the quarter
- For questions about Canvas, visit our Support Center where you can find the answers to your questions or submit a request for additional assistance.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.