Application Mistakes to Avoid at GGU
A Guide for Military-Connected Students Applying to Golden Gate University
Applying to Golden Gate University (GGU) is a straightforward process — but even strong candidates can make preventable mistakes that slow down admission or delay VA benefit certification. For military-connected students, accuracy and timing matter. The good news? With preparation and support from the Diller Center, you can avoid common pitfalls and complete your application with confidence.
Below are the most common application mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Program (or Start Term)
One of the most common errors is selecting a program or start term without fully aligning it to career goals or military benefit timelines.
Why this matters:
Your GI Bill® benefits, transition timeline, or active-duty obligations may impact when you should begin classes.
How to avoid it:
Before submitting your application, clarify:
Whether you need a bachelor's, master's, or certificate
Your ideal start term based on benefit eligibility
The Diller Center team can help you think strategically about your academic path before you apply.
2. Incomplete or Inaccurate Academic History
GGU requires transcripts from all previously attended institutions. A frequent mistake is forgetting to list every school, including community colleges or military-affiliated coursework.
Why this matters:
Missing transcripts delay admission review and financial aid processing.
How to avoid it:
List every institution attended.
Submit unofficial transcripts promptly.
Prepare to send official transcripts after admission.
Accuracy at this stage prevents unnecessary back-and-forth later.
3. Undervaluing Your Military Experience
Many military applicants submit resumes that read like civilian templates and fail to highlight leadership, operational responsibility, or measurable impact.
Why this matters:
GGU considers professional and life experience as part of the admissions review process.
How to avoid it:
Translate military roles into leadership outcomes.
Include scope of responsibility (budget, personnel, logistics).
Quantify achievements whenever possible.
The Diller Center offers guidance on positioning your service effectively to align with academic and career goals.
4. Waiting Too Long to Address VA Benefits
Another major mistake is assuming VA paperwork happens automatically after admission.
Why this matters:
VA certification requires documentation such as:
DD-214 (for veterans)
Certificate of Eligibility
Appropriate GI Bill® paperwork
Delays in submitting documentation can impact tuition payments or housing allowances.
How to avoid it:
Engage early. Once admitted, connect with GGU’s VA Certifying Officials and consult the Diller Center to understand your next steps.
5. Skipping Onboarding Support
Some students complete their application and wait passively for the next step. Military-connected students who actively engage early tend to transition more smoothly.
Why this matters:
Starting strong reduces first-term stress and improves academic confidence.
How to avoid it:
Take advantage of:
Academic Success Coaching
Community introductions with other military-connected students
The Helen Diller Center exists specifically to make this transition seamless.
6. Not Reviewing the Application Before Submission
Simple clerical errors — incorrect dates, incomplete employment history, or missing fields — are entirely avoidable.
How to avoid it:
Before clicking submit:
Review every section carefully.
Confirm your program and start term.
Ensure contact information is accurate.
Verify all required documents are uploaded.
Five extra minutes of review can prevent weeks of delay.
A Frequently Asked Question:
What is the most common application delay for military students at GGU?
Incomplete transcripts and delayed VA documentation are the two most frequent causes. Early preparation and Diller Center engagement significantly reduce these issues.
Ready to complete your GGU application with confidence? Connect with the Diller Center today for personalized guidance on admissions, VA benefits, and onboarding support.