If you’re asking yourself this question — If I get my mission call after you’ve been admitted to college, do I have to reapply once I’m done serving? — you’re not alone.
Thankfully, there’s good news. Some colleges will allow you to delay your attendance through a deferment, which can usually be arranged through a brief application process. In this blog, we’ll outline four to-dos you’ll want to check off your list before you head on your mission.
Communicating with your academic advisor is one of the first steps you’ll want to take as you prepare for your mission. Set up a time to meet with your advisor to explore how the timing of your mission will impact your studies. You’ll want to ask them the following questions:
What is the process for deferring?
To meet my graduation goals, will I have to adjust my course load when I get back from my mission?
How can I stay connected to my academic goals while I'm away on my mission?
Are there any opportunities for distance learning or online courses that I could take while on my mission?
By talking through these questions, you and your advisor can create an academic plan that takes the guesswork out of what you’ll need to do to keep your graduation timeline on track when you return from your mission in 18-24 months.
You’ll also want to consider how your mission deferment might affect your college costs. For example, serving your mission could impact the scholarships and loans that you’re currently receiving.
By meeting with your university’s financial aid team, you can find out if your financial aid can be deferred until your return or if there are other options to maintain it. Plus, some universities offer scholarships specifically for returned missionaries, so be sure to ask if your institution is one of them.
Also, speak with your on-campus housing department to find out how departing for your mission might impact any housing commitment you made for the year. If you live off campus, you’ll want to speak with your landlord to see if there is any flexibility in your lease. (You can also ask if subletting your rental while you’re away is an option.)
Take some time to think about the campus clubs and organizations you’re part of. Consider how your absence might impact the role you play in them. If you hold a leadership role, speak with fellow leaders, advisors, or the organization head about whether someone can temporarily assume your responsibilities while you’re away or if other plans need to be made.
Finally, start to think about what your transition back to college as a returned missionary will require. Here are some things to consider:
Perhaps the most important question to ask upon returning from your missions is the one recently posed by President Russell M. Nelson at the 2024 October General Conference: “To whom or to what will I dedicate my life?”
As a missionary and representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, you’ve already made that decision. So, as you prayerfully consider which college to attend after your mission, be sure to consider how the institution you chose will support your faith and next steps along the Covenant Path.
Whether you’re looking for a college that will support you as you leave for your mission or a university that loves returned missionaries, Southern Virginia University is the place for you.
More than nine out of 10 students are faithful Latter-day Saints, and one out of three are RMs. Here are some additional reasons to consider making SVU your home:
The university awards more than $5 million in annual scholarships — including scholarships specifically for for RMs.
All students receive an iPad, Apple Pencil, and a Smart Keyboard at no extra cost.
About 93% of our job-seeking graduates land full-time employment a month after graduation.
We have a vibrant Young Single Adult Stake on campus with five active YSA wards.
Our campus is home to the largest daytime Institute of Religion in the eastern U.S. where you can earn up to 14 university credits—enough to graduate from the institute—for free religion courses.
It’s the only college that offers NCAA Division III athletics within a faith-supportive environment for Latter-day Saints.