Translating Military Service into College Credits

I'm pretty determined to serve in the military before attending college. But I was wondering if there's any way that I could earn the college credits for my military service time? Any input would be awesome!

Absolutely, many colleges and universities do recognize military experience as a valuable form of learning and may offer credits for your service time.

You'd first need to obtain a Joint Services Transcript, or JST, which is a document that translates your military training and experiences into civilian language and also suggests equivalent college credits. You can request a JST through the respective website.

Once you have your JST, you can submit it to your chosen college or university's admissions or registrar's office. Each school handles JSTs differently, so you'll want to check with each individual institution to see how they'll process it.

Several colleges and universities also participate in the ACE (American Council on Education) Military Programs. This is a framework designed to recognize the educational value of military training and experience, and translate it into academic credit. So, looking for institutions that are a part of the ACE program is a good idea as well.

Keep in mind, this credit evaluation is often done on a case-by-case basis, and the amount of credits you're able to earn from your service can vary significantly based on your specific training, experience, and the policies of the institution you're applying to. Therefore, it's always a good idea to get in touch with the admissions office to discuss your specific situation.

Remember that even if a school doesn't award a lot of direct credit for your military service, they'll still likely value the skills and experiences you've gained during your time in service. These can be leveraged in your application essays and interviews. Also consider, many schools offer veteran support services and groups which can help with transition to college life. Good luck with your plans!