Converting Military Experience to College Credits

Hey friends, I've completed my military service and I'm considering going to college now. I heard that it's possible to convert military experience to college credits, but I'm not entirely sure how to get started. Can anyone explain how this works or share their experience?

Absolutely, you're absolutely correct that many colleges and universities recognize the value of military experience and offer college credits accordingly. Here's a general overview of how the process works:

1. Evaluate your experience: Review what experiences and trainings you gained during your military service. You should have a Joint Services Transcript (JST) that documents all your military experiences, coursework, and occupational specialties, and this transcript can be sent to colleges for an evaluation of credit.

2. Select your school: When selecting a school, check if they participate in the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Military Guide. This is an agreement by colleges and universities to accept military training, experience, and coursework recommendations made by ACE.

3. Apply for evaluation: Once you have selected your school, reach out to the school’s admissions or records office (each school's process is slightly different) with your JST to request an evaluation for credit.

4. Wait for evaluation: The school will evaluate your experiences against the ACE guidelines. The amount of credit you will receive can vary based on the school's policies and how closely your military experiences line up with the courses offered by the school.

Remember, military experience doesn't always translate directly into academic credits. For example, basic training usually counts as PE credits, while technical and special training may count for more specific fields of study. In addition, your credits may also serve as electives instead of satisfying specific course requirements.

It's worth noting that veteran benefits such as GI Bill can also help to cover tuition fees and some living expenses as you pursue higher education. Good luck with your transitions and your academic endeavors!