I've heard something about getting college credits for attending AIT classes in the military. Can anyone shed some light on this?
If you complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in the US military, you are indeed often eligible to earn college credits. The exact number and type of credits will vary depending on the specific AIT training you complete, and the policies of the college or university you attend.
The American Council on Education (ACE), in cooperation with the Department of Defense, evaluates military training (like AIT) and experience for potential college credit recommendations. If your training has been ACE reviewed, a certain number of credits may be awarded based on their recommendations.
It's important to check with the particular college or university you're interested in, as not all institutions may accept these credits or they may interpret the recommendations differently. Also, be aware that these credits will usually be elective or general education credits, rather than specific to a major.
In addition, some colleges and universities have specific programs or partnerships with the military to provide college credit for military training and experience, so consider looking into schools that are military-friendly or have such programs.
Lastly, be sure to request your Joint Services Transcript (JST) when you leave the military, which documents your military coursework and training along with the corresponding ACE credit recommendations. This transcript will be a critical resource when discussing potential college credit with the admissions office at the institution you're considering.
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