Transferring College Credits from the Military: What's the Process Like?

Served in the military for a bit and took some courses while I was there. Now, I'm planning to go back to college and I'm curious about how I can transfer these credits. Could anyone simplify this process for me, please? Any first-hand experiences?

First off, thank you for your military service. The credit transfer process might vary from school to school but the general flow goes like this:

- Obtain an official transcript: For Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, you're going to want to contact the Joint Service Transcript (JST) system to get your official transcript. For the Air Force, you can request your transcript from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Your transcript should include all of your military training and experience, along with the corresponding ACME (American Council on Education) credit recommendations.

- Check the school's acceptance policy: Be sure to check each school's policy on military credit transfer, as it can vary. Some institutions may accept all of your military credits, while others may only accept a portion. It could also depend on how the specific course aligns with your intended field of study.

- Submit your transcript: Once you've applied and have been admitted to a school, submit your transcript for evaluation. The registrar's office should be able to conduct a transfer credit evaluation which will tell you how many of your credits are transferable and what requirements they can fulfill.

Just remember, while most schools will try to award as much credit as possible, it’s not always a straightforward process. And even if the credit doesn't directly apply to your major or general education requirements, don't be disheartened. It might apply as elective credit.

May you have a successful transition to academia!