Hello, I'm a military veteran and I'm trying to transition into college life. I want to get my military transcripts for college applications. What tips would you offer to someone far from the bureaucracy?
Firstly, thank you for your service. Applying to college after military service can seem daunting, but colleges often value the unique perspectives and skills that veterans bring to their campuses.
You'll likely need the Joint Services Transcript (JST) which documents your military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE (American Council on Education) college credit recommendations. You can request your JST online by visiting the Joint Services Transcript website and creating an account if you haven't done so already. Be sure to thoroughly check and confirm the information on your JST before sending it.
If you've completed training in the Air Force, you should request your Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript. You can order official CCAF transcripts via the Air Force Virtual Education Center.
Keep in mind that just because credit is recommended, doesn't mean all colleges will accept all the credits, so you might want to reach out to the colleges you're interested in and inquire about their policies for evaluating and awarding credit for military training and experience.
Lastly, don't forget to communicate your unique experiences and perspectives in your application essay, where you can highlight your leadership, teamwork, discipline, and other skills you learned in the military. That kind of life experience can really make your application stand out in the crowd.
Good luck with your transition to college life, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need more information!
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