Sending military credits to colleges

So, I'm a junior considering using military service as a way to earn college credits. Can someone explain the process for sending these credits to colleges when I'm applying?

Sure! The process of transferring military credits to a college is typically done by submitting your Joint Service Transcript (JST). The JST is an academically accepted document approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) to validate military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE college credit recommendations.

1. Requesting a JST: You can request your JST via the JST website. It's free to send electronically to most schools, though you'll want to double-check with each individual institution to make sure they accept electronically submitted JSTs.

2. Review by Admissions: Once the college receives your JST, the admissions office or the institution's office for veteran services will usually review it and determine how many of your credits will apply towards your degree program. They will base their decisions on the recommendations made by the ACE.

3. Equivalent Coursework: Each individual college or university will determine the equivalent coursework for each of your military training and occupational specialty experiences. Therefore, the number and type of credits that you receive can vary widely from one institution to another.

4. Further Evaluation: Some colleges may require further evaluation if they need more information to properly assess and award academic credit. This could include course descriptions, syllabi or additional documentation about the training programs.

Keep in mind that it's a good idea to go through this process early, as schools may require some time to review your JST and make their determinations. Additionally, you should discuss this process with the admissions or veterans' services office at the schools you're applying to; they can provide the most accurate guidance on how military credits are evaluated at that particular institution.