Transferring military credits to Michigan colleges

Does anyone know how the process of transferring military credits to colleges in Michigan works? Are there any specific regulations or tips for schools in this state?

The practice of transferring military credits to colleges varies based on the individual institution, but there are several ways that Michigan colleges recognize and credit military service.

1. Military transcript: Colleges typically evaluate an official military transcript to determine transferable credits. The Joint Services Transcript, or JST, is often used as an official record of military training and experiences. It maps military occupations to related civilian occupations and includes recommendations for college credit. You would need to request a copy of your JST and submit it to the college you are interested in attending, just like you would with a standard college transcript.

2. ACE recommendations: Michigan colleges often follow American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations when transferring military credits. ACE works closely with the Department of Defense to translate military training and experiences into academic credit, providing standards that schools can use to evaluate what credits to award. It's important to speak with school admissions or a school counselor to understand how each institution applies these ACE recommendations.

3. Credit for examination: Some colleges also award credit for examination scores. For instance, if you have taken any College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) while in service, schools often recognize these along with other standardized test scores like the AP or IB exams.

4. Veterans programs: Some Michigan colleges have specific veterans support programs in place that aid in this process. For instance, University of Michigan-Flint has a Veterans Education Transition (VET) Program for veterans, service members, and their families. These programs can provide additional guidance and support.

5. Institutional Policies: While many colleges in Michigan are open to accepting military training as college credit, the amount and type of credit you receive can vary dramatically from one institution to the next. Always verify with the specific schools you're interested in to ensure you understand their unique policies.

Remember to keep an open line of communication with the college's veterans' affairs or transfer admissions office throughout this process. They can guide you on the specific details of transferring military credits and navigating any other services available to you as a service member or veteran.