Hey guys, does anybody know anything about how my time in the military might translate to college credits? I've heard a thing or two, but was hoping to gain more insight. Precisely, how does the military equivalent to college credit work? I could definitely benefit from any experience or knowledge you could share. Thanks!
Absolutely, military experience can potentially translate into college credits. Some colleges and universities in the U.S. will evaluate your military training and experience and may award credit based on that evaluation.
The American Council on Education (ACE), collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences and recommend equivalent college credits. ACE's Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services is the standard reference tool which many colleges use. This guide equates military experience into potential civilian college credit.
You can also use the Joint Services Transcript (JST) which is a document that translates your military experiences into civilian language and includes a summary of your experiences as well as college-credit recommendations evaluated by ACE. You can request this transcript online if you're an Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard service member.
Moreover, the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) provides a transcript that has already converted some of your Air Force training to college credit. Air Force veterans can request a CCAF transcript online.
Keep in mind that each college determines how many credits they will award and how those credits apply to your specific degree plan. So it might be beneficial to reach out to each university's veterans' services coordinator or admissions office to confirm how they interpret your military transcript.
It's important to note though, that while this opportunity can expedite your pursuit of a degree, it might also have consequences for financial aid, particularly for individuals using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Be sure to consider these factors when planning your educational pathway.
It's certainly a great opportunity to leverage your military experience in furthering your education. Good luck!
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