Transfer Troubles: Military Firefighter College Credits Not Accepted?

I'm a firefighter in the military and was thinking about going to college using the credits I've earned. But recently I heard that some colleges won't accept the credits? Is this true?! What should I do if that's the case?

Yes, sometimes transfer credits from military experience or community colleges to a four-year university can indeed be tricky, largely because each institution has its own policies regarding transfer credits.

Typically, the process involves the military’s Joint Services Transcript (JST), which documents your military coursework and occupational experience in terms of civilian course equivalencies. This transcript is then reviewed by the college you're trying to transfer to, which determines how many of these credits are transferable.

It's true that not all colleges accept all credits. Some may not recognize the military training or coursework as equivalent to their own, thus not providing college credit. This is usually dependent on the college itself and the specific program of study you intend to pursue.

If you're worried about your credits being accepted, there are a couple of strategies you could consider.

Firstly, research potential colleges before applying and ensure you understand their transfer policies, specifically regarding military credits. Some universities are known to be more "military-friendly" than others and have set procedures in place for evaluating and accepting military credits.

Secondly, consider seeking out schools that are part of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium. These institutions have agreed to flexible policies which can make it easier for military personnel and their families to complete degrees.

Lastly, it may be beneficial to work with an educational counselor or a college advisor as they can guide you through the credit transfer process and may be able to help advocate for your credits to be accepted.

Remember, even if all your credits don't transfer, that doesn't negate the valuable professional experience and skills you gained in the military, which could be appealing to colleges in other ways. Try to highlight this experience in your application essays and interviews.