Due to my interest in potentially enlisting after graduating high school, I've been wondering if my future military training can count as college credit? I've heard different things about this, so if any of you have personal experiences or reliable info, I'd be really grateful!
Absolutely, many colleges and universities recognize the value of military training and experiences, and often award credit for it. This credit is typically awarded through the recommendation of the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE reviews military training and experiences and recommends equivalent college credits.
The process usually involves you providing your military transcripts to the college. For example, the Joint Services Transcript (JST) is an academically accepted document which validates your military occupational experience and training along with college-level tests you have taken.
Once your school receives your transcript, they will have evaluators who determine how your military experience aligns with the curriculum of your prospective degree program. They might award credit equivalent to certain courses or even general elective credits.
However, bear in mind that the amount of credit you can earn, and how it applies to your degree, can vary widely from one institution to another. While most colleges will give you some credit for your military experience, the exact quantity and type may depend on factors such as the specific training you received, your MOS (military occupation specialty), and the relevance of these to your intended field of study.
To maximize your transferred credit, it's helpful to choose a college that is "military-friendly". These colleges often have a strong understanding of military training and how to convert it into academic credit.
Finally, it's also worth your time to ask the specific admissions offices for their policy on military training credits. They can provide the most accurate and updated information.
To sum up, yes your military training can count as college credit, but the way in which it is recognized and applied can differ greatly from one college to another. But with careful planning and a strategic approach, you can definitely leverage your military training to accelerate your college education!
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