Hey, I have been considering enlisting after high school and I've heard that you can turn your military training into college credits. Could someone elaborate on how that works and any advice for someone considering it?
Sure, happy to help! The process of translating military training into college credits largely depends on the educational policy of the college or university you're interested in attending and the nature of your military training. The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense to review military training and experiences, and recommend the amount and type of academic credit that each should be awarded.
When ACE assesses a particular training program, it creates a course description and suggests an appropriate amount of credit in an academic discipline. So, let's say you've received training in computer systems during your service. ACE reviews the content of this training and might recommend that it could be translated into a certain number of credits in computer science.
However, it’s crucial to remember that, ultimately, the individual educational institution makes the final decision about what's transferable. After you receive your Joint Services Transcript (JST), which documents all of your military training including the ACE-recommended credits, you'll submit this to your selected college or university's registrar for evaluation. Additionally, the institution you're interested in may also have a Veterans Affairs Office, which could guide you through this credentialing process.
Lastly, while achieving college credit through military training is very beneficial, do keep in mind that there may be general education requirements and necessary courses for certain majors that might not be covered by your training. You may still need to enroll in some classes to meet these requirements.
In summary:
1. Complete your military training
2. Get your training evaluated by ACE
3. Obtain your Joint Services Transcript
4. Submit your JST to the colleges/universities you are interested in for evaluation
Lastly, it's a great decision to further your education after military service. Not only does it open up more career opportunities in the long run, but the experiences and skills you acquired during your military training can significantly contribute to your academic and personal development. Good luck!
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