Hi, I've acquired quite a lot of practical knowledge during my military training and I'm curious if it's possible to transfer these experiences to college credits. Just trying to get ahead as I consider going back to school. Anyone with experience to share or advice to give?
Yes, it's definitely possible to transfer your military experience into college credits! Due to the hands-on, practical training and potential leadership roles you've experienced in the military, a number of higher education institutions, especially those participating in the American Council on Education's (ACE) Military Training Evaluation Program, may be willing to translate those experiences into corresponding academic credits.
ACE essentially works to review military training (including courses and occupational experience) and recommends appropriate corresponding college credits, which many institutions will accept. However, acceptance of these credits is not universal and depends upon the institution's policies, so you'll want to check directly with your prospective schools.
Something else important to note: even if your military experiences don't directly translate to academic credit, they could still be immensely beneficial. Many universities and colleges highly value the leadership, dedication, and perseverance that military experience can bring, and this could add a unique perspective to your application which may enhance your potential for acceptance.
A proactive step forward would be to gather the necessary information about your training experience (like the description, duration, and scope) and have a transcript handy from The Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) if you were in the Air Force-- the latter even offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree from their military experience.
Lastly, consider discussing your experiences and intentions with an admissions counselor at your prospective schools. They will be an invaluable guide in navigating this process.
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