Hello everyone, I've heard that military service can potentially be converted into college credits, but I'm a bit lost on how to actually go about this. Does anyone have some guidance on this transfer process or are there any resources I should check out? Every little bit of advice helps!
Absolutely, it's possible to convert military service into college credits. Many universities in the U.S. recognize the training and experience gained during military service as equivalent to college coursework, hence awarding college credits to veterans. Here's a general overview of how it works:
The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences and recommend them for college credit if appropriate. ACE provides a guide known as the ACE Military Guide which contains ACE credit recommendations for formal courses and occupations offered by all branches of the military.
To begin, you'll first need to order your official military transcripts. For example, if you served in the Army, you'll request a Joint Services Transcript (JST). Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard veterans will also use the JST, while Air Force veterans will request their transcripts through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
Once you've obtained your transcripts, you'll submit them to the university you're interested in. The college will then evaluate these credits according to its policies, which can vary widely from school to school. Typically, a university's admissions or registrar's office will make the ultimate determination on how many, if any, of these credits can be applied to a specific degree program.
Finally, it's essential to be proactive and ask questions about the credit evaluation process. Check with counselors or advisors at your prospective college regarding their policies towards military credits, and how they might apply to your intended course of study. Similarly, organizations such as Student Veterans of America (SVA) or the Veterans Affairs Office can provide resources and assistance regarding the transfer of military service into college credit.
This is a simplified overview, but I hope it helps guide you through the process! It's an awesome opportunity to have your military training and experience recognized in the academic world.
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