How to Transfer Military Credentials to College Credits?

I've heard there's a military website that can help calculate my possible college credits from my service experiences. Does anyone know more about this? An explanation or a step-by-step guide would be greatly appreciated!

Sure, I would be happy to explain! You're likely referring to the Joint Services Transcript (JST) system. The JST system translates military training and experience into civilian language and measures it in terms of semester hours. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you access and make use of it properly.

1. Create an account and log in to the Joint Services Transcript website. This is where your military training, experience, and coursework will be formatted into a document that colleges can understand.

2. Review your transcript. Once you've logged in, you can access your JST by clicking on “Transcripts” in the top menu and then "Official Transcript Request". Review and ensure that all of your training, courses, and occupations are listed correctly.

3. Request your transcript. You can request that your JST be sent directly to colleges from the website too. It's a free service and you have the option of either sending it electronically or by mail.

4. Apply to colleges. In your application, make a note of your military service and mention that they should be receiving your Joint Services Transcript.

5. Do the follow-up. After submitting your JST to the respective universities, follow up with the college’s admissions office to confirm that they've received it and asked how they would use it in determining your possible college credits.

6. Undergo credit evaluation. The process for how military training is translated into college credits will differ from one institution to another. Schools have their assessment procedures where they would match your military training and experience against their course catalogs to see if there are equivalent courses you can get credit for.

7. Utilize your school's advising resources. Once you've had your credits evaluated, be sure to meet with an academic or transfer advisor at your college. They can help you understand how these credits apply to your chosen degree program.

Remember, not every college will award the same amount of credit for the same training, and not all military training and experiences will have college-equivalent coursework. It's always good to check with multiple colleges to see how they may evaluate your Joint Services Transcript. Good luck with your transition to college!