I'm attending the Community College of the Air Force and am thinking about transferring my credits to a civilian university. What have people experienced in terms of which credits transfer and any challenges that come with the process?
There are several aspects to consider when looking to transfer credits from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to a civilian university. I'll outline some points to keep in mind based on common experiences:
1. Varied Transfer Credits: Universities differ on how many and which credits they will accept from CCAF. Some universities may accept all or most CCAF credits, while others may accept less. It typically depends on how these credits align with the programs they offer.
2. Type of Credit: Generally, credits earned in your major or field of study are more likely to transfer. General education credits (e.g., English, Math, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities) can potentially transfer as well. However, technical or very specific credits are less likely to be accepted, as they might not have equivalent courses in civilian universities.
3. Accreditation Matters: Schools are more likely to accept credits from regionally accredited institutions. CCAF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which should favorably influence this aspect of your transfer process.
4. Transcript Evaluation: Once you've chosen a few target schools, you should reach out to their admissions or registrar's office to have your CCAF transcript evaluated. This process typically reveals how many of your credits the university is likely to accept.
Transferring, particularly from a military to a non-military institution, has its challenges. Some students have reported difficulties with universities not fully recognizing or understanding their courses. Others have mentioned that the process can be time-consuming and require persistence as you communicate between the CCAF and prospective universities.
Remember, the best approach is to conduct a careful review of potential transfer institutions and engage in early discussions about credit transfers before making your decision. Consider your academic and career goals, and how well each university can help you achieve these.
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