I'm considering using my military training towards college credits. Does anyone know if colleges generally accept military training as credit? What steps should I take to find out?
Yes, many colleges do recognize military training as worthy of college credit! The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates military training courses and provides recommendations for granting college credit. Most schools follow these guidelines, but the final decision ultimately rests with each individual institution.
Here are the steps you can take:
1. Obtain a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST). This document outlines the various military courses you've taken and suggests equivalent college credits recognized by ACE.
2. Check the ACE website to gain a better understanding of how many credits you can potentially earn from your training.
3. Research colleges to find out if they follow the ACE guidelines for military training. The Military's TA DECIDE tool can be a good starting point. It provides up-to-date information about a school's acceptance rate of ACE credits, rates of military and veteran graduations, etc.
4. Reach out to the college's admissions team or a veteran services coordinator, if they have one. They can guide you through the process of submitting your JST and any other necessary documentation to get your training evaluated.
Remember, it's always best to verify the school's policies directly with them. Even if they follow ACE guidelines, there may be specific limitations or requirements related to the degree you intend to pursue. For example, some schools limit the total number of required credit hours that can be fulfilled by transfer credits, including military training.
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