Hey there, I'm just starting my military training and I was wondering if its possible for colleges to count this as credit towards a degree? Do certain colleges have policies for this? Thanks in advance!
Sure, many colleges do recognize military training and experience as part of their credit support for students. This often comes in the form of transfer credits for specific training or experiences you've had while in the military. However, the extent and type of credit you'll receive can vary largely based on the institution.
One common method that institutions use to assess credit for military service is through the American Council on Education (ACE) credits. ACE collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences, translating them into college credit recommendations. These recommendations, while not binding, are respected by many institutions.
Once available, collect all of your military training documents. This could include your Joint Services Transcript (JST), which will detail your military coursework and occupations in terms of civilian skill sets.
You can reach out to the admissions or registrar's office at the colleges you're considering to find out their specific policies regarding credit for military training. Some colleges have a dedicated Veterans Services office, which can also be a useful resource.
Also, check to see if your intended field of study aligns with your military training as this could potentially allow more of your credits to apply towards your program requirements. For example, if you are going through medical training in the military and are pursuing a degree in healthcare, you might find that more of your credits are applicable.
Remember, while all this may seem a bit complex, there are resources out there to help you navigate this process. Look into College Navigator and the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) consortium for additional guidance. Hope this info helps!
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