Hey guys, I've got a question: If I reach a certain rank in the military, does that mean I have a specific amount of college credits? If so, how does it work? This is something I've been curious about.
Yes, your military service, training, experiences, and even the specific rank you reach, can potentially earn you college credits. Military service members and veterans are often able to get academic credits for their military training and experience, lessening the time (and money) it takes to earn a degree.
The first step usually involves getting your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript if you were in the Air Force. These transcripts will include all the training and experience you've had in the military, along with American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations. The ACE reviews military training and experiences and recommends equivalent college credits for them.
However, it's crucial to keep in mind that whether your military training and experiences will be accepted for college credits depends on the specific policies of the colleges or universities you're applying to. While ACE gives recommendations, it's up to each institution to decide what they will accept and how it can be applied toward your degree program. Some schools might apply these credits towards your major, while others might consider them only as electives or not recognize them at all.
Ultimately, when considering colleges, make sure you explore their policies regarding credit for military training and experience. It can be useful to contact the admissions office or the office of veteran affairs at the potential schools you're considering to ask about their policies.
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