Hello everyone, I'm planning to serve in the military after high school and I was wondering if the training there could help me earn any college credits? I'd like to know which universities acknowledge and credit what we learn in the military. Thanks in advance!
Sure, I can give you a general idea about this. Many colleges and universities recognize the value of military training and offer college credits for it. These can range from community colleges to some of the top universities in the nation.
To make the process more streamlined, the Department of Defense has a program called the Joint Services Transcript (JST). This transcript documents all the professional military education, training, and occupation experiences of service members. This document helps institutions like colleges and universities recognize military training and experiences and potentially translate them into college credits.
One policy that's worth checking on is the American Council on Education (ACE) credits. Many colleges and universities, both public and private, have policies to accept ACE-recommended credits. Schools like Excelsior College, Thomas Edison State University, and University of Maryland Global Campus are well-known for accepting ACE credits, which can be derived from military training.
A lot of state universities also have policies that are favorable to veterans or active-duty military. For example, the University of North Carolina system offers a considerable amount of credit for military training.
With that said, it's crucial to research and get in touch with the admissions office or veterans services office at the universities you're interested in to understand their specific policies.
Remember, even if your training doesn’t translate directly into course credits, it can still offer substantial benefits. For instance, leadership experience and discipline gained in the military are highly valued in the college environment and can be conveyed in your applications and interviews!
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