Hey, folks. I'm thinking about joining the military post-high school, but I don't want to completely put off college. Is it possible to translate some of that military education into actual college credits? How can I go about this?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to translate military education into college credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) works closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences, and recommend them for college credit if applicable. When you complete a course or training in the military, it will be documented on your Joint Services Transcript (JST), which includes ACE credit recommendations.
To use these credits, you will first want to request your JST, which is available to Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard active duty, reserve and veterans. This document will officially list all of your military coursework and occupations, along with the corresponding ACE credit recommendations.
When applying to colleges, you may need to submit your JST for evaluation. Colleges have their own policies on accepting these credits, so you may want to reach out to the schools you're interested in and ask how they evaluate military transcripts. Some schools follow the ACE credit recommendations quite closely, while others may award less credit. It's also important to note that the decision to accept the credits and how they apply to degree requirements is at the discretion of the institution.
In conclusion, remember that while many educational experiences and trainings in military service can earn you college credits, the process requires careful planning and communication with your prospective schools. Take note of the schools' policies on military credits to make sure you can make the most out of your hard-earned experiences.
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