Reviewing College Credits Earned During Military Service?

Hi, I recently finished my stint in the military and now I'm ready to continue my education. I earned some college credits whilst in the service and I'd like to use them. How do I go about doing this? What's the process of reviewing these credits?

Your first step would be to obtain a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST). This document essentially translates your military training, experience and courses into corresponding college credit recommendations, based on evaluations done by the American Council on Education (ACE). The ACE does not approve or disapprove credits; they just provide a recommended credit amount.

To acquire your JST, simply visit the Joint Services Transcript official website and request your transcript. It's an online document that you can share with colleges during your application process.

The next step involves transferring these credits to your prospective college. This process can vary with each institution, as they have individual policies regarding credit transfer. It is always a good idea to reach out to the particular college's Admissions or Registrar's Office to get specifics about their policy. The conversation can also include a discussion about your military experiences and how they may play into your objective for going back to school. Many colleges will have a designated military services department, or a resource center, to help guide you in the process.

Once you've shared your JST, the college will evaluate and determine what credits can be appropriately applied towards your intended degree. Summarily, your credits could be used as elective credits, in lieu of general education requirements, or even be counted towards your major fields of study. However, it's important to remember that not all of your military coursework may align with programs at your chosen institution. You will have to be patient, as this process can sometimes be lengthy due to the academic review involved.

The same process is systemically used for CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) and DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) exam credits, both of which are popular avenues for servicemembers to earn college credit.

Always keep in mind, though, your goal is to progress your education, and while transferring your military credits can shorten the duration and lessen the cost of your degree, it is crucial that the transfer credits do not impede the quality of your future education.

Best of luck with your journey back into education and thank you for your service!