It is not surprising to see military veterans returning to college after service. It is possible to translate the training you got during your time in the military into college credits. The training, experience, and leadership development courses all count towards these credits.
You can also leverage some classes with a tutor or a ghostwriter during active duty. It can count towards the credits you get for your training. The challenge for many is how to translate military training into college credits. This article provides you with all of those details, including the organizations that can help you with this conversion.
How Can You Effectively Transfer Military Training to College Credits?
College credits for military training differ depending on the college. So what you might get from one college may not be the same as another. Although many colleges accept these transfers, there is no guarantee that every college will allow it. So, a good place to start is to check with the college to be sure it is possible. That way, you can streamline your application and apply to only specific colleges.
Some quick and effective steps to follow when converting military training into credits include:
1. Conduct thorough research into different colleges
There are things to do before converting your military experience into college credits. The first and arguably the most important is to research different colleges. You need due diligence to ascertain that the college you are choosing is the best for you. First, you want to consider their policies regarding college credits for military service. But, it does not stop there. You also want to check their rankings and teaching staff for the selected course.
Usually, some colleges have a dedicated military website that you can check. In the absence of that, you can speak with the help desk to get all the information you need.
2. Get all your military transcripts
After deciding on the college you would love to attend post-military service, the next step is to get your transcript. Your transcript details all your learning experiences during active service. With this, the college can evaluate basic details like:
- Job descriptions while in active service
- All completed and evaluated courses
- Final scores obtained on courses and dates of completion
- Other necessary educational experiences gotten
For veterans of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, transcripts can be obtained from the Joint Service Transcript (JST). Veterans of the Air Force can obtain their transcripts from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
3. Send your applications to the different colleges
If you have gotten to this stage, it means that you have reviewed the different schools. It also means that you understand how to convert military transcripts to college training. Now is a good place to send in your applications to the different colleges you have considered. In doing this, you have to ensure all the relevant documentation is attached.
4. Allow the school time to review and decide
After you have submitted all the required documents, the college’s admission board or commitment will review them. Several factors are being considered in reaching a decision, and some of them include:
- The relationship of your military experience to the chosen course
- The credits your military training can accrue if converted
- How much credit will be needed to complete the course
How to Maximize Military Transfer Credit In College
Until the appropriate college body decides, you cannot ascertain your credit. However, some helpful student tips that can help you to maximize this credit transfer system include:
- Select a degree closely related to your military role and experience
- Do not stick to only one college because the military college credit calculator will differ. That way, you can choose one with the best credit value.
- You can always appeal whatever credit transfer award you get if you are not satisfied.
Organizations That Help Those Who Want to Go to College After Military Service
Three key organizations can help veterans with the transfer credits. They are the American Council on Education (ACE), the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium (SOC), and the Defense Activities for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES). With ACE, veterans can evaluate all their military training for the equivalent credits. They can also get web transcripts if needed when making applications to colleges.
The SOC, on the other hand, oversees the process of awarding credit for the training and academic tests carried out while in active service. All the activities of the SOC and coordinated by DANTES, an organization that also offers educational programs where necessary.
Conclusion
Veterans on furthering their studies can transfer their military training into credits. You should start early considering the differences in policies among colleges. Also, read through the requirements of each school and have their transcripts reviewed. Where necessary, reach out to the relevant organizations for all the help you can get.
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.