How Your Military Skills Can Help You Succeed in College

If it's been a while since you were last in a classroom, returning to school might feel unfamiliar. You might be wondering how you'll keep up with assignments or balance your education with everything else on your schedule.

But your military experience has prepared you for more of college than you realize. From managing responsibilities to solving unfamiliar problems, you've already developed skills that can serve you well for the road ahead.

Once you recognize how those skills translate to college, you can start putting them to use in your classes.

Discipline and Time Management

In the military, you're no doubt accustomed to following schedules and meeting deadlines. College requires many of those same habits, although you may have more freedom in deciding how to manage your time.

For example, your classes might meet only a few times each week. Outside those hours, it's up to you to complete assignments and prepare for assessments. Without a daily schedule laid out for you, staying organized becomes especially important.

The organizational skills developed through military service can help you establish a routine. Here are a few ways to put them to use:

• Check your deadlines: Review upcoming assignments at the beginning of each week so you know what's ahead.
• Divide larger projects: Break lengthy assignments into smaller tasks that are easier to manage.
• Set aside time for coursework: Build regular preparation time into your schedule around other responsibilities.

These habits are particularly useful if you're balancing college with a job or family commitments. There's nobody directing you every step of the way, so having a plan of your own can help you stay on top of your responsibilities.

Leadership and Teamwork

Whether you've led a team or served as part of one, you probably know how much communication matters when people are working toward a common goal.

Group projects give you an opportunity to put that experience into practice. You may already be comfortable coordinating responsibilities and working with people from different backgrounds, both of which are among the strengths student veterans identify in higher education.

Classroom teamwork can look a little different, though. Without a formal rank structure, you'll need to share decisions and be open to how your classmates approach things.

Getting to know your classmates can also give you people to exchange ideas with or turn to when you need support. Many colleges offer clubs and student organizations where you can meet people with similar interests, including dedicated student veteran groups.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

Military service often requires you to think on your feet, especially when something doesn't go according to plan. Whether you're troubleshooting equipment or responding to an unexpected situation, you're drawing on your ability to assess a problem and figure out what to do next.

You can use that same approach in college, particularly in technical fields like engineering technology or cybersecurity.

Just ask Daniel Runnion, who spent 13 years in the Army as a diesel mechanic before studying cybersecurity at ECPI University. He found that troubleshooting computer systems required much of the same thinking he'd used when working on military equipment.

Problem-solving also extends beyond technical coursework. You might need to rethink an assignment after receiving feedback or try a different approach when your initial solution doesn't work. Knowing when to adjust your approach or ask an instructor for guidance can help you get through unfamiliar challenges.

Can Your Military Training Count Toward College Credit?

If you're worried about starting college from scratch, you may be able to receive credit for some of the education and training you completed during military service.

The American Council on Education evaluates military courses and occupations, providing recommendations that colleges can consider when awarding credit. You can search the ACE Military Guide to find credit recommendations for your military training and occupation.

If you're interested in applying that experience toward a degree, here's where to start:

• Request your military transcript: Depending on your branch of service, you may need a Joint Services Transcript or another military education record.
• Review credit recommendations: Look for evaluations associated with your completed military courses or occupational experience.
• Ask how credits may apply: Contact your prospective college to find out which credits it accepts and how they fit into your intended degree program.

Keep in mind that credit isn't automatic. Each college determines which recommendations it accepts and whether those credits meet specific degree requirements.

At ECPI University, you may also qualify for credit through previous college coursework, eligible professional certifications, or other relevant experience. You can explore the University's transfer credit options to see what's available.

To get a better idea of which credits might apply to your degree, it's best to speak with an admissions representative. They can help you review your background and figure out what counts and what documentation you need.

Build on Your Military Experience at ECPI University

If you're returning to school after military service, having some familiarity with the environment can make the adjustment easier. At ECPI University, more than 30% of our students are military-affiliated, including veterans, currently serving service members, and military family members.

The rhythm of ECPI University's accelerated courses may also feel familiar if you're accustomed to structured military training. You'll follow a set schedule and focus on a small number of courses at a time.

You can also connect with people who have similar experiences through our Student Veterans of America chapters, including a chapter for online students.

Explore our military education resources for information about education benefits, available programs, and applying your previous military training toward a degree.