Join the military or go to college?


Question:
My mom is pushing me to join the Navy but my other family is pushing for college (Univ of South Carolina). I will not have any financial support from my family. I have given serious thought towards joining, and I wouldn't mind it, but I can't help but feel like I should be going to college. Yes I can use the GI bill but realistically, I would get my degree faster going full time and I've always wanted to be an officer. I'm academically competitive but scholarships are so hard to get and I really don't want to take out outrageous loans. What is the smartest thing to do that will put me in a better position in the long term?

Answer:
First - Don't not include finances into your decision. The reason is that there are grants and loans (no interest until you graduate). You can always live within your means while going to school and possibly even get an easy on-campus sidejob for spending money.

Second - Research the military option. What I hear most often is that "It's not for everyone." I think people underestimate what life is like when you have to wake up at the time someone tells you to, eat when someone lets you, etc. There are many valuable things to learn (i.e. discipline) but make sure this outweights the education you can get from college.

Third - I think your point of graduating early as you can is a valid one. Who knows, you may go to USC and realize you want to be a lawyer or doctor or you may want to get your MBA. Ideally, you don't want to be too old when you get your higher degree (you may have kids). Bottom line, do make that effort to get your degree earlier than later.

Lastly, consider that going to college can be the best experience of your life. You've heard that so many times that it may not even have any meaning to you. Just to share, here is a little sample of what I learned:

- There are a lot of smart people out there who are very ambitious and want to do things the right way. I learned that I want to be a part of this group.
- Living on your own is not easy, and making it on your own is that much more satisfying.
- How to do laundry.
- High school friends are great, and college friends can be just as good and sometimes better.
- Midterms, papers, and finals suck. But meeting new people who are open minded and educated is inspiring and makes it all worth it.

Notice I didn't include anything I learned inside a classroom. Stuff from books and professors are great. However, there is a whole world within universities and colleges that are invaluable.
Go to college the military is not worth the risk
go to college. you might be tempted to join the army because of the experience or because of the money you will recieve, however by going to college you will be able to get better job oppurtunites, and in the long run you will be better off. however if that is your only choice, i guess that's that.
collage, youll have to go to war, get shot at, and solute the retarded president
COLLEGE!!!!!!!!!...
go to college, yes loans suck , but if you go to college, THEN join the military, you can work it out where they will pay off most if not all of your student loans. I reccomend looking for a college with an ROTC program if you are serious about military after college. It would be a good opportunity.
The military will pay for college, but if you get sent over to Iraq and get killed before you get your degree it won't really be worth it.
Why not do both ? Sign up for Naval ROTC at a college nearby. Your Mom will be happy, you will become an Officer upon graduation, and you will have your Degree. Best yet, if you qualify, the Navy will foot the bill for your college plus extras. !!!!
go to collesge and actually live a good life not the military.
College by far. Obtaining a college education which will benefit you is much more desireable than being a tool of the Bush administration for them to benefit in this stupid war in Iraq.
Go to college. Get an education and a good job. Stay away from the military. It is very unsafe right now. You can apply for student loans and scholarships and work part time.
I was in the same situation you are in 2 years ago. I wanted to join the Air Force to be an officer and serve my country but I also wanted to go to college and experience the college life, of friends and challenging assignments and great professors. I had no money to go to college. So, I got a Sallie Mae loan. So, I just made a decision that I felt was right. Since, I always wanted to be a officer in the Air Force, I'm attending college full-time. Once, I finish college then I plan on enlisting in the Air Force to have some sort of military background because of me majoring in Criminal Justice. The only advice I can give you. Is to just do what you feel that;s in your heart. Make a decision that you'll never regret doing. I felt that I always wanted to know the college life and it was a great way for me so, that's why I choose college first. And if I decide to enlist after school, I will. Just make the best choice for you, and don't let anyone stop you, or any obstacles turn you away from accomplishing your dream. Good luck!! and Best Wishes to you!
college you may not make it out of the military
Uh..college.
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