<p>Fellow posters:</p>
<p>This is my first time posting here, though I've relied in College Confidential in the past to inform me on a variety of topics. Here's my situation:</p>
<p>25 year old active duty Marine with seven years of service. My end of active service is mid-2013.
School: University of Maryland University College
Major, Minor: Political Science, Economics (GPA: 3.4. 3 classes remaining. Expected completion is mid-2012)
Second Major: Computer Science (Expected completion in Aug 2013)</p>
<p>Political science and international relations are subjects that I enjoy very much, and I have the intention of pursuing a masters degree in one of the two after completing my service. I haven't taken the GRE, but I will be doing all in my power to get the best possible score. </p>
<p>Looking through the forum, I've noticed a great difference of opinion in regards to UMUC, from alright to downright bad. I understand the argument regarding online schools, and to know that all my hard work may mean very little in the eyes of employers or graduate school acceptance boards is a hard pill to swallow.</p>
<p>What do you recommend? With the right GRE score, is my experience and academic record good enough to be accepted into a good graduate program? Being as close as I am to finishing my first BS, should I change schools? Should I wait until I finish my service and transfer into an undergrad program?</p>
<p>Being so close to finishing my first degree, the idea of changing lanes now is a difficult one to imagine. Nevertheless, being as pragmatic as I can be, I am looking at the opportunity cost: am I better off completing my academic goals with UMUC while on active service, or is this something that will most likely not allow me to get into graduate school?</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and I look forward to your insight.</p>
<p>Respectfully,
Frank</p>