<p>I was hoping some parents might know students who've gone to Great Books style colleges, namely St. John's or Thomas Aquinas. Any testimonies from either of these schools would be great, especially if anyone can compare them. I've heard negative things said about both, mainly that people at Thomas Aquinas (Tommies? Aquis? Quinies?) are often unwilling to broaden their minds, and that Johnnies on the other hand can be quick to dismiss religion to an almost nihilistic extent. I've also heard (and this is my main concern) that many freshmen and sophomores at St. John's are clearly not interested in the readings, are potheads and drunks, waste time, etc. and often ruin seminars for everyone else by not taking them seriously, and are only weeded out sometime around junior year. </p>
<p>Also, while my mind is pretty much set between these, I've been advised (commanded by sceptical parents) to consider some more options as well. Does anyone know any comparable schools?</p>
<p>Next, does anyone have any experience with joining the Marines? I want to join either the Marines or the Marines Reserve, but I don't want to be caught in active duty for four years before I can attend college. My ideal plan would be to enlist, go through boot camp, basic training, etc. right out of high school, but then to go college for four years before serving active duty. I know the Marines have some sort of full time college options, but only at select schools (and I doubt St. John's and Thomas Aquinas are among them). I will eventually get in touch with a recruiter, but I'm worried that such an arrangement will be dismissed with a "Wait... you're saying you want us to train you how to kill, then pay for you to be trained how to think (at an expensive LAC no less) and then expect you to come back after those four years ready to serve?"</p>