<p>So I'm in my second semester of college and realizing I don't know if I would like to continue. I did well in high school and after getting accepted to a few top universities I felt obligated (also by my friends/family/teachers etc.) to go. For a long time I had wanted to enlist, and still do, but I don't know if that would result in me losing financial aid or not being able to return.</p>
<p>What I would really like to do is try service in the military and see if I should have done that all along or at least try to experience something else. I'm afraid to talk to my counselor because we're not very close and I don't think that she would understand. I don't think the university would like it much for taking 4 or more years off but it would be for a good reason?</p>
<p>Is this a really bad idea or does this happen more than I think?</p>
<p>There’s nothing wrong with going into the military.</p>
<p>A lot of universities will actually give you college credit for your military training. (Basic often gets a PE credit and then whatever your MOS (job) is, then you’ll get training for that.)</p>
<p>And then on top of that, if you do complete four years in the military, you’ll leave (if you choose to separate) with the GI Bill which is college money and if you go to a private school, they might even have the yellow ribbon program.</p>
<p>That all being said, it could take you a year to get into the military. A lot of people are trying to join right now because of how bad the economy is, so if I were you, I’d stay to finish the semester, but talk to a recruiter right now.</p>
<p>My dad did that. He went to college for a semester. He dropped out to join the marines and once all of his training was over, he went back to college.</p>
<p>Some people continue on with their lives after the first four years, others make a career out of it. Some do it part-time and do both.</p>
<p>My dad was in the military for 30 years, but he also had his civilian life.</p>