<p>I'm a rising senior in SoCal. I'm Israeli but was born in the United States (speak semi-fluent Hebrew, though). I really want to serve in the IDF for three years. I've decided to attend Santa Barbara City College next fall, as it'd give me the flexibility I need to skip a year of college (I have 43 UC Units in APs). </p>
<p>In High School, I did alright. For every year I got a 4.0 was a year I got a 2.5ish. My grades were volatile like my mood. My SAT is pretty decent, a 2120. I've taken four APs thus far, and will take another 4 and a CC course next year.</p>
<p>I don't want this turning into an Israeli vs. Palestinian debate. I just want to know when would be the best time to go join the IDF, when I graduate high school, or after I TAG into UC Davis (I'll be eligible to TAG into a UC my first year at a CC). Can I defer my admission to a later date? I may also get into Berkeley, depending on how well I do. </p>
<p>Anyway, what are the advantages/disadvantages of joining the IDF before college, and during college. I'm so lost right now.</p>
<p>Some colleges will defer admission for one year, but I don’t know any that would defer for three. Also consider if you will be eligible for any merit aid at any of your colleges, as some merit scholarships are for entering freshmen only. I your grades have not qualified you for this, then it would not make a lot of difference if you apply as a freshman or transfer. I am not familiar with the UC system or their scholarships for students transferring from a CC. This may not apply to you. Need based financial aid is determined each year in part by your family’s income. </p>
<p>If it has no effect on you financially, then joining the IDF after high school or after a year of college may be a matter of your preference. I also agree with you that this thread should not turn into a debate over the situation. Your decision is a personal matter between you and your family. </p>
<p>You may want to check with the IDF. They likely have dealt with situations like yours before and may have recommendations. Not sure how they deal with officer/enlisted type stuff. In the US military finishing school would give you a significant boost in your role. The flip side is that US service early could get you money for school. Check with the experts.</p>
<p>I had a conversation recently with an Israeli academic who told me how much his kids matured during their army stints. He equated it to a really rigorous gap year. He said that his son in particular came back ready to work hard in college and really appreciative of the opportunity to attend college. I also think (as a professor) that students who have real world experience always bring something special to the classroom since they have lots of contribute based on those experiences. You might even reapply to different schools after the army stint – and perhaps get into a better one. Also, if you are working for a year, couldn’t you apply as a financially independent person at the end?</p>
<p>However, you should be aware that, as a military service member, you could be ordered to implement policies that you disagree with. Elections in Israel could bring in governing coalitions with different policies, so the policies are not entirely predictable over the length of your enlistment.</p>