I am thinking of deferring my admission for two years, serving 1.5 years in the military (Korea) and reapplying for US schools (take more AP exams, SATII, study in the meantime). On top of that, I think miliitary service might help with writing essays. How do you think about this?
I wouldn’t recommend doing it solely on the supposition that you will be admitted to a more-selective college, but it could be good if you want to serve your country and otherwise feel that the experience would be beneficial to you.
Remember, there are other ways to spend a gap year besides the army.
It’s also to keep my Korean citizenship
Lots of Korean students don’t apply to college here until they finish their required service. To be honest, I think it is better to get it out of the way first. Waiting until after college can complicate starting your career. Also, the time in service will give you new perspective on what you want to study, and where you would like to do that.
However, if you are currently in the US as a legal resident alien (green card status) that much time outside the US will probably cause you to lose that status. If you have dual citizenship, get expert legal advice as to any possible effects on your US citizenship of serving in a foreign militaty service.