Will delaying college for 3-4 years have negative affect on academic performance?

[chris123]

<p>Wow guys!! Thank you so much, I only expected like 3-4 replies, lol. These posts are great; they’ll surly influence my final decision.</p>

<p>Let me reply back to you guys…</p>

<p>

@carolyn

My husband is a former military office. I can assure you that Alexander is off target - being in today's military - especially the Air Force - requires more than "enough gray matter to figure out how to read a map and not get lost." You will find plenty of opportunity for learning in the Air Force. While the military is definitely not for everyone, it can be a stimulating challenge. I expect that my response will receive many flames from people who are against the current situation in Iraq -- and certainly, serving in an active combat zone is part of the risk you agree to take when you sign up. However, not being able to deal with the academic challenges of college afterwards should not be considered part of the risk of joining the military. Best of luck to you and thank you for serving your country.

I agree Alexander was off and thank you for your wisdom :)</p>

<p>

@thumper1

think your time in the Air Force will be part of your learning experience. You aren't really "delaying" your learning...you are just going to learn in the Air Force instead of college for right now. My husband was an "older" college student (near 30). He found that he was more serious and more conscientious than the undergrad students right out of high school who he knew. Also, he really knew what he wanted to study, and that made him more focused. Good luck to you...and I echo Carolyn, thank you for serving our country.

Wow great advice! Thanks. I can relate to your advice on how being an older college student will allow for a more focused, efficient undergrad experience – I’m still undecided from 2-3 majors. Thanks again!</p>

<p>

@cuoureur

Being the son of a career Air Force man, and having been born and raised on Air Force bases, I naturally view the military as an honorable calling. It certainly lifted my then teenage father out the mire of the Great Depression and provided him with a career.</p>

<p>And I don't think you will be in any way too old at age 22 to undertake college study. You certainly won't have lost any of the mental acuity needed to learn stuff and study for tests. That begins in your 50s, not your 20s.</p>

<p>But, as a general trend, the longer one stays out of school the harder it is to get back in. Life just tends to intervene: You meet a girl when you are in the Air Force. You get married, and next thing you know you are 34 years old and have three kids that need an employed father, and you never managed to go to college. I've seen many examples of this.</p>

<p>So if the military is right for you, by all means go for it. But if you really want to go to college too, you are going to have to remain very disciplined and very focused on your goal.

Good point on having to have the discipline to finish school! Thanks!</p>

<p>

@collegeprof

If anything, my experience is that slightly older students do better--they're more mature and motivated, more likely to realize how important a college education is, less clueless about the world around them, etc. Socially, it may be a little harder for you to fit in, but there will be other students like you, and an age difference of 3-4 years is not a big deal. So don't worry about this part, and good luck!

You guys are too intelligent!! Wow, thanks!</p>

<p>

@homeschoolmom

And, in this day and age of technology, credit by examination, and distance-learning, you may find it easier than ever to get a head start on earning college credits while you are still on active duty. Check out CLEPs, DANTEs, and any local colleges or cc's near the bases where you end up getting stationed. The military will often be very willing to support your efforts to pick up these credits along the way. That way you'll be able to "hit the ground running" educationally as soon as you finish your term of service. ….. …The Army gave him a lot of transferrable "people skills" that…..

Yes, if I join I’ll definitely get a head start. I’m aiming for 30-45 college credits in 4-5 years of active duty (If I end up joining). Tough goal, but I’ll work hard. And great point on learning people skills, that’ll be one of my main goals in the military. Thanks!</p>

<p>

@marite

Like others, I also think serving in the military is a noble thing. I am concerned, though, that the OP sees it as an antidote to the problems described above. Perhaps others will have a different take, but I would think being in the military would require aggressiveness and boldness. Academia allows people to think and re-think. But military action requires quick reflexes. Am I wrong?

Thanks! A noble thing it is indeed.</p>

<p>

@emeraldkity4]<br> a good friend of my daughters went into the Marines.</p> <p>[/quote]</p> <p>Semper Fi!</p></p> <p><p><br> [quote=chalk

military folk (especially air force) are NOT stupid jocks. if you've got the determination and the desire, service in the military will make you tough and smart. i say do it!</p>

<p>however, you must be okay with going to war, taking orders, and having minimal freedom (at times). definitely don't join the military just for the money.

Excellent point!! I agree 100%</p>

<p>

@joev

...Anyways back to topic, the Air Force is an awesome option. I recommend you look into the Air National Guard, they have 100% tuition assisstance for all state schools which would allow you to go to school for free, and the amount of money you get for the GI Bill is ridiculous. I went this route and couldn't be happier.

thanks!! I'll take a look at the Guard.</p>

<p>

@momrath

The question that only you can answer is whether or not the armed forces are for you. Your comment, "my personality needs this military experience." sounds a little odd to me. Who says? Your "personality", your family, the airforce recruiter? I'm extremely pro-military (and agree that the airforce would benefit from having a thoughtful enlistee like you) but would worry that your expectation that the military could provide a personality jolt is not realistic.

Excellent point! You’re right, military isn’t some kind of psychological rehab, if you will, but my theory is that with time in the military, I’ll gradually grow out this shy, introverted stage in my life by gaining confidence, constant exercise, and socializing/making friends with people in my base. Thanks again!</p>