Would I be at a disadvantage going into engineering 3 years after highschool?

Question

Alright since I can't afford university right after high school, I was thinking about spending a few years in the army to raise the money. I think I'd need $80,000 so maybe 3 years.

The thing I'm really worried about is that after those 3 years I might forget a lot of the stuff I learned in high school. I want to take engineering in university so is that going to be a problem? I heard it's very intensive and I think it'll be even more intensive for me since I'm starting 3 years after high school.

Answer 1

Have you considered enlisting in the navy for their Nuclear Technician (not sure exactly what its called) program? The son of a co-worker of mine did that. He said that the two-year training program is equal to 60 semester hours of engineering courses. Something to think about.



The army has some technology-oriented jobs but nothing compared to what I described above. If you went into the army could you take engineering related on-line courses, like math & physics, to keep your skills sharp?



FYI, I would not have gone to college if I hadn't spent three years in the army first. I would recommend it to anyone.



The very best of luck to you!

Answer 2

no, you wouldnt be at a disadvantage. Your best option might be to start out at a community college(majoring in engineering science). If you can keep a great GPA when you finish, chances are you will qualify for a great amount of scholarships. That doesnt include the aid you would get through the state if you are not well of financially. Community colleges cost around 1500 for the semester. If you qualify for financial aid, the community college route is the best one. You are looking at 6000 for your associates. And when you get accepted to a 4 year institution you more than likely will receive scholarships if you have a good GPA(approx. 3.0 or better, sometimes 3.4 or better depending upon the university). The scholarships amount could be up to half the cost of tuition or even more. The best way to find this information out is to talk to the colleges that you wish to apply to.





Oh, and if you do enlist...you can try and get into the army corp of engineers...then your engineering school would be paid for, and then you will leave the army with experience also.

Answer 3

Yes you would be. Not because of your age but because when people stop going to school then start back up again it can be a real shock.This is the reason most people drop out.



Aren't you required to go 4 years to get the gi bill?



Going to the army to pay for school is not a good financial decision. Unless there is no way for you to get a job. About any job pays more than the army. I have been told that you are required to pay into the program. After all this after 4 years you break even if you would have just saved the extra income from a

"civilian" job.





If you're that poor you should be able to fafsa to pay for most of your school Loans to pay for the other part or get a part time job.



If you're not poor you still should be able to get loans. Get a loan work part time. Again if your compare this to the army after you get out of school you can work for 4 years at a higher income and pay back your loans.





You shouldn't go to a university right out of highschool anyway. You need to go to a community college. Community college credits will transfer to the university and in most classes the instructors are the same at both schools.



Where i live, i can go to community college for 2 years then transfer and do it for 40k.

Answer 4

Engineering is an excellent choice! I say go for it. You might be a little rusty on your high school math, but you will possibly learn a great deal more in the army, and if you get into the right program or division, you can even get ahead on your engineering knowledge. Plus it's a great way to earn money for school as you know.



After three years in the Army, you won't be afraid to relearn a year of calculus :) You can do it.

Answer 5

i believe enlisting is a wise move as you will develop discipline which will be important when pursuing a degree in engineering. Maybe im biased, but i believe an engineering degree requires a little more focus than most other majors in terms of workload, so the experience of serving the country will give you adequate training on focusing on the task at hand. The concepts may not be fresh in your mind, but those are easier to pick up then good study habits/work ethic.

Answer 6

Consider going to a Co-op school in engineering. After the freshmen year you will have a Co-op job that may pay most or all expenses. It may take five years to get a four-year degree in engineering but you will have the equivalent of two years experience in the field, and an early chance to be sure it is the career for you.

Answer 7

Some of the best engineers are those who went the route you propose. What you forget will be more than compensated by your maturity and life experience. Just try to enlist in a discipline or specialty that is technical, and the military will assure that you don't lose it all.

Answer 8

As long as your brain is still willing to work after 3 years of military service then you should have much problem.



I know a guy who got a degree in economics, worked for ten years and then started a civil engineering degree.



it's possible.

Answer 9

The key here is really being prepared for the rigors of the application of Math and Physics concepts. If the Army has made you confident as far as your Math and Physics skills are concerned, I say go for it.