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What career should I pursue? Join the Army or Air Force for scholarships?
I'm 17 years old currently going into my Senior year in High School. I come from a low income family and I was thinking of joining the army for college scholarships. I love math and science, especially chemistry. I'm scared for student loans and was planning on going on the path to becoming a doctor because I love helping people, but the cost of medical school is too costly. I don't like English much, but reading is fun when it has to do with learning anything I'm focused on. I'm really considering the Air Force or Army at this point due to our economic crisis right now. Please any tips or sources of scholarships will help. Thank you all.
PS: My classes next year will be English 4, Economy/Government, Calculus AB, Physics, French 3, and probably ROTC.
I usually maintain the 3.4-4.0 GPA.
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some girls model to get money for college or even strip or make thier own websites to show of thier bodys on ebay and sell pictures im not saying its bad but this how I got my life you dont have to do for the rest of your life dosnt matter models come in every size trust me people make alot doing you just have to look in to it. the army is a big thing and might be risky i alomst did but thier is more to life surving for this country to waste on that my dear you can do better ok.
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Check into financial aid.
Theres alot of money out there for low income families. I have a friend who goes to UT Austin on financial aid and student loans.
If you choose the armed forces, do not go army. Navy and Air Force treat their people better, you aren't cannon fodder. One of my best friends is a Navy vet, I know he'd recommend that branch over all the others, he's biased but as he's been through it thats one positive recommendation.
Seriously though, google financial aid, talk to your school counselors about possibilities. Theres a ton of money out there if you can find enough of it that you qualify for.
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You sound like you are very bright and you have a good GPA. I would suggest applying for every scholarship out there- there are lots of them, and I'm sure you could qualify for something.
Choosing the military strictly for economic reasons is not the best thing to do (my opinion). If you feel a need to serve your country and you really believe in the cause or something, that would be different. But don't risk losing a limb or your life just because of money.
We NEED people in this country that are good with math and science. There's a shortage. We import so many scientists and the like from overseas because so few people here focus on that or have the skills.
My advice is go for the scholarships, get a part time job on the side, and if you have to take out some loans too to suplement that then so be it. It will be worth it in the long run. Anything is possible if you're determined enough and a little bit creative! Scientists and doctors can make big money and you'll be able to pay it off.
Think LONG TERM not just short term. :-)
Now- as for exactly what kind of career you want, that's the hard part. You need to do a lot of reasearch- ideally you should talk to people in professions you are interested in. They can tell you the pros and cons of each job and what type of skills are required, etc. Most people would be happy to spend a few minutes talking with you if you ask them.
There's a book that's pretty good too called "what color is my parachute". It's a little older and some things may be out of date but the gist of it is still the same. If you don't have money to buy it, they should have it at your local library (another good place to talk to people, by the way. Librarians are very knowledgable about all sorts of things and always eager to help).
When thinking about jobs that might suit you- always keep two things in mind: the best fit will match both your SKILLS and your INTERESTS.
Start off by making a lists of all of your skills, then all of your interests....if a job has both then chances are you will not only be good at it but also enjoy it!
Ex: if you like working outside vs. an office or lab and working with your hands and you have good science and math skills, then maybe some kind of FIELD scientist position would be the best fit where you can use your science skills in the field taking soil samples or something.
I hope that helps and good luck to you!
RT
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Keep up your grades! They are pretty good right now. If you manage to get an 4.0 in each class, your GPA will stay close to that.
Take the AP Calc AB exam in May 2010, because that's college credit right there if you do well enough.
As for going into the Army, sure you'd get good scholarships, but if you want to be a doctor, Medical school takes many years, so you'd be in your mid-late thirties when you're finished. My suggestion is this: apply for EVERY scholarship you're eligible for.
Go to these websites:
www.fastweb.com
www.scholarships.com
And they will send you scholarships that apply to you. You could probably get your first year of undergraduate school payed for with scholarships.
But, of course, it is YOUR decision, and your decision ONLY, what you want to do about the money situation.
Maybe you could apply for FAFSA:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
That's government aid for college. And if your family really needs it, you might get some money.
Best wishes to you!
--Jack
(17/m)
P.S. I love Chemistry, too! =]
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