college major issues should I do marine bio

[JWClark]

Heck, you can get a bachelors in that time or join w/ a bachelors and have them pay your loans off (if it is the degree that gives you the qualifications for your military job). I joined with an MS, that is the minimum needed for my profession, so they didn't pay off my undergrad loans. Army did pay for my PhD though. That was my assignment for three years--much better pay than a grad assistant. Paid the Army back by managing disease vector research and the national mosquito collection at the Smithsonian (partnership with the Army) as a follow on assignment. Have also gotten to run the entomology research department in Kenya.

Academics tend to like to look down their noses at the military but I will tell you that the professors that told me I was wasting my life joining are the same ones that now want to collaborate on projects because of the field site access that our many DoD research units have access too. Went to officer basic with dentists too so I know the Army will take you in and pay off those loans if you stick with that. And if you are a good one you can go far.

[sde1500]

Stick it out, especially since you have an interest in it that can't really serve as a hobby (i think). There is no money in marine bio sadly. Keep your hobby with a fish tank, don't ruin it by trying to turn it into a career.

[snorklr]

now my son on the other hand got an academic scholarship....just needed to maintain a 3.0.....when we went to orientation we were informed that if your kid was a straight A student , C's and D's were what to expect their freshman year....i was furious because they basically lured him to a school with a scholarship that they were going to make sure they didnt pay out...2 yrs and a 2.94 later...we had to get him out of there and put him in a school where we could afford in state rates....in high school they teach you what you need to know....and if they do a bad job the state comes after them....in college their mission is to make money....teachers teach very little, you have to figure things out on your own , and the prof's are just there to grade you....flunk the course? well just pay us to take it till you pass....he had russian and asian teachers that he couldnt understand....not their problem...took 6 yrs, 2 schools, and summer school courses at a local community college to finally get a mechanical engineering degree...yes it sucked....

[biecacka]

I like that course! But both are great tracks to play. Sorry to hear about the issues with the school though, that really stinks.

Corey

[TheCamaroShow]

Thanks guys