i'm considering not going to college...?

Question

i'm a pretty good student and i'll be graduating soon. i'm considering not going to college yet though. i've always wanted to be a part of the Peace Corps and was thinking about doings that right after high school. i want to go to college, i want to major in theatre, but i think i might put that on hold.

good or bad idea?

i want to stay in state the 1st year or so of school, then transfer. i've thought of the following options:
1) go to college in state 1-2 years. stop for a year or two, join the PC, then go back to college
2) join right after high school, then go to college
3) go and finish college, then join

i haven't even talked to my parents about it. i just want other opinions.

Answer 1

What you should see, is look at the college you like, and see if they have any summer programs where you can get cheap credits, quickly, and save them.

Then try to see if there is a program where you can double up on doing the PC, and still earn a couple credits during it {I think there is a program, I wanted to join PC too}.

But remember, PC usually wants 6 years {I think}, but once you get out, you'll have 6000 dollars to spend, plus anything you saved on your stipend. Money for college.

Then go back to the college you liked and earned early credits on, and enrol back in.

Also, I think PC gives you a month off for vacation each year, see if you can take your time off for the summer programs.

But yeah, PC definitely prefers college grads.

Answer 2

I think that the Peace Corps prefers college graduates. Also, there used to be a policy where the federal government would forgive a certain percentage of your college loans for each year that you serve in the Peace Corps or the AmeriCorps.

Whatever you do, don't stop college half-way through. It will be harder to go back and finish and you may find it difficult to integrate back into the college community. If you do decide to go this route, attend a community college and get your Associates degree. This will show that you can complete a degree.

Answer 3

Let's just say, it's hard to go back to school if you don't do it now. Things happen - falling in love, babies, illnesses - all things that make it almost impossible to go back to college financially as well as time wise. Also, once you get your education, you've got it - you won't ever go back to not having it. Get it now while the getting is good. I'd go to college and graduate, then take a year or two off with the peace corps, and then go on with your career/life. You can do short term "missions" in the summers as well to keep up your interest.

And the above poster is correct - have a 4 year degree and they're more likely to take you.

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.howvol.qualify

Answer 4

I copied this off the Peace Corp's website:

Having a four-year college degree by the time you're ready to leave for the Peace Corps will help your chances of acceptance. But it isn't absolutely necessary, and for some programs work experience, relevant skills, and/or a community college degree can qualify you.

It sounds to me like right after high school isn't the time to do this, since you are unlikely to have enough work experience or relevant skills, and you don't even have a community college degree yet.

Answer 5

Go to College. When your done do what ever you want, if it's joining the Peace Corps that's fine. Wouldn't it be better for you joining with a College Education? Good Luck

Answer 6

You can join the Peace Corps through your college and earn study units plus you get to travel. YOu should look into that, you can do two things at the same time and not waste your time.
The more you put school off the less likely you will tend to go to college.

Answer 7

community college is unquestionably college. they furnish instructions of an analogous undertaking/tutorial fee as different universities; they hire qualified experts and teachers to coach pupils; they seem to be a physically powerful bridge between intense college and stepped forward courses from greater beneficial faculties. i could exceptionally advise CC if money is a concern. i'm a CC graduate, transferred to a state college, won a B.S. (with optimal honors), then went directly to graduate college for a grasp's degree. i'm going to be graduating in could with an MPA, with significantly much less debt than lots of my friends. And, such as you, i'm a popular-technology college student. stable success!

Answer 8

I recommend at least completing your first year of uni; if it's not to your taste, defer for a year and do the Peace Corps thing, then go back...

We don't exactly have Peace Corps in Australia (I think) but from personal experience, it's better to get the qualification, then work. :)

Answer 9

Well the PC are a great life experience. Maybe entering into them will give you insight into what you want to do with your future. Regardless I would suggest not starting college and then pausing half way through. Either put it off and do the peacecorps or do college then the peacecorps.