Is a UC right for me?

You might think you know what going to college is all about. A lot of people have this simple roadmap laid out. It looks like this: I go to college, I get a degree, I get a job. Well, it's not necessarily that easy. You need to think about why that makes sense for an employer. Somewhere during that college time you need to acquire some skills and contacts you don't already have--otherwise what the hell is the point?

If you're looking at being a cop, fireman, EMT, or something like that, they tell you what you need to do in terms of school. That's easy, you're just checking a box on an application. For those of you in this position, carry on.

Where it gets difficult is when someone doesn't know what they want to do and assume they will figure it out in school. Sometimes this happens, but more often it doesn't. You need a plan. Are you getting interested in computer work? Engineering? Education? Private sector entrepreneurship? Ask yourself these hard questions now so you aren't caught with your pants down when you're in your late twenties or early thirties wondering why you can't pay the rent.

Generally speaking, if you just want a job and end up in school studying English, History, or some other Liberal Arts major, you're an idiot. These don't teach you skills. Essentially you are banking on either making great contacts in school or hoping employers will be impressed that you were in the military and have a degree too. Are these possible? Sure, but should you bet your future career and financial stability on these happening? Not a freaking chance.

What I'm trying to say is you need to plan for the worst, especially if you have a family already. Not all of us will be able to party for four years, graduate, and get a job working for our roommate's dad in a construction firm (true story!). Assume you'll need to prove yourself just like you did in the military.

If it turns out a UC campus (generally more into the Liberal Arts and research stuff) isn't right for you, it's better to know that now. You can still use the GI Bill for vocational and technical schools, and these are much better at helping you with job placement, they're cheaper, and they give you a solid skill.

There are lots of options, the important thing is to think hard about what makes sense for your future.