University or Firefighter's College or Both?

If you have the chance to go to a uni and get a degree, then DO IT. Look into Fire Technology or Fire Science programs, those degrees will help in the selection process. As for the age.. 25 years old eh? your still a damn kid :D I started at 32 years of age and made it, so there is no excuse or reason you couldn't do it at that age. My academy had one guy who was 43 years old and he made it through...