I have been through all responses and each has a particularly valid point. However, there is one alternative pattern of thinking that, may or may not, have been the intention of the director/writer.
We are shown the reporters self-conflict of either obeying her superiors and 'playing the game', or reporting, ironically, the 'facts' (contrary to the editors opinion of the facts). Or being fired.. More likely.
At the end of the film, her choice has been made clear, and her anguish at herself is shown in her last scene. Her choice was to play the game, despite being fully aware that her actions may change the life's and history of many Americans and perhaps the American culture itself. (Il mention here i am an aussie)
Could it be, that the decision made by her, impacted the decision of Todd, and he did decide that he would be apart of the change. Ie, enlisting, carrying on the legacy of the two before him.
So could that be a notion of the war, as caused by faulty politicians and ratings hungry media, had come full circle. Due to a corrupt system?
A three sixty if you will.. The loop has been unbroken

Enlisting or even volunteering to do something noteworthy were never in the mix. It was all about the prof using reverse psychology vis-a-vis a massive guilt trip to get Todd's lazy unmotivated ass out of bed and into class. Also, tenure-track profs these days cannot afford to alienate good students or lose any by the wayside. Therefore, it is definitely in any ambitious career-minded professor's interest to do everything possible to get and keep the most promising students coming into class day after day, even it means spending extra time holding their hand and giving motivational pep talks, like this one did.

I think he had just gotten up early to attend class. Who knows where his future took him? Just like everyone else. But, he was taking his first step to adulthood.

He certainly wasn't thinking about enlisting. Only a couple of members of Congress like Joe Biden and the Senator Webb of Virginia have children serving in Iraq or the military.
Neither of Todd's parents were members of Congress so that statement is irrelevant.

He certainly wasn't thinking about enlisting. Only a couple of members of Congress like Joe Biden and the Senator Webb of Virginia have children serving in Iraq or the military. The others would shoot their kids in the legs to stop them from enlisting.
Yes, I know Biden is no longer a senator but he presides over the senate as Vice President.
Without a draft college students don't give a flip. "I got the bumper stocker to show my support what more do you expect of me?"

I pretty much agree with you. I think the professor just wanted him to engage again in his class, though down the line he probably wanted to get him to do "something", whatever Todd might think it would be.

Regardless of the choice, both options were noble.
I like this film, despite its obviously left-heaviness.
Especially the 'last stand', regardless of how hollywooded-up it was.
//Only In Death Does Duty End//

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It's unclear what Todd was considering, but I imagine he was contemplating everything that his professor had been talking to him about: specifically the broad concept of stepping up and somehow making a positive difference in society through selfless actions.
"World, this is my blood, it's red, just like yours so love me!"

You know, it's not really about what Todd was thinking of doing. It's all about what YOU are thinking of doing! Do you want to get involved and do something, or sit back and moan about what's going on?
At least, that's how I interpretet the ending
Best answer.
On a literal level, it's obviously Todd's personal reflection on his conversation with the professor..contemplating whether to take the B (live the "good life" and do nothing) or whether to go to class and strive for an A (to do something, take an interest, and be something more).

You know, it's not really about what Todd was thinking of doing. It's all about what YOU are thinking of doing! Do you want to get involved and do something, or sit back and moan about what's going on?
At least, that's how I interpretet the ending
That's a Smith & Wesson, and you've had your six

He was never considering enlistment. His decision was whether to pick up Arian's and Rodriguez's "junior year" plan, perhaps helping the federal government to adopt and implement the idea.