Absolutely ridiculous situation...but I really need help

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>Heyo Guys, </p>

<p>I'm in a pretty interesting predicament, and I don't really know where else to turn. I've talked to counselors, friends, etc. and I haven't really gotten any helpful feedback at all. </p>

<p>I'm currently a second year student at UCLA. I initially declared Business-Econ, but realized that's not what I want to do, so I'm currently undecided. </p>

<p>Over the past few months, I've had some experiences that have basically changed my outlook on everything. I didn't necessarily enjoy college last year by any means whatsoever, but this year I'm just completely hating it. It's not UCLA that I dislike, it's just everything else that goes along with being a college student (homework, attending class, etc.). </p>

<p>I come from a relatively jaded upbringing, and it's recently come to my attention that I'm not interested in, well, basically anything at all. I know that the plethora of knowledge and information available to a college student would appear to be a perfect remedy for my situation, but sadly, that's not the case. Money isn't an issue for me, and I sort of know what I want to be doing career-wise (real estate), but I'm not going to major in Bus-Econ or Econ, and there's no way in hell I'd consider grad school. </p>

<p>So that brings me to my current situation I'm sick of school and everything it requires from me, and I don't want to be in school anymore. However, due to certain family pressures/expectations, I'm obligated to complete my degree. </p>

<p>I'm here asking for any help at all regarding what major I should choose. Quite simply, I just want the easiest, least-demanding major possible. I can't handle school right now, and my patience/motivation seems to be waning even as we speak. </p>

<p>I feel like I should say that I honestly do feel really bad about all this, I know that a college education is a privilege, and that many would be grateful to be in my position. As much as I realize all of this, I can't change the way I feel, and I hope you all trust me that I've dedicated plenty of thought and energy to figuring this out to the best of my ability. Sadly, this is the conclusion at which I continue to arrive. </p>

<p>So, in closing, if any of you would be so kind as to please help me choose a major that will help me get out of this place as quickly as possible, I would be eternally thankful.</p>

<ul>
<li>Just a little background information: I've completed almost ALL of my GE requirements, with only a Life Science Lab, a Writing II, and 2 more quarters of a foreign language remaining. As I'm sure could have been deduced, I've completed no major-related units.</li>
</ul>

<p>Sorry for the long read, and thanks in advance to any and all who can help me.</p>

2

<p>I think any serious advise that can be possibly be given has been given or will be given by a school counselor.
Psych, or at least the two upper division classes I’m taking seem to be relative easy as long as one memorizes the information before the tests. The tests I’ve had for my midterms were multiple choice, no real homework.
If the issue is not UCLA, I definitely wouldn’t transfer out nor drop out. Later in life you might change your mind about your career choices, and might need a plan to fall back on.
Also I don’t know what it’s like in the more pre professional majors like business econ, but it seems to me like that “type” of education is on a different plane than is an education in a humanities major. You might find stronger interests or more satisfaction in things that aren’t as technical, like english, art history, philosophy etc.
When you get a chance to take classes in different departments, or take some lower division requirements for some of those majors.
Just so you know the one major that is flexible with requirements is Comparative Literature(assuming you know a second language really well, and can take literature classes in the language). I plan on switiching to comparative literature because it will allow me to take 8 upper division classes while studying abroad(assuming I go next year).</p>

3

<p>Two words:</p>

<p>Study abroad. </p>

<p>You’re obviously in need of some change in your life, but let’s face it: UCLA loves the status quo. Change your environment, become invigorated again with life, learn that outside of the academic bubble at UCLA there exists different ways of living life that you may end up liking a lot more. From there, I guarantee you will discover where your passion lies.</p>

4

<p>I feel for you. I am a parent so that is my perspective but this is really just basic advice. You are right about at least finishing. I have a daughter who is a sophomore at UCLA (very happy, working and playing hard!) and another who is at a small LAC in Oregon. School has been a struggle for her and we (my husband and I ) realize she realy was not meant to go to college. But she is one semester from graduating and is not a quitter so she is hanging in there. She realizes, as you do, that down the road having a college degree will be very important. </p>

<p>My older daughter struggled for a while to pick a major. I will give you the advice gave her. Get your hands on the UCLA general catalog. The big paperback book. Even if you have to buy it at Ackerman. Start looking through it and circle every class that sounds remotely interesting to you and mark that page. I know the catalog is much thicker than my daughter’s was but the idea is to find classes (and a major) that will spark your interest enough to just finish and get out of there while still getting something out of it. Really spend a few hours going through that book. Then see where most of your circles are. You may find that most of the classes are in the history area, or political science, or sociology. Since you are not concerned about a pre-professional degree just look for classes that are interesting to you. Also see what those majors require. Some will require 11-14 upper div. classes and some will require only 9-10. There has got to be something that you find interesting. </p>

<p>Then fill the rest of your units up with random classes that sound fun to you. You can take some of those Pass/No Pass if you want to lighten your work load. As long as you are getting a C, you pass the class. Check out the Easy GE thread on this forum for class ideas. I know Art & Arch 10 is easy and enjoyable</p>

<p>Some one suggested studying abroad. What a great idea. My UCLA daughter plans to study in Europe next fall quarter and UCLA has EAP (Education Abroad Program) programs all over the globe. They are accepting apps. now for next fall but you could go in the spring of 2011 or fall of senior year. Some of these programs are more intense than others. And some are in English speaking countries and are more cultural and basic. That could be a great break from campus here. They also offer Travel Study programs in the summer for one month to places like Florence, Italy, England and Greece. You earn around 12 units for these. You could do one of those and maybe even graduate early. My older daughter, while at her LAC, has gone to Jamaica on a spring service trip, done a summer program in Ecuador and a semester in Chile. Believe me she has not been bored! So find out where the International Education Office is (IEO) or the EAP office and see what they have to offer.</p>

<p>Lastly, find out what else is going on on campus. There are always concerts, plays. sporting events going on. In some cases these are with world class talent. You are very fortunate to be at UCLA because of the talent that comes there. So don’t think of the next 2 1/2 years as going to college and taking classes you don’t like. Think of it as 2 1/2 years to learn about things you never thought about, see some great concerts, go to some wonderful museums (have you been to the Getty? Ten minutes away?).</p>

<p>Sorry this is so long but I really want you to grasp what is possible here. On a personal note, I never finished college and am now in my 50’s taking classes at our CC in hopes of finishing. When I look at the UCLA catalog I am SO envious of my daughter and the classes and opportunities for learning and growth that are available to her. The campus/school is your oyster…enjoy!</p>

5

<p>Go to the Counseling Center and tell the GC to take a look at the courses you have completed and which degree are you the closest to completing. Plenty of students feel the same as you and just want any degree before they leave Dodge/UCLA. Good Luck.</p>

6

<p>pm me!
i am in the 100% exact same situation
exactly</p>

<p>i can’t believe it!</p>

7

<p>Try learning about something that you’re passionate about. UCLA has so many majors to choose from; if you can’t find one that you like, you can talk to one of the counselors and make up your own major. I don’t know exactly how it works, but you basically just take classes and still graduate with a degree in some major that you’ve made up with a counselor. I know they have the information online, so you can check it out (I don’t remember where I read it, but I’m pretty sure it’s all online).</p>

8

<p>I agree with the study abroad advice; a change of pace would be nice.</p>

<p>Also, no offense intended, but you might want to consider seeing a COUNSELOR counselor. You may have some medical issue that you aren’t aware of, and perhaps they could be of service to you. </p>

<p>Either way, best of luck!</p>

9

<p>

</p>

<p>Drop out. Grow a backbone and don’t waste your time and money forcing yourself to finish school. </p>

<p>You’ll just be miserable everyday. You probably won’t do very well with that attitude, which means a low GPA. Low GPA means few job opportunities or a high GPA in a worthless major that your just not interested in just means more of the same crap after graduating. Trust me. I’ve had jobs that made the first thought on my mind every morning be “■■■” </p>

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<p>depends on the major</p>