Art or a Good College?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

This year I am in the 10th grade and one of my classes is research sequence course (10th-12th grade). Not all schools have that so let me explain what that is: a science class based heavily in biology and chemistry. It is a class that appeals to many honors students at my school that want to go to a good college (It’s an honors class, so it helps with class ranking, it is mandatory to enter prestigious science competitions - if you have heard of Siemens that’s one example- that would look good on a college app if you won and could earn you some serious scholarship money). I am an honors student and I want to get into a good college (right now my top choice is Columbia University) and I think this class could help.

Now here’s the problem.

I’m not in love with it. To some this may not seem like a big deal, but personally when I don’t like something I can’t do outstanding - to put it simply I am only really good at things when I’m passionate. I’ll make a low 90, but for my standards I need high 90s. I’d be much happier taking an art course. I LOVE the arts. Music, drama, dance,creative writing, the whole shebang. I do guitar club and drama club etc. Next year I’m taking Music Theory. But that means no honors (I MAY be able to do an AP or Honors class in 12th grade, but that’s if I can get in)

If life was simple when I’m older I’d go to an art school and do what I love. Well… I won’t love working at Starbucks. And I’ve tried doing some online research, and to be honest- to go into the arts you don’t really need a degree to be successful. I was thinking of going to med school to be a psychiatrist but I’m in love with behavioral sciences and not anatomy. I don’t HATE it, but I don’t think I could get through 4 years of med school on the idea that it’s ‘okay’. The arts is the only thing I LOVE. My plan before was to go to Columbia to major in Creative Writing, and double major with philosophy or psychology Then take requirement courses for med school. And maybe do some art, music, drama, film etc. courses at the school on the side, but that’s a PACKED schedule even if I were to choose one major.

And to be honest, I don’t think I’m even good enough to get IN to an art school. I’m talented, but I’m no Picasso. I haven’t had any good training (I go to a public school were the best art supplies we get are fancy colored pencils) in the arts, and I haven’t taken professional voice or dance lessons in years. I’ve never taken a professional acting class in my life.

So simply- should I do this research class that is okay, or take a chance and drop it for an art class that I’ll love but possibly be a poor barista in the future?

2

From what I’ve heard, it’s extremely difficult to graduate and get a job in a degree relating to the arts. If I were you, I’d definitely consider going to art school if you really are that passionate about it, and wait and see what other ideas come to mind. Remember, school is an investment. So from a financial standpoint, it’s best to go with the research class. However, do remember you can take more art classes in the future, as well as private lessons. Go with your gut though, you make your own decisions, not some guy off the internet aha.

3

Thanks a lot for your input

bump

4

As an adult who ducked a few math & science options when younger because they were harder for me than the humanities, I am now honestly sorry I did. I wish I’d pushed through it and followed a career in science. Easy does not always equal dream job as an adult.

5

Reading my OP I realize I explained my idea incorrectly. I don’t want to go to art school but I was thinking going to university with a very strong art &music & film, etc programs (Like Columbia or NYU) and double majoring. Is that a good idea or a waist of time since I may go to med school anyways? To be honest if I didn’t have friends in the class I probably would have already dropped. Now I worry it may even be too late and I’m stuck in it for the rest of the year

6

*waste of time

7

bump