<p>I am a senior in high school. I've always wanted to study fine arts but now I am feeling discouraged. I don't think I am good enough. My dad works at the college I want to go to, so it would be free tuition, which is something I think I should take advantage of. Now I feel like giving up and pursing a major in something else, possibly neuroscience or something like that. This major does interest me and I understand that it's a lot of work and studying. I got a 4 in AP Calc and I'm taking AP Chem now. I like the challenge in math and science and I do think I could handle it. But this would mean losing the chance of free college tuition...my parents don't have money for college for me so I feel like not taking advantage of that would be stupid. I don't want to go into a college and then not be able to pay and have to drop out. And a fine arts degree isn't likely to get me a well paying job. I'd have better chances with something science related right? How much of a marketable major is neuroscience? What should I do?! Any advice, please? This is stressing me out! :(</p>
<p>@UnicornPizza: Many freshmen enter universities with no firm idea what their majors might be. With additional maturity, with survey-level course work, with endless peer discussions, and with guidance from professors, advisors, friends and parents, they slowly decide in what discipline(s) they’ll concentrate. Other students change their majors several times during their first undergraduate years. Both of these paradigms are entirely normal. You do not need to make this decision now, especially if you resolve to use your first three or fours semesters broadly to explore the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, and so forth. Please don’t cheat yourself – college is largely about intellectual exploration. Therefore, I suggest you use those first years both to develop an extensive academic foundation and to determine where your passion truly lies. It might also be wise to consider where the job market will be upon graduation.</p>
<p>Unless you want a specialized program like engineering, business, nursing etc. you don’t have to decide on a major until probably the end of your sophomore year. You will have time to visit the school’s career service office, talk to profs. in different areas, etc. It is likely that your interests and choices will become clearer over time. Don’t stress about this now. If you can only afford to go to your dad’s school then your choice is pretty clear. Go, Learn, Enjoy, and figure things out as you go along. </p>
<p>Answering one of your questions: A degree in Fine Arts consistently appears on every annual survey of “worse paying majors”</p>
<p>Not saying that should be one’s only consideration but you need to go into it with your eyes open if you decide that route. My brother is an adjunct prof at a highly esteemed art school. 5 yrs after graduation only 5% of graduates are earning a living full time in the degree field. Harsh fact but true.</p>