When I was younger, I always wanted to be a doctor. However, people told me that spending 8 years in college was not worth it. So I decided to biomedical engineering/biotechnology. A family member is trying to get me to a computer engineer because she thinks I will get a large salary. Now I’m a freshman and torn apart by how to plan my AP’s, and which colleges I should start getting interested in. How do I decide? What steps should I take? I know this really broad, but I just need a little guidance.
All those people telling you what to do have had the chance to make their own choices. You’re allowed to make yours.
That said, it looks like you’re a high school freshman. Deep breaths. You don’t have to know what you want at age 14. Take the AP’s that sound interesting and do-able, and do the same with your electives. Pay attention in your classes and follow what sounds interesting.
Deep breaths! In through the nose…out the mouth Here’s some wisdom. You’re 14 and it’s far too soon to be worried about that. High school really isn’t a time to worry about your future career. In fact, you’re better off having an open mind. Your career interests could change 100 times over the next few years, and that’s a good thing. This is the time to do some self-discovery and dreaming. It’s a time to just get the best grades you can and set your self up to get into a good college. Taking one AP class instead of another, I promise, won’t make any difference in a college admission. Grades, SAT/ACT scores, and college essays will do that.
Don’t overthink this. Just take AP classes that interest you and get the best grades you can. That’s it. No more, no less. You’ll drive yourself crazy planning your life based on the “could’ve” and “should’ve.” Every college has a uniquely different admissions process, and a lot of the criteria is subjective. You have zero control over someone else’s future opinion. Work hard. The rest of the pieces do a good job of falling into place on their own. Sometimes the results meet our expectations. Sometimes they don’t. And that’s OK. Sometimes they exceed our expectations. And that’s OK too. The college you choose will be about cost and fit.
You’re a teenager. Go do teenager stuff…just don’t blow anything up
As already stated, you do not have to make a decision at this time. Real interest is important in selection of a college major, but most college freshman don’t actually graduate in the major that they thought they wanted as first year students. Education is about personal growth and discovery. You are in the discovery stage. Hopefully that stage will never end.
Check around your area for possible summer programs relating to Healthcare and STEM programs. With a little luck you may find some affordable/available programs that last a few weeks and show you some aspects of the practicing professional.
You want to find a pair of shoes that feel comfortable when your planning on taking a long walk.