<p>Hi everyone, I'm a freshman in HS and I've always been planning my career to be a neurosurgeon when I grow up. Of course, with time comes the realization that certain career pursuits may not be so practical. I've come up with a valid conclusion and would like to ask for some counsel on the more appropriate career path for me. I've always loved all of the subjects with a particular emphasis on Reading and Math/Sciences (leaning more towards science). Lately, my focus has shifted and I actually love my math class. I love solving all sorts of problems and working with practical examples. On the other hand, I also love reading and expanding my vocabulary. Yet, I've also loved biological sciences, learning about pathogens and questioning certain things in the world. I'm in the honors track (all honors courses) and am pretty much a 94-97 student (still hoping to raise that). My track is hence deemed quite rigorous and I plan on taking many AP's. I've already started preparing for the SAT's, and may take the SAT II in Modern Hebrew (I'm Jewish, and can speak Hebrew rather fluently). I considered going into law, however I observed that in the US its a pretty saturated field, if you will, and nowadays involves a mere cycle of sueing. Its primary emphasis has shifted from helping people. Maybe for some that is not so, but 8 years coupled with what I deem to be potentially unsatisfactory.......Not trying to be arrogant, albeit it may seem so. Anyway, upon doing research I've discovered that Neurosurgery involves 4 years of pre-med, 4 years of medical school, and then getting into a highly competitive neurosurgery residency, after which (upon admission) one has to work tirelessly for 7 years (with 40k-60k pay). Finally, they can enter the field and do a fellowship for a sub-specialty while working. This adds up to a minimal amount of 15 years. If one can even make it thus far. However the final salary can make up for the abuse: 200k-600k over time. They are definitely respected, help people everyday, and can save lives, which I am a big fan of. They are considered high society and can live very comfortably. Howver the downside is the amount of years of schooling required, a tireless workday (60-80 hour work week &being on call), insurance technicalities, and the burden of having a potential death on your hands. How will I get married and raise a family?
The second field I've begun to consider, developed because I realized neurosurgery may not be so practical, albeit I love it. Also, I'm gradually beginning to like math. Now if we consider engineering, they only need a BS in applied mathematics/ engineering, and can go 1 more year for a Master's. They have the highest paying entry salary of 40k-60k, and can go up to 80k-110k, but that will be the nadir of their career. However they have a 40-45 hour workweek, and the job is actually very fun; designing, consulting, creating, and managing. However, their salary is relatively mild, lifestyle is plainly comfortable/sufficient, and the job is often perceived as "nerdy".</p>
<p>You are a freshman in high school. I wouldn’t be planning for anything particular yet. It sounds like you know what kinds of things interest you, so when the time comes you will have things narrowed down already. With 3 more year of high school ahead, you will mature more and discover exactly what you feel most passionate about. I was just like you. I wanted to be an anesthesiologist for the longest time, but by my senior year, I have taken more interest in physics and math. I am certain engineering is where I want to be, but even still I am trying to find the best subfield for me. In the mean time, just enjoy the high school experience and make the grades. That will set you up for the future.</p>
<p>Also, doctors do make high salaries, but hardly any of them come out of med school without tons of debt. And not all engineers are “nerdy”. It is easy to pay attention to stereotypes, but I know many engineers who are pretty cool to talk to and don’t just sit at their computers all day.</p>
<p>First, I’ve talked with an admissions officer and they say its worthless to take an SAT II language test if your already fluent in the language/have ethnic backgrounds to it so don’t bother. </p>
<p>Btw, doctors make so much money when their schooling is done, I don’t know why people say that having college debt is “one of the major disadvantages of becoming a doctor”. And a lot of would-be doctors don’t go into it for the honor and saving lives, its all about the money, don’t even lie that the salary isn’t a part of the reason that people want to go into the medical field. At least students I know at school for sure choose it for the money.</p>
<p>You make like 120k when your done with schooling…then that goes up even higher when you specialize, and by the time your 45, your pulling in like 300k while having a 20hour work week. All because the health industry in our country is bloated like **** and they pay doctors too much. But thats another topic of discussion which is better left out of here hehe :)</p>
<p>And yeah since your a freshman there is a very good chance your goals are going to change in the next couple years. So you shouldn’t be anxious about figuring what you want to do now. Its really early for that. Take the AP math and science courses later, and that’ll be helpful in gauging your interests.</p>
<p>That 120k is not all going to paying for debt. You still have to live. More than likely you will be paying off debt for more than just a brief period of time. I know in the long run, the debt will not be an issue due to high doctor salaries, but seriously, it can’t just be overlooked. And as for doctors just going into it for the money: that’s their </p>
<p>@OP: the real point here is this: there is no way to plan for your future this far ahead of time. It is just FACT that teenagers change their minds every other day. And even once you get to the end of hs, there is still no garuntee that you will know. I am good at/enjoy so many subjects that it is just simply too difficult for me to choose something by first year of college.</p>
<p>and fortify: you cannot be serious. Doctors make $70 when I walk into their office for an appointment that last a mere 15 minutes without any extra charge. That is obnoxious. Thank god for insurance.</p>
<p>I bet if teachers wages were little more than half of what doctors make, our country’s productivity and standard of living would skyrocket. There is an important factor to consider when you’re complaining about the salaries of professionals who are crucial to society.</p>
<p>^lol he’s just ■■■■■■■■, whether it be for fun or be inflammatory</p>
<p>How much debt would you have to pay off? Like 50k? Well considering that you make 120k right out of school, it only takes 10 years if you set aside 5k a year. And having 115k before tax income is A LOT more than what most people make right out of college. Its ridiculous. 70 of my *****ing dollars for a 20 min visit. </p>
<p>college debt doesn’t drag doctors down, that shouldn’t be of any concern. What should be of concern is whether or not you can be motivated to stay in school for 10+ years or whether or not you like touching sick people, etc. that sort of stuff.</p>
<p>You do realize that the doctor does not actually make 70 dollars for your visit. There is a lot of overhead like staff, insurance, facilities, etc…And to address the comment about debt, I think that medical school debt is very significant. It will be much more than 50k for most people. I know people that have debt more in the 200-300k range. Paying this plus interest can not be overlooked.</p>