<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 have to remember that I’m a 9th grader, and albeit ambitious as honors students may be, they will most likely tell me to wait until junior year.</p>
<p>Here’s an idea. Relax. Go to college, major in enginering whilst completing pre med requirements and THEN decide.</p>
<p>You can’t just major in pre med, you have to complete a degree as well. Trust me, you have another 8 years before you have to pick a career. So stop worrying now, live and enjoy HS, and you can worry about the future later.</p>
I agree with Grisam. I am in a similar boat to yours…mech-e vs. neuroscience/surgery. Do you prefer neuroscience to psychology, or vice versa? Take a major in engineering and complete pre-med reqs…keep all options open…Good luck! :)</p>
<p>The competition for Med school is insane. I mean seriously insane. You may be very smart, and a great student, and it’s still insane. I bet only something like 1% (literally, not an exaggeration) of people who are “pre-med” in undergrad, actually ever graduate from Med school. Then some more just can’t cut it through residency, some end up as mediocre doctors making less than that amount you would have made with a Masters in applied math/engineering. On top of that you have all your med school debts and Mal-practice insurance (Google it, this can easily go up in excess of 100K/year), and you’re got an awful life for 8 years after undergrad (and 2 or 3 more if you specialize like you were thinking). This is really only worthwhile if you REALLY want to be a doctor (and this isn’t ******** like some people say for other higher paying majors, this one is the real deal). </p>
<p>If you’re in ChemE you’re not going to have to take a bunch more classes to get into Med school (only think that jumps at me is Bio) and you could do it with other engineering majors also. If you’re in engineering or applied math (CS, Econ+Math, Chem, Physics all also pay highly, and as you get closer to college one of these may jump at you more), you’re going to have the flexibility to move in lots of directions with your job, technical or into business. If you’re going to do something for the money, engineering is a far better choice than medicine. </p>
<p>However, as a freshman, I don’t see how you can really move in one direction or another yet. Move your math and science to your priority, have history and language take a backseat to them (don’t ignore them though, you need good grades all over, but take classes like AP Chem and Physics in favor of APUSH). Keep that up through high school. For outside of school if you’re looking for something to do, you’re probably just as well of flipping a coin and pursuing whatever it tells you.</p>
<p>Since I was a freshman (I’m a junior), my thoughts on subjects/colleges/virtually everything have changed COMPLETLEY. I used to hate science and love language arts, and now I’m completley the opposite. </p>
<p>If you have room in your schedule, take varied electives, so you can get a little sample of everything. You could take a class about something that you had no idea that you were interested in!</p>
<p>Don’t box yourself in now, it’s okay if your ideas and opinions change. :)</p>