<p>Well I'm a Sophomore in High School right now and am pretty clueless about what I want to do in life - who isn't? :)</p>
<p>My parents were actually pushing me towards medicine till one point but they've somewhat backed off. I considered Engineering but Chemistry and Math completely bore me (Irony: I decided to pursue something else after Biology, but I liked Biology more than Chemistry). It's not that I'm bad at them, I just can't stand them.</p>
<p>I've recently taken the ASVAB test (the one the army uses) and I've scored in the 99th Percentile for Math and around 98th for the various Verbal Sections. General Sciences came out pretty bad (like 80th Percentile) and Mechanics and Electronics were rather decent given that I haven't taken Phsyics for a long time. Auto/Body Shop were really bad so I guess being a Mechanic is out of the question.</p>
<p>I have a general interest in Social Studies related fields. I have a really easy time understanding pretty complicated concepts, and have really well in US History and US Government (both as APs) despite no exposure to them (I'm an immigrant). People have generally told me that I should consider Law, Politics, Business but the thing is I don't have any the soft skills needed for these professions. I speak really fast and am completely incoherent when nervous, but I'm good at things like writing policy (and mainly SGA work - I know this isn't much but we've had an incredibly swamped year), supervising over things.</p>
<p>After taking the ASVAB preferences test I came out as an EIC (Enterprising, Investigative and Convention) but when adjusted to my gender (male) it was EIS (Enterprising, Investigative and Social).</p>
<p>I'm from a not so affluent family, so climbing the social ladder is obviously an objective. I want an Upper Middle Class lifestyle and freedom in my work.</p>
<p>So I just don't know where to start. Our Guidance Department is overworked (with more than 600 students per counselor), so I didn't want to bother them. Any pointers on where I need to start?</p>
<p>I know I still have many years to pick a major etc, but I'm afraid that being undecided will somehow hurt my college search process. Like I keep imagining doomsday situations like going to a school without Engineering and deciding I want to do Engineering or going to a 'tech school' and realising that my passion lies in humanities.</p>
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Are you a sophomore in high school or college?
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<p>Oh High School, sorry for not being clear!</p>
<p>I know I still have many years to pick a major etc, but I'm afraid that being undecided will somehow hurt my college search process. Like I keep imagining doomsday situations like going to a school without Engineering and deciding I want to do Engineering or going to a 'tech school' and realising that my passion lies in humanities.</p>
<p>(And I think I would benefit from a small and tight knit college community, so choosing a field of interest I feel is all the more important to me)</p>
<p>I was really impressed with your question. I have a kid who's a sophomore too, and I wish she was trying to understand her interests too. </p>
<p>As a suggestion, I'd go to the colleges that you have thought about and browse through their majors. You may find something that sounds interesting, like biomedical engineering, nursing (it's not just for women!), physical therapy, or business with a minor in Human Resources or other area of interest, and then can research those majors further. When you find majors that interest you, this will really help to fine-tune your college searches too since you'll be looking at schools that have those majors. Also -- you may be able to then check out the major with a summer job or summer camp in that area. One of my kids thought he wanted to be premed, but was worried about his future if he didn't get into med school. He applied for a summer pharmacy camp, and really enjoyed it...now he's in a prepharmacy program at college with a pharmacy school guarantee, and is 100% sure of his goal. </p>
<p>If nothing jumps out at you, then you will know that you need to pick a college where you're aren't required to focus on a major or school immediately, and you will want a school with the broadest choice of future majors. When we were looking at schools, we found that some of them started students on a "track" for a major very quickly, and others let you spend a year or two taking general ed requirements before applying to an upper level program and a major. (My kids outlined sample four year programs at each school they considered, to determine whether they'd need an extra year if they took a year or two to pick a major at college.) We saw one study that said that more than 60% of students change their majors in college, and at college visits you are likely to hear that the largest declared major is "undecided." Even if you find yourself at a school that doesn't have the major you choose eventually, keep in mind that transferring is always an option...and those general ed credits are more likely to transfer anyway.</p>
<p>I'm 45 and I still don't know what I want to do....</p>
<p>Sometimes it helps to narrow things down by deciding what you do NOT want to do. My son's friend chose a college based on wanting to major in "not-English-and-not-History." Now he's at Tufts, tentatively majoring in Physics.</p>
<p>With your interest in Social Studies you may want to look into Economics. Combines the Social Studies and business, and gives you lots of possibilities after college - business, grad school, law school etc.</p>
<p>You might want to look at smallish liberal arts colleges that include Engineering - there are several of them in the Northeast (Lafayette, Lehigh, Bucknell, Union, among others). But since you said Math bores you, Engineering might not be your thing.</p>
<p>Noting Nonzeus's advice about finding a school that doesn't force you into a track immediately, be aware that some MAJORS force you into tracks sooner than others. Engineering is the prime example, it's easy to transfer out of engineering but hard to transfer in, there are so many pre-requisites for classes that if you don't start out as an Engineer you'll be behind. But you can major in virtually anything and go to law school, and even Med school (as long as you take some Chem & Bio classes). Liberal Arts majors generally allow you a lot of freedom before locking you into a track.</p>
<p>You, as a HS soph, are too early into the process to be worrying this much about details. About half of entering college freshman don't know what they want to major in and half of the remaining half change their minds once they get going. </p>
<p>While engineering is the one commitment ideally made day 1 in college, I just don't see you having any real interest. Even if you end up at a school without an engineering major, a math or science major can still launch you into a masters in engineering. Alternatively, many LACs offer 5 year "3/2" programs with engineering schools where, after 3 years majoring in one of these fields you then transfer to get a second engineering bachelors at a connected school. </p>
<p>Finally, your interest in "an Upper Middle Class lifestyle" is not exactly unfamiliar or unique. But be careful that pursuit of that lifestyle does not come at the expense of a career that brings personal satisfaction beyond income. Look forward to what should be four great years in college to help you sort things out.</p>
<p>Math + social sciences?.. Try Economics and Statistics while you are still at school; see if you like them. </p>
<p>You may go to Law school and end up with a desk work if you don't see yourself as a trial lawyer; or you may choose something like Accounting or become an Actuary - if you are willing to work hard, those professions may yield quite a good income.</p>
<p>Take enough math and science in high school to keep all your options open. Most colleges won't expect you to choose a major till you are a sophomore. I stumbled into my interest (architecture) somewhat by accident. I liked math, art and history best. It's worked out very well for me. I'd apply to a college with lots of choices, LACs and comprehensive universities work equally well. You don't sound like a good candidate for the tech schools, (at least at this time), nothing wrong with that, and it's so much easier if you can cross off whole categories of schools when you are looking at colleges!</p>
<p>I like the suggestions above about economics as a major. It is great for students with policy and general social science interest, especially when combined with good competency in math. It is a good all-purpose undergraduate degree, can be combined easily with a number of other fields as part of a double major. My H is an economics professor, and many of his students combine econ with fields such as journalism, computer science, math, history.</p>
<p>You can take an econ degree to law school, business school, graduate school or directly to the workplace. </p>
<p>You do have some time to think about future majors. However, my youngest is a high school sophomore, and the subject has come up here also.</p>
<p>I too like economics. I was going to say that right after reading your post, and before seeing the others. And I know something about economics.</p>
<p>But I did want to also add two things:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You don't need to know your interests yet. I like the other posters ideas of keeping doors open, and it sounds like you are doing that. But I assure you most students at your stage don't have a clue (they might think they know but the teen years are one of self-exploration and change and you have many years to go yet). If you spend too much time on cc you come to think kids pick their major in 7th grade and plan their futures in this sort of strategic way. But life really isn't like that. While that might work for some, its not even an ideal to aspire to. The last thing you want is to be trapped into a path you set as an adolescent. Even college majors change their minds a lot, and I know tons upon tons of people (actually most adults I know) who are now doing something quite different than what they set out to do upon entering college. </p></li>
<li><p>You mentioned in an earlier post that you are depressed. If that is so, then you probably aren't in the right state to pick and choose your likes and dislikes. Depression, by its nature, is one that makes decisions difficult and that zaps your interest and passion for things you would otherwise be interested in and passionate about. It's not the time to contemplate your future. Take care of one thing and the other will be easier to solve. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>So my advice to you is this:</p>
<ol>
<li>Seek help for the underlying depression.</li>
<li>Remember how you feel now may be <em>very</em> different than how you may feel after your depression passes or you continue to mature over the years.</li>
<li>Take a course load that keeps all your doors open for now since it's too early to decide. </li>
<li>Try to listen to and note the voice within that says on occasion "now this is interesting" (without worrying about the careers and income related to it).<br></li>
<li>Have trust that your true interests will emerge, it's just not the time yet to know the answer to your future. Have faith, it will come.</li>
</ol>
<p>I've been where you are, trying to figure out the best major and career for me as a high school sophomore and contrary to many, I think it's a good thing. Trying to see who you are and what you like is important for a teenager and helpful if you do find what you want to do early. </p>
<p>My big question do you is: what do you do for fun? What are your outside interests? What gets you excited to do it? What do you like to read and learn about? It may not connect to your career path but these interests can show you what you like to do and point toward a career. </p>
<p>Also don't limit yourself! If you're "soft skills" aren't good, learn them! It's hard but I definitely think this will improve your job outlook in the future. Practice, take classes, read,whatever it takes to get better and have more confidence in yourself. And as for your doomsday scenario, it doesn't sound like you really have an interest in Engineering (although to be safe, learn about all the different fields and see if anything interests you) and don't go to a tech school but a college that has a wide range of majors. Good luck on your search!</p>
<p>I would advise that you expose yourself to the passionate and motivated individuals at TED:</a> Ideas worth spreading.</p>
<p>Viewing the presentations there will help you get to a frame of mind where you are being 'pulled' to a calling as opposed to being 'pushed' to it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. So my grades have gone downhill greatly (crazy events in life) and probably won't get into any of the coveted colleges.</p>
<p>This might just be the Asian in me, but will an Econ major find a job graduating from a state school (According to the BLS, Econ majors are supposed to have slower than average job growth and having a Masters and a PhD are supposed to have a better time finding jobs)?</p>
<p>And what kind of jobs do Econ majors generally get (at state schools)?</p>
<p>You remind me very much of a young man I know (also Asian, BTW!). He, too, is from a not so affluent family, and climbing the social ladder is a big thing for him. I know it's hard, but please try to understand that having a lot of money is not the most important thing in life. As long as you have enough money to live comfortably, the rest is just icing on the cake. You will find happiness in doing something that makes you happy. What that "something" is, well, you don't need to know that yet. Instead, focus on exploring many different areas so that you can find the things that interest you. Eventually, things will get clearer for you. </p>
<p>Like you, my D is good at math & science ... but frankly, she doesn't "like" them. She was all set to major in something science-related, but the light bulb finally went off. She realized that she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't like (beyond the required classes, of course). She is enjoying exploring some areas that she would not have considered a year ago. My H is a little concerned (he is an engineer, and he has trouble envisioning what one might do with a sociology degree). Our D is a smart, motivated young woman, though, and I have no doubt that she will do well no matter what path she chooses to take. </p>
<p>Do your best in school, which is all anyone can ever ask of you. If there are things in your life that affect your grades, and if you cannot change those things ... please know that any college can be a good place to learn & grow. If your grades keep you out of an elite school, you will still be able to take advantage of the best another school offers. Get to know profs, go to lectures, apply for research opportunities/internships/co-op jobs, etc. If you are motivated, you will be able to achieve anything you want.</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't think you need to worry about it. Keep taking math and science so that you don't shut any doors. When I took a vocational aptitude test back in middle school - I think I was in the 99th %ile for everything except clerical speed and accuracy where I was under the 50th! So I didn't become a secretary. I liked math, art and history. It turned out architecture (I loved arch'l history - but who would know that in high school? - I certainly didn't) was a good place to land. It's a great profession for a generalist. I like working with people, both the clients and the contractors, I like drawing, and I love seeing the things I put on paper become 3-D objects. But someone else with similar skills, might love being a lawyer. I fell into my major by figuring out which courses I had enjoyed as a freshman and which I hadn't. I didn't need to know my major when I was applying. It's not necessary at most colleges - though it is at a few.</p>
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You remind me very much of a young man I know (also Asian, BTW!). He, too, is from a not so affluent family, and climbing the social ladder is a big thing for him. I know it's hard, but please try to understand that having a lot of money is not the most important thing in life.
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<p>Well, when I said that I wasn't very affluent, I really meant that. I mean the household income is way below the state's median household earnings. I don't dream of being a millionaire investment banker, but it would be nice to afford a house, live a decent life without working 2 or 3 jobs :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, but what kind of jobs do Economics majors get out of college (especially if it's not "Elite")?</p>
<p>Hmmm ... you sound just like the young man I know (and he's a great kid).</p>
<p>Here is a link to check out. UDayton is not "elite," so you'll get a decent idea of career possibilities & interested companies by looking at the info: SBA</a> Economics: Jobs for Economics Majors</p>
<p>
[quote]
Hmmm ... you sound just like the young man I know (and he's a great kid).</p>
<p>Here is a link to check out. UDayton is not "elite," so you'll get a decent idea of career possibilities & interested companies by looking at the info:
SBA Economics: Jobs for Economics Majors
<p>hello,
I am a 2010 high school grad. that was post to start attending ohio university this past summer for nursing ,but stayed home to keep working instead. I did so because i started questioning if nursing is what i wont to do before i put all that money into it. Im still not sure but realy wont to go back to school. I love people (well most) and most of all childrean. I would love to work in the health field but not sure what all is out there. Iv looked everywere online researching diffrent careers to study but still cluless on what i wont. what would u do? I feel so lost and low- lifed since i have not went back yet . I would love u start back asap!!! Any addvise would help at this point. </p>
<p>101491, now is a great time to job shadow different careers while you go back to school. If you are willing to at least commit to a 4-year degree, then go into school and take a variety of courses while you avail yourself to the help of the college career center. They may be able to help you find internships, job shadow opportunities and take career assessments. I think it is a huge mistake to wait too long for college just because you don’t know what you want to do. Pediatric nursing may end up beign the right thing, as may an elementary school teacher, audiologist, speech therapist or probation officer. It is difficult to figure out what you want to do until you are exposed to different opportunities.
The average person will change careers, and new opportunities will come through your life.
It also doesn’t hurt to look into careers that are going ot be needed in the future, as well as careers that pay well, but it doesn’t need to be the only factor. What I think is prudent is that you don’t spend a fortune on an education if you don’t plan to have a career that can handle large loans. </p>
<p>You didn’t mention in your post if you deferred your enrollment, or if you had the money to pay for this particular school. Now that you hav been working for a year, I am sure that finances will play a bigger part in your selection process.</p>