<p>Hello,</p>
<p>Obviously, Im having problems deciding on a major my current major is chemical engineering, but the only reason Im doing so is because 1) it seems to give me more options than other majors I would like and 2) the chemical engineering undergraduate program at the university I go to, the University of Minnesota, is apparently very good:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.it.umn.edu/about/rankings.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.it.umn.edu/about/rankings.html</a></p>
<p>I love science in general, so chemical engineering is all right, but Id much rather major in physics or mathematics. However, as evidenced in the above link, the programs for those two majors are not as great. My goal is to eventually get a PhD (or MD if I stick with chemical engineering), and Id like to get into the best graduate school possible. Thus, I am wondering how much the quality of ones undergraduate program affects ones chances of getting into a very prestigious graduate school.</p>
<p>My worry is that Ill have no other choice but to stick with chemical engineering. I dont feel like I can transfer to another school with better undergrad programs in the subjects I most enjoy; the reason Im going to the University of Minnesota is because I graduated from high school early and am still living at home. I havent even had my drivers license for a year (due to my age). Essentially, I doubt I could survive far away from home at this point in time.</p>
<p>Again, Im just wondering about the quality of the undergrad programs. This is my second semester full-time (although Im considered a sophomore because I took some college credits in high school), and I currently have a 4.0 GPA. If I keep my grades high, get research experience, etc, would it be at all possible for me to get into a very good grad school with the U of Ms undergrad physics/mathematics program under my belt?</p>
<p>Another worry is the employment situation. Is there any good in getting a PhD, and should I be worrying this much about what graduate school I go to? Should I instead shoot for an MD and go into clinical pathology/radiology? A note on this: in all honesty, Id like to one day move out of the USA to Europe (most likely France). If anyone knows the state of the scientific community over there, Id like to know. It's a bit of a pipe dream, certainly, but I may as well ask.</p>
<p>One final question would it be better if I just went to music school like all my music teachers want me to? :P</p>
<p>Well, thats about all Ive got to say for now. Thanks in advance for any advice you have to give feel free to ask questions if you want more information or something like that </p>