<p>I am Junior in high school from the San Francisco bay area. I want to be a journalist, but I've heard that it is not advised to major in journalism, but in the field you are interested in writing about. I was fairly sure that I wanted to major in journalism and minor in film, but now I am not so certain. Would it be better to major in film and minor in journalism instead? Or is that just a guarantee to financial failure? Would it be more logical for me to major or minor in political science? I wouldn't be as happy that way, but it would probably be less risky. </p>
<p>I was researching University of San Francisco, and I noticed that instead of majoring in journalism or film, they have a combination of the two in "media studies." In that much broader field I could also minor in political science. Then I can combine all my interests and gain a more diverse knowledge of current events and the media in general. I think that would be best for me, and also allow me the opportunity to take my degree to other careers. Unfortunately, USF is a private school, and I don't think I can afford it. </p>
<p>I also visited Cal Poly yesterday, and I really liked the school and their "learn by doing" philosophy. Their journalism program is quite small, so working for the newspaper, tv station, or radio station would be much easier, as there is a lot less competition. Although I could get a lot of hands on experience at that school, the program isn't as "prestigious" as at other schools in California. Would it be better for me to go to an accredited school such as Chico, Fullerton, Northridge, USC, or SF State? Also, I wouldn't be able to study film at all at Cal Poly, so I would have to either major or minor in political science. </p>
<p>To sum up my problem:
+ I am interested in journalism, film, and political science, but don't know what I should major/minor in.
+ I don't know what school do go to because of my financial situation. CSUs are cheap but don't give out much money, UCs are slightly more expensive and still don't give out much money, and private schools are WAY expensive but give out way more aide. My dad has been laid off twice in the past two years, and he is currently unemployed right now. My mom doesn't have a permanent job either, so my financial situation is very weak. But when my dad was working, he was making too much money for me to be considered for financial aide. I figured the best schools for me would be CSUs or private schools, because CSUs are cheap, and private schools would give me lots of money. I really don't want to go to community college, either.
+ I don't know what schools would be best for ALL of my interests. </p>
<p>HELP ME! PLEASE! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.<br>
What should I major/ minor in and where should I go to school?</p>