<p>I finished my first year at a little ivy, and I ran into some trouble. I went to school being pre-med, then changed to environmental science, but I am just no good at actual science. I am very passionate about biology in particular, but couldn't hack the chem or math requirements. I really wanted to be in the health industry helping people, but I don't think it's my reality anymore after getting some really bad grades in my science classes. On the other hand, I'm pretty good at the humanities. Philosophy and lit are a good academic fit for me. However, I don't know what to do because I'm afraid I won't find a good career with a liberal arts major. My parents convinced me that the only way to make money and be successful is to be in science. I want to be able to handle my school work however and not be sad with bad grades.</p>
<p>What major should I consider now??? Can I involve my passion for science in any way someday?? My main goals are to travel, meet many people, help others in some way, and make decent money....THOUGHTS???</p>
<p>What do you consider “bad grades”? There’s a big difference between, for instance, “bad grades” that are “B” level and bad grades that are “D” level.</p>
<p>Is the main course that you got bad grades in organic chemistry? From what I remember of watching my several college friends who were pre med, organic chem was the most difficult course of their college career. Getting a “B” or even a “C” in that doesn’t mean that you need to drop a science major.</p>
<p>When you return to school, you might want to get an assessment at your career counseling center or counseling center. They may be able to help you figure out which majors would best match your interests, and what possible careers to consider.</p>
<p>Maybe psych or anthropology would suit your interests while still keeping your skill set in mind? You’ll need to go to grad school, but some research in those areas may put you in the right direction. Philosophy and literature degrees, in my opinion, are not for the faint of heart in terms of approaching the job market after graduation.</p>
<p>A science degree is only going to get you a good career if you pass your classes and have a decent GPA. A science degree you sucked at won’t help you get a good job-- or a job you are even good at, for that matter, if you aren’t good at science.</p>
<p>What were your SAT scores? I suspect that since you’re at a Little Ivy, you may have the brains to do well in math and science, but may think you can’t because you’re comparing yourself to students at your highly competitive college who may be getting As in courses that you’re getting lower grades in or are having to study far more than some other students are.</p>
<p>Do be aware that some of the students who end up at highly competitive colleges also went to top prep schools and participated in expensive summer programs that allowed them to immerse themselves in subjects that you may have had less education in.</p>
<p>It may be that you just need to catch up or modify your study habits. For instance, I know a students who went to second tier public and private schools, and whose SATs didn’t break about 620 on any part, yet these students went on to med school or graduate school in the sciences.</p>
<p>Unless you’d prefer to pursue a different major, you may not have to give up on science yet.</p>
<p>Would you ever consider being a teacher? If you have any interest or ability at all in science, you would be very welcome among the elementary ranks. If you’d rather pursue something like literature, teaching middle school or high school is also an option. Each has its own particular rewards.</p>