I'm not sure what to major in yet?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

So, over the past few weeks I’ve sort of convinced myself to major in engineering. Eventually, my dream would be to own my own business and make some of my invention ideas into tangible items. Therefore, I thought I’d get a degree in some engineering field and then get my MBA or maybe just do industrial engineering and get a little bit of exposure to business. Now that I’ve been thinking about it, I’m not really super passionate about math and especially not at all about science. I do like anatomy and biology a lot, but I don’t like physics that much, or chemistry at all. I also did get a C in both chemistry and physics first quarter, but after I learned how to study properly for the classes, I did get a B+. I guess I don’t mind them, but I’m not really extremely passionate about them. I hated chemistry because it was so hard for me to understand, so I did poorly. Physics I did like more, but it was still never like I loved the class.

Math on the other hand, I used to hate, but over the past couple years I’ve grown to enjoy and understand the necessity of. Again like science, I don’t mind it, but I’m not passionate about it. I don’t actively go out and seek more math practice. I do it because I have to.

In high school, I’ve taken Algebra 1, Geometry, Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Precalculus and AP Calculus AB. For science, I’ve taken Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, AP Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology.

Because I’m not super into math or science, I’ve been thinking about industrial engineering or computer science. I know that they both require amazing math skills and science somewhat, but I feel like they’re different kinds of math, and maybe I’ll be better at calculus than I have been in high school? Hopefully?

My interests really range all over the place. Right now, I’m thinking about biomedical engineering, industrial engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physical therapy, finance, and healthcare management.

My real interests out of those would be biomedical engineering, finance, and healthcare management. I really love biomedical engineering as a concept, but I’m not sure about the math and science.

I am currently taking: AP Computer Science, Orchestra, AP Statistics, AP Literature, Anatomy and AP Calc AB as a senior which I don’t know if that affects anything.

What do you think I should do?

2

I think you should use the rest of high school and the first year or two of college as they are supposed to be used: to explore different areas and develop intrests. CC tends to get a lot of students that already know what they are going to do with their lives, but the reality is the vast majority in the real world don’t. Relax, you have more than enough idea of what you want to be your career for now.

3

Healthcare management – if that is offered at the university you attend – is a fantastic niche field to go into, that has a lot of need for people with specialized knowledge, such as an understanding of patient privacy regulations.

Try volunteering at a hospital to make sure you like that work environment and the idea of dealing with medical issues. I think that’s the best option on your list of prospective majors right now considering your distaste for and lack of natural talent in math.

Also try taking some career aptitude quizzes to see what direction those point you in, since the results could give you more ideas for possible majors.

4

Engineering doesn’t require someone who’s passionate, but someone who’s thorough; doesn’t hesitate to ask for help, and has thick skin because it’s a field where A-students get C’s and failing out is real during the first year. And College will be AP-like for content, but with only 3 periods a week and a semester to cover what in high school took a year. In other words, you’ll have to “teach yourself” a lot, study on your own, work on problem sets outside of class (hence organize study groups and meet with professor/TA during office hours). Develop these skills.
Industrial engineering may be a good choice.
Are you involved in Robotics? That would be a good indication you’ll like engineering.
Try to shadow some professionals in your community - managers in a hospital, engineers…

5

Would you consider a business degree? You could take courses that deal with entrepreneurs and how they make their ideas work.

It certainly doesn’t sound as though engineering is the way to go for you… why spend years learning material you already know you dislike?

6

@MYOS1634 I totally see what you mean, but I feel like I’d do a lot better if I was enjoying what I was learning instead of treating it like just another chore.

7

@bjkmom Yeah! I would! I’m also maybe considering finance with a minor in some engineering branch. It’s not like I’m totally aversed to engineering, I’m just not the most comfortable with math and science. I tend to underestimate my skills and it makes me really nervous to think about majoring in engineering even though I’m not that bad at math or science.

8

Obviously don’t choose engineering if you’re not interested in math and science. It’s hard enough for students who love science and are talented…
If you’re a senior in high school you could apply undecided. Most freshmen change their minds anyway…