Major/career help?

College Search & Selection
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<p>I was wondering if I could get some opinions on what major would be ideal for me, since I'm not too familiar with what is out there.</p>

<p>I should tell you a bit about myself I guess...</p>

<p>-I am still in high school, a senior, planning to attend college this coming fall.</p>

<p>-I have an embarrassing 2.8 GPA, ranked 3rd quarter in my class.</p>

<p>-I feel that my creativity and "smarts" don't show on paper. People are shocked when they find out my GPA, because they know me as "the smart guy to go to when you need help". Since elementary school, my teachers always tell me I don't "apply myself".</p>

<p>-I am very interested in computers, but I am downright horrible at math. I'm not saying I can program code and develop software, but I'm the guy who everyone goes to for computer problems.</p>

<p>-I "get" things related to automobiles. When I got my first car, I took one look at the engine, and it just made sense. It sounds dumb, but I'm a "natural" I guess you could say at working on cars and such. They are my #1 hobby, next to computers.</p>

<p>-Just to reiterate the fact, I am horrible at math. I can use a calculator/do simple math, but when you throw formulas and letters at me, I go nuts lol.</p>

<p>-I want a career that is lucrative, and can offer me opportunities. In other words, when I'm older, I want to be "well-off" financially.</p>

<p>-Location/tuition doesn't really matter.</p>

<p>-I have been STRONGLY considering MIS, eventually at UT Austin. However, I don't know if my heart is 100% there.</p>

<p>I would appreciate any input! Thanks everyone!</p>

<p>P.S. Don't suggest I work at Jiffy Lube ;)</p>

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<p>bring up my post</p>

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<p>Interesting...</p>

<p>I really can't say my advice is worth much as I'm virtually as lost as you, but have you considered engineering? though of course that may be a little math-heavy, I think there are some feilds of it where the creative work needs to be done and others can be held responsible to crunch numbers and calculate practicality. I think it would be cool to go into GM or something and design cars for them (maybe not GM now that things are as they are, but w/e).</p>

<p>I can't offer any ideas as far as schools or majors but a career in design (a lot of engineering design is run on computers) might work. You could, of course, go into computers themselves (software design... other stuff). That's more logic than math so it may not be so bittersweet.</p>

<p>Hmmmm... Don't know what else to say. You're GPA and rank don't bode too well for trying to get into MIT or something similar (but from the tone of your post you seem to be aware and have little problem on that regard). As you likely know your numbers don't speak on your behalf and are not necessarily determinate of your future, you should definitely manage well enough if you can settle on a career path and kick *** all the way there.</p>

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<p>What about an automobile related degree? Ferris State in Michigan offers Automobile Management as a major.</p>

<p>Someone on the forum found a great program that combined mechanics and business management for her step-son. People will always need mechanics, and a program that teaches you cutting edge skills combined with business/management could really prepare you well for owning your own shop one day.</p>

<p>Okay, I found the thread. You could check out the Automotive Technology Department at Weber State University, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an Automotive Technology major as well.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>thanks for the posts! anyone else?</p>

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<p>What is the hurry to decide? When you get to college start attending the career fairs and talks, and also working with the career office to find field(s) you'd be interested in. Take a variety of classes (which is why colleges have general-ed requirements) and you'll start to get a sense of what majors are of interest to you. Many people don't settle on a major until late in their 2nd year, and of those that enter college with some intentions they often end up switching anyway.</p>

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<p>If your an expert in automotive work, why not get involved in that kind of work?</p>

<p>Honestly, maybe not a popular answer, but perhaps you should consider entering the armed forces. They have great training for mechanic type work and a huge need for sure. It'll be a huge help paying for and getting into college and finding a job afterwards that's more lucrative than working at the Jiffy Lube. A unique skill like being able to work on large diesel engines for 18-wheelers or aircraft could be pretty valuable.</p>

<p>Your lack of math skills and "performance" in a more traditional school environment does not mean you're not smart-- you've assessed that right. I think maybe the next step to realize is that you may want to seriously consider vocational training which will be far more in line with your own talents and intelligence.</p>