<p>I'm going to be a senior in high school this fall and my parents are putting a lot of pressure on me to major in a high paying field. They especially would like me to major in some sort of engineering or medical field like pharmacy. The problem is that I'm not especially good at math and science and the topics don't interest me at all. If I just worked really hard would I be able to do well in an engineering/medical major or is the fact that I don't perform as well in math and science going to hold me back?</p>
<p>i've got a similiar dilema :(</p>
<p>Really, mz innocentz, please explain your situation.</p>
<p>define pressure. are they not gonna pay your tuition if you don't major in a practical field or will they just be very disappointed in you?</p>
<p>unless you absolutely have to major in something you're not interested in, i would never suggest actually going through with it. what's probably gonna end up happening is you'll be miserable in the classroom and studying for tests so you'll eventually stop doing it (or at least stop putting forth your best effort). consequently, you'll probably get subpar grades and be worse off than you would've been, as far as job prospects, had you just majored in something interesting to you. this is especially true for someone like you, someone who isn't even good at math or science to begin with.</p>
<p>it's a slippery slope to all the things your parents probably don't want. if you can make them see that, maybe they'll start to ease up a bit.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a high paying field engineering is not the way to go. The starting salary may be high by annual increases are close to non existent. My suggestion, do what you feel comfortable with. DO NOT pursue a career in something you do not enjoy or else you will find yourself extremely unhappy with your career.</p>
<p>Consider this quote from one of my philosophy professors (OK, the only philosophy professor I had at the university level): "Study in a field you enjoy, because if you can't find a job, at least you'll be unemployed in a field you like." (I may be paraphrasing).</p>
<p>To echo the others, is pleasing your parents really worth the price of going through a miserable college and probably career experience?</p>
<p>it's very dangerous and risky to go into something you're not good at and something you don't even like. it might put you in a worse position than to just major in something you actually do like. it's only a matter of time before you realize what you're doing isn't right for you and you can't take it anymore. you shouldn't test and push yourself like that.</p>
<p>El duque, It really seems as though they might not pay my tuition if I don't do what they want. But I'm trying to negotiate with them (although they're pretty unreasonable) and look for scholarships.</p>
<p>well then definitely look into some alternative payment methods (scholarships, loans, military, taking advantage of in-state tuition). the last thing you want is a miserable college experience.</p>
<p>i don't know your parents, but im guessing they want you to be happy. i would just confront them. be like "look, i hate math and science. im not very good at either one of them and i would be miserable studying something as closely related to them as medicine or engineering. i love you guys but i won't sacrifice my happiness just because my real interest isn't good enough for you." or something to that affect. </p>
<p>just keep drilling it in their heads that you're not gonna major in something just because they want you to, that you intend to choose a major in something that makes YOU happy and not other people at your expense. maybe even have a professional talk to them, like your guidance counselor or a psychiatrist. your guidance counselor, especially, should put up a good fight for you. it's a big part of their job to help students discover and pursue their interests.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice el duque, I'm definitely going to set up an appointment with my guidance counselor as soon as I go back to school this fall.</p>