<p>So plain, short, and sweet... I haven't decided on a major yet and I'm heading into my junior year of college. There's one thing preventing me from choosing a major and it's Chemistry. It is the last set of basic classes I have to take and taking chemistry I feel will ultimately decide what I decide to major in.</p>
<p>I have an issue with taking it over the summer. Taking it over the summer would mean one of two things: Option 1, I would have to move my part-time job to evenings when study time is most valuable. Option 2, I would have to quit my part-time job. My employer knows I'm leaving the job, but I quoted that I would not be leaving until July. Taking a summer class would mean quitting in June instead. At this point, money is no matter although I would have an extra couple hundred dollars if I worked that additional month. </p>
<p>Alternatively, I could self-study for the CLEP exam and try to pass that (I made sure I will get lab credit also). But the issue is that I might not pass the CLEP exam and I will come out of it without the credit I need to move forward, whereas if I took Chemistry face-to-face, even if I got something like a C, I'd still get the credit I need. I am scientific-minded, so self-studying chemistry wouldn't be as tough as if I had no scientific background.</p>
<p>I also don't know where I want to go to college for the fall. I participated in national signing day, but I'm heavily regretting my choice. I still have a fall-back if I back-out of my first choice. Would it be advisable to spend (yet another) year at my community college taking chemistry? Chemistry would be the only class I would take though since those are the only two classes I'm missing that would matter to any degree plan I choose at this point. I wouldn't know what to do with my life. It seems like a hasty decision to decide my major on a whim's notice in just a few short weeks. But I really don't know what to do. I spent the last two years trying to decide and I doubt another year will assist with that.</p>
<p>What major is it that you are thinking of? I can see taking the CLEP if you have a strong Chem background from high school and need an intro Chem credit, but won’t be taking classes that require further Chemistry. If you will need more Chemistry for your major, take a live class with laboratory so that you are certain to have the foundation you will need for upper-level courses.</p>
<p>Since you aren’t clear about what you want to do with your life, why don’t you just take a year off from school completely before transferring? If you spend a year working and thinking you might find more clarity.</p>
<p>Why would taking chemistry determine your career choice? Do you need chemistry specifically to get your AA or just a science credit?
I would head to the guidance counselors and take some career choice tests to help focus your interests.
You may have to have to declare a major before you can transfer to another college.</p>
<p>CLEP tests are not always accepted for college credit–check with the college you are transferring to as well as your own college. If you actually go into a major that requires chemistry you may have to repeat the class anyway.
Many science heavy majors would have started with chemistry as a freshman and progressed from there.
College credit for CLEP is also dependent on your test score (varies among institutions). </p>
<p>I would suggest taking chemistry over the summer. You’ll get your credit and see if you like it. Your employer would understand (your part-time and you’ve already told him you are leaving). Spending another year taking chemistry is non-productive. Even if you just had a job next year rather than transferring, having to take one class would hamper your scheduling and cost you money (much more than the 200 you would like this summer)</p>
<p>Many colleges have rolling admissions–you may be able to take off at least a semester (if not a year) to figure out exactly what you want to do, where to go and how to get there. You’ll do best with a real plan and goals rather than just spending money taking classes that don’t further your goals.</p>
<p>It sounds like you should take one more year at community college to determine what major you want. Take hard classes in the subjects you’re interested in, the most advanced classes offered by your CC, and see if 1° you get A"s and 2° if you enjoy them.
What majors are you considering as of now?</p>