<p>My parents are pressuring me to pick a major (when in my opinion I basically have no talents or hobbies/ interests) To be blunt I have no dream job or future interests or really anything. But they won't let me be undecided, they want me to pick a major so that I have direction and goals and that stuff. But since I live in a suburban bubble, I haven't been exposed to much I guess, plus I don't go out much because I don't like to. Is it possible to just pick a major with no prior interests or understanding really of that major and learn about it in college? Since they were pressuring me I just went with communications/advertising/marketing. But I really don't understand what this this major is really about. And I'm not even sure if I would be good at it either. I mean I'm hardworking, but that's it I guess. Plus they are pressuring me to get into an Ivy or they refuse to pay for it-so an uber amt. of pressure. Target schools/reach schools that I am furiously researching that have good/renown communications schools like: Northwestern, BU, UPenn, Syracuse, and also looking at Columbia, NYU, and BC. But the thing is that what if I end up not liking communications, then I don't want to be stuck at a school that is famous for communications, but other majors there aren't as good. So what would be some well rounded schools with good communication schools? (on the eastern coast). Any additional info. about this major would be good. Thanks!</p>
<p>I have a son who is a junior in high school and really has no idea what he wants to do. He really enjoys paintball, video games, and in general, hanging out with his buddies. As his mother, I would love for him to have an idea about what he might want to do. I currently spend way too much time thinking about how he could possibly spin his love of video games into a clever admissions essay.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I think that we start pounding our kids when they are about six about what they want to be when they grow up. It’s a pity. We need to let you be kids and figure it out later. What is my point?</p>
<p>My suggestion to you would be to take a look at what you do enjoy. What majors might relate to those things? It sounds as though you are a pretty good student, so don’t be afraid to look at lots of different things (there is actually a book out about college majors and personality types that you might like to read). When you narrow down a few ideas, look at colleges that offer a wide range of majors and programs, so that when you get to college, if you change your mind you have some options.</p>
<p>Communications majors get jobs in companies working on publications and public relations. They also work in broadcasting. It is wise for a communications major to get a solid foundation for both writing and speaking. </p>
<p>Also keep in mind that if you have some AP credit, you will have more flexibility to explore different subjects (and majors) in college. Courses are offered at the college level that you do not get to take in high school. Don’t limit yourself now; you have lots of time. Good luck.</p>
<p>I wish parents would stop pressuring their children into situations that can potentially damage them emotionally, mentally, and intellectually. Too much pressure can potentially break a person. As for major, I would actually have gone in undeclared, as it give’s you more room to maneuver. Most colleges don’t require you to declare until end of sophomore year and for good reason. Young people such as yourself do not know yet what they want to do. The first two years is for discovery of what you want to do. Plus if you have no interest in what you’re doing, you’re not going to put your full potential into it and end up with bad grades. Trust me, I have been there. If your parents don’t pay, there’s financial aid. Grants, loan’s, scholarships. Follow your own path.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I guess I am sort of like your son in a way that I like surfing the net and reading books and what not, but I want to have a direction to go in, just not so sure which way to. Like spinning around blind folded looking for the pi</p>
<p>To scientificmind, yup I do feel pressure from my parents which does make me pressure myself more. Anyway I’m still a junior in high school, but it’s nearing the end of the year so my parents said I started too late in preparing for all these things, which i agree. I mean they told me to start like as a sophomore, but I thought i had plenty of time, wrong. I mean is it okay for me to pick something (like communications) and go with it and if it isn’t for me can i change it? I feel as though I should pick a well rounded school so if i plan to change there are other places to go in that school. My parents want to go visit some colleges (they told me to research), but they are really busy so they don’t want me to go with specific questions and reasons. But I just want to feel the college atmosphere and go on a tour. But i don’t want to waste their time by driving out 3 hrs. for just that. <em>sigh</em></p>
<p>I mean they want me to go with specific questions.</p>
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Absolutely.
This will be fine.
While you are a freshman taking general ed classes, make an effort to use your college’s career planning group and they can help you find a major or a career path that will suit your interests and talents.</p>
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Go into the Ivy League schools forums here on cc and look at the stats of the students who were rejected. Even if you designed and built a filter and cleaned the water supply of a village in South America, have a 4.0 unweighted and a 2400 SAT, you are not guaranteed to get into an Ivy. You need a back up plan in case you are not admitted to an Ivy. Also - Harvard and Yale don’t have majors in “Communications” 
You need to come up with safety and match schools as well as the Ivy’s (which are reaches for everyone).</p>