<p>Hi, I'm a high school senior at an international school currently thinking of pursuing a major in the Engineering branch.
I've asked this question a couple of times to my teachers, but they haven't given me a clear answer... so I'd like some help.
Is it better to choose a major of an area that I am strong in (good grades), or an area that interests me?
I chose Physics in my junior year over Biology and Chem because that was the only subject that really interested me and made me want to learn more (although I had a B+ in Physics, and an A in biology). Because I'm not a math or science genius, I'm taking a Standard Level physics, math course + AP Calculus to increase my knowledge in the area but majoring in engineering is scaring me a little right now.
My current picks for majors are: aerospace, electrical, nuclear, mechanical engineering
Aerospace and nuclear physics interests me, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to keep up with the classes and regret my decision.</p>
<p>Any class is hard. Even “easy” ones. In college, you will find that scoping your intellectual capacity off of high school courses does not give a deep reading. I would say do something you’re interested in. Because something that you ace right now will get a lot harder if it doesn’t interest you.</p>
<p>It is best if you do what interests you and put in the effort to rise to the challenge that it offers.</p>
<p>The so-called “easier” path can easily turn out to be just as hard as the “harder” path. To be successful, you’re going to have to work hard no matter what. You might as well do that which floats your boat…</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice, I’m happy that your responses were what I wanted to hear.
I’ll probably be looking at a aerospace aeronautics major… do you know if nuclear engineering is a good major? Good meaning either connecting directly to good jobs etc.</p>
<p>Usually what people don’t tell you before you enter engineering is that it takes a minimum of 5-6 years, unless you’re a super nerd. </p>
<p>However if you decide to do engineering I recommend a school on a quarter system because semester schools suck for engineering. They also require more general Ed than quarter schools.</p>
<p>It does not take 5-6 years to get an engineering degree. More like 4-5. It’s only 5-6 if you change your major a lot or are doing internships during the semester. </p>
<p>OP: Just enter college as an undeclared engineering major and explore your options from there. The first year of engineering is practically the same for everybody (unless your EE or CompE), but even then you won’t be too far behind. Just make sure to have good time management skills and study hard.</p>
<p>Every engineering major I knew took 4 to 5 years. </p>
<p>Why quarter systems? This is actually the first time I heard someone saying they like it. The biggest complaint I’ve heard about it is that final exams come around so often. I never experienced it myself so I wouldn’t know.</p>
<p>I took 4 years for my major. I got great grades and had a lot of fun at the same time.</p>