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The rambling college student needs advice/input about choosing a major?

2K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  Saskia 
#1 ·
If you've read some of my other posts, you get the idea about who I am, etc. But if you haven't. I'm 19. I was homeschooled, graduated from high school in May, but had taken many classes at community college while in high school, and I graduated with 47 credits on my college transcript. So I trasferred in a sophomore by credit.
Because I hadn't been able to formulate a plan for my life, and have no idea what I want to do, I stayed here, in the town I've been raised in, to attend the university my parents both graduated from. :-| I live at home, as well. And it's afffordable for my parents, unlike many other academic choices.

I'm only taking 12 credits..but I HATE college. Which is odd in my opinion, because I loved all my community college classes.

I also declared an english major here at Uni. But...when I found myself standing in the crosswalk around the third week of classes, hoping to get hit by a bus just so I wouldnt have to go to English classes, I discovered I wasn't an english major.

Also, when my eng professor at my night class started recommending to us students what "odd jobs we might take to make ends meat while trying to be writers" I realized i dont want to go to school, and spend all that time and money on a degree that won't get me much of a chance at a job.

I want to change majors. I interested in animal sciences, genetics, and behaviors. I'm considering changing to a BIO major, but the kicker is...MATH. I went through several math curriculums, and had to take the course TWICE at community college...JUST TO PASS ALGEBRA 1! THAT'S AS FAR AS I GOT! I CAN'T DO IT! I try and it's like a wall. THe other motivation for being an ENG major was I only had to take ONE math class ever. BUT A BIOLOGY MAJOR HAS TO TAKE LOADS OF MATH, CALC, STATISTICS, PHYSICS, AND....DARE I SAY THE DREADED WORD...CHEMISTRY. I don;t think I have a chance. Why does the amazing part of science and the fascinating things like genetics have to be ruined by math?

I would consider an animal science major, BUT the university I'm at doesnt offer it, and I know someone who has an animal science bachelors degree, and he cant even get a job with it. I feel like a bio degree would give you a broader scope and better chance at more jobs.

I'm rambling again, but I just wondered if anyone had advice/input aobut choosing a major? How did you do it? :cry:
My dream school would be Ohio state..where I've always wanted to go since I was a little tiny kid. But the out of state tuition..Fat chance.
 
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#2 ·
If biology really interests you, I'd say give it a try. It's funny how we find ways to be successful in things just because we want it so badly.
You could find a private tutor to help you with the math. Also, be aware that the various math courses are very different from each other. You might struggle through algebra, and then find you fly through calculus.

But the real key is what, exactly, is it that you hate about college? Could something as simple as changing universities (to something bigger, smaller, different values, whatever) solve the issue?

Have you tried any of the career field quizzes online? They ask questions about your likes, dislikes, and personality, and suggest careers that might interest you -- which would in turn drive your major.
Put something like this into google to find them: what career is right for me quiz
 
#3 · (Edited)
Would it be possible to try to study those things (math etc.) a bit with a private tutor outside of your current university before making the decision? So you'd see if you're able to get those subjects if you've some extra help?

I think motivation plays a big role. Once you've a goal you desire enough, you can make amazing efforts for reaching it...

Or then try to think if there's something else you want to study more than this and can still reach it. My personal opinion, it'll be pretty vain to study something you just feel very disgusting (if there's no any kind of force to study it) since I doubt you'll work in that field very long time in future.

Or then draw plan B (taking math class, trying to find a job etc.), get out of college and have a gap year or two? I think you've to be very careful if you end up to do that so you'll be back of school some day, but it's still something that's worth of considering in a situation in which you aren't sure. I had 2 gap years after my upper secondary school and it was absolutely very well choice for me since I was totally lost then, at the moment I'm studying at a college field that I feel right for me.
 
#4 ·
I would switch. If you\'re not going to be happy why torture yourself? Also, most universities have a wealth of resources for helping students. My roommate switched into neuroscience having never taken a calculus class in her life and was thrown into CALC II. She goes to the math help center everyday to meet with her tutor (which the school pays for) and currently has a 91% in Calc. Her average across the board in neuroscience (Calc, Psych, Chem, Physics and Bio) is a solid 89%, because she is not afraid to ask for help from the school. In fact, she is on full scholarship now because she\'s been doing so well.
 
#5 ·
I've got a few years before college starts for me, so correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't Communications be a good one to choose? I know you didn't list it, but from what I've read on it, it would be something pretty generic that can get you pretty much anywhere.
 
#6 ·
Tamma, your avatar scared the poop out of me when I was scrolling down. And here I thought you were so mild mannered...

If you get a science degree, you're going to have to do some math and certainly chemistry. However depending on the program, it may be less intensive math. Being equine or animal specialized is kind of risky in my opinion, but an option if you must work with animals/horses. Job offers, like mentioned, can be kind of scarce though.

I would recommend one of those little test things like mentioned. They can give you ideas you hadnt previously thought of.

Do you have any interest in teaching?
What about nursing or working in a lab?
My school had a great BIO and Conservation program. I know in the Animal Science department, there were broader degrees but you could take a focus in animals. Some examples from their website:

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, Science Option/

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
Animal Systems Option

Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management Option

Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems

So those are some other options. Don't know if any of that interests you at all thoughy
 
#8 ·
Do you have any interest in teaching?
What about nursing or working in a lab?
My school had a great BIO and Conservation program. I know in the Animal Science department, there were broader degrees but you could take a focus in animals. Some examples from their website:

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, Science Option/

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
Animal Systems Option

Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management Option

Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems

So those are some other options. Don't know if any of that interests you at all thoughy
My college has none of those. At all. :-x :cry: I go to NAU. Northern Arizona University, or as it's been called as a joke, "Not A University".

If biology really interests you, I'd say give it a try. It's funny how we find ways to be successful in things just because we want it so badly.
You could find a private tutor to help you with the math. Also, be aware that the various math courses are very different from each other. You might struggle through algebra, and then find you fly through calculus. <--I'm seriously hoping that this will be the case. :shock:

But the real key is what, exactly, is it that you hate about college? Could something as simple as changing universities (to something bigger, smaller, different values, whatever) solve the issue?
Without going on a big tangent that I'm sure no one on here wants to hear, lol, um... It’s a mix of academics and the people. Okay..I lied. Here goes the tangent. You probably wont want to read this, folks:
The students don’t make any sense to me. I’ve tried to be friendly and reach out, but it didn’t work. I cant relate to them very well. Most of the girls talk about $35 fingernails, the guy they slept with last night, next weekends party and wear expensive clothes. Many of them drive escalades, and seriously 9 out of 10 cars are under 10 years old. The students also make it a routine to not come to class, and they don’t care!
Maybe I’m just not a real social person. But I can seriously go all day without speaking a word at college outside of classes where I HAVE to. I’m very lonely, and I have no friends.
Maybe they just don’t want to talk to the girl in ariat boots and the ford tshirt? I don’t know. Im not into clothes or even guys—they come and go, so why bother—I’d rather talk about animals, world news, or my favorite: cars.
I actually accidently found a guy who I sit next to in one of my classes who, as luck would have it, has the EXACT same truck I have (Ford Broncos aren’t quite as common as they once were), and is really interesting and has a few of the same interests. I added him on facebook,and once we talked online for over an hour, but in class we don’t talk because we’re both quiet, and he (I know this from his facebook) has a long distance girlfriend for the last few months, so I don’t even know how to really feel comfortable starting a conversation.:oops: I figure just let him be. It really makes me even sadder, because he’s kind of like everything I want in a guy, sitting right there where I cant reach. And I don’t know how to make friends with someone who wont talk to me of their own free will, either. :cry:
I hate how EXPENSIVE UNIVERSITY IS. It gives education a bad name. I feel bad that my parents are having to pay. I pay my own books and fees, but they pay for that tuition. And it makes me feel guilty. I hate night classes. I hate how people are just there to party and be social. I thought it was about getting the grades to do something with your life later?
 
#7 ·
I have taken multiple aptitude tests, both through community college last winter, camp this summer, and online on my own. All either told me what I already knew, or recommended things like air traffic controller (I'm not kidding) :\
I spoke to the Bio adviser for 10 minutes (the people of academia, I've found, have no care or time for little peons like myself anf other students), and she pointed out what I should take this spring i wanna catch back up to bio majors.
So...i decided since our community college classes transfer to the uni here as well, I'm taking the two classes I can at community college (because it's cheaper)--the math class i need to bridge the gap to the college math and the chem classes;and the Biology 181 class--and then an inperson/lab class at the uni, and two onlines that count as my last liberal studies and a bio department elective credit. If any of that makes sense? It doesnt make much sense when I say it out loud, but it makes sense in my mind. lol. I'll be going to class from 7:30 am to 8:30 PM every tuesday and thursday.
I figure I should just buckle down, do it, and be greatful I have the mean$ to go, because so many people haven't been granted that chance.
 
#9 ·
Maybe you should try thinking about what kind of job you would like to have in the future instead of what you are interested in. What were you planing to do with that English degree. Could journalism be a better option since your interested in world news? I bet the people there would be less stuffy.
What are you thinking about doing with a bio degree. Do you want to be a scientist of some type? Imagine your life after collage. What kind of job is going to make you happy?

Also, you don't have to make friends just within your major. I am sure there are lots of activities and clubs that you could join and meet different people. Your classmates should not really be part of your decision about what major to be.

P.S. I think Ariat boots are sexy.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Yep, you need to firmly ask yourself just what you want to be doing with this degree, how you want to spend your life after graduating.

What TRULY makes you happy?
Would a sense of security make you feel better...knowing that this and that degree will ensure you a job, but also keeping in mind that this same job could end up making you pretty miserable down the line?

Or do you want to take the chance of maybe lower pay or tougher competition for something that makes your soul sing?

As someone already said, it's amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it. If you feel you suck at math, but really need to take those courses for your Major, then you'll find a way if it honestly means that much to you.

College is expensive, 'tis a fact of life...in my field a good grad school will likely put me in debt for decades...and, yes, there are a few "meh" classes everyone must slog through. But it's worth it. At least, I think it is.

As far as the social aspect...that is entirely dependent upon you. Join some clubs, walk up to a group of people and ask "may I sit here?", strike conversations with lonely strangers in the hall. As much as it may be frightening it will oftentimes depend on you to make that first step.
 
#11 ·
You are viewing Biology as something on its own, rather than a product of its parts. The reason you have to do maths is because to understand Biology, at least at the higher levels, you will need to understand maths. If you don't enjoy maths you might find out that you don't enjoy Biology.

English can lead to jobs - are you interested in teaching? But if you despise it then don't do it.

There are heaps of options... but studying just for a job, well it makes the experience hollow. I occasionally have freak outs about my future job chances, and I panic. Then I think, I love studying. I love learning about society. Anything else I would do that offers a better job I wouldn't like, it wouldn't make me happy. I wouldn't want to spend my life doing it.

I don't know, jobs are important, but so is happiness. Think about what makes you happy.
 
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