Back when I went - Journalism. Hated it and left the school. Went for Strength Based Management at a school closer to home and got pretty close but got really involved with work and haven't finished up.
I'll be graduating this coming spring with three degrees: B.S.'s in Physics and Mathematics, B.A. in German. Only took me five years, too (one of which was spent abroad in Bonn, Germany)!
" Computer Engineering. I'm actually in grad school now and my specific focus area is computer systems architecture. I actually really wish I had majored in computer science back in the day because I really like the software side of things more than hardware. I'm not necessarily hating what I'm doing now, but I just would have preferred a bit more focus on software. "
" I'll be graduating this coming spring with three degrees: B.S.'s in Physics and Mathematics, B.A. in German. Only took me five years, too (one of which was spent abroad in Bonn, Germany)! "
Wow, congrats. How did you manage to get all those degrees in only five years?
Initially, I started as a Mathematical Physics major, which left me 3 courses short of getting the Math major. I also took German all through high school, thus allowing me to waive some courses. The real kicker was my year abroad, since I took math and physics courses in Germany, along with several courses that doubled as gened and German requirements. I've also taken summer courses each year to get the rest of the gened out of the way.
" @Wolverine: Initially, I started as a Mathematical Physics major, which left me 3 courses short of getting the Math major. I also took German all through high school, thus allowing me to waive some courses. The real kicker was my year abroad, since I took math and physics courses in Germany, along with several courses that doubled as gened and German requirements. I've also taken summer courses each year to get the rest of the gened out of the way.Oh, and I have no life. "
Yeah, you must have really worked you ass off over the last five years. I'm a high school student and I'm going to be a senior next year. Do you have any suggestions for college?
Firstly, I would say take more classes freshman and sophomore year than are required (take it easy first semester, though, to let yourself become accustomed to being at the university level--there is a difference). Most universities require a certain number of general education credits, which depend greatly on where you go and what you are studying. These, in effect, broaden the scope of the education you receive. For some people this means taking lower level math and sciences, for others history and social science credit. If you get most of these done in your first two years (alongside your major requirements), your work load will be greatly reduced by senior year, allowing you to focus more on the "important" classes.
If you know going in what you want to study, great! If not, don't be too worried. Many people believe that they have to know exactly what they want even before they go to college, which is not true (although it helps of course). Taking several aforementioned gened classes can help you decide if you don't know where to look (I label this the "Shotgun" approach). If you find that you don't like what you're studying, change majors! Don't allow yourself to feel "locked in" on any set path until you know you enjoy the subject. If you are miserable by the second semester of studying it, chances are you will still be miserable 30 years down the road. [There is a small caveat here: obviously don't wait until your senior year to decide what you want to do.] Also, explore minor opportunities. Languages tend to make great minors for business majors, math for econ majors, etc. Or just double major--this is much less difficult if the two fields are tightly connected.
Thirdly, study abroad! College is a great opportunity to get out and see the world, even if you aren't studying a language. Several international universities offer coursework in English, and exchanges usually cost the same as regular tuition back home. Plus, these "unique and diverse cultural experiences" look great on a resume.
Most importantly, though, I would advise you to enter the university with an open mind. Not just about varied political opinions or lifestyle choices, but also about subject stereotypes. History is not necessarily boring! Math is not necessarily hard! Allow yourself to see each course as an opportunity to learn something new, and you will find it much easier to go to class each day.
@eternalrift: Thanks, I really appreciate how much effort you put in your last post. I currently don't know what I want to do for a living. My favorite subject is probably American History but I can't really make a career out of that because I have no interest in being a teacher. I'm not really good at math, science, or spanish and I'm alright at english. The elective I've been taking is drama and I'm taking a Advanced Drama class next year. The thing is I don't look at acting as a realistic career either. I'm pretty confused :(
Finishing up my Associates of Applied Science now, only one credit away. When that's done I'm starting my Bachelors in Information Technology and Management from Central Washington University. Pretty excited about the program, when I'm done I'll have about 7 years of experience and a good degree in my field.
I don't really think that getting a degree in History means you will have to be a teacher. A google search for "What Can I Do With A History Major" will turn up several resources and career ideas. If you don't like any of those choices, then start looking in related fields (Anthropology, Archaeology, etc) for guidance. And you can always minor in History, no matter what you end up doing.
" I'm still in high school. Going to be an upcoming Senior, but I really want to major in some field of Engineering or Business. "
Go into engineering if you like it. This world doesn't need more "business" people, especially after this recession is over. Also, due to President Obama's wanting to have a resurgence in the math and science fields, engineers will be highly sought after during the next decade.
No idea how it would be called in English, but basically I'm doing a college education in form of psychology, right now I'm in college twice a week and the other three I work with ex-drugaddicts.
I have a Bachelors of Business Administration with a major in Supply Chain Management and minor in International Business but thanks to this recession I have reassessed things and am going back to school to become a Nuclear Medical Technologist.
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