<p>I want to devote my life to artistic endeavors but I insist on having a doctorate before delving into a risky career field, there’s no harm in learning and it’s smart to have something to fall back on. My ideal field of work values youth and I’m concerned that I may be too old to get started by the time I’m done with school. So I’d like to know if anyone has any suggestions on how I could start getting some college work out of the way, how I can at least finish undergrad in as little time as possible, or anything else I can do. I’m currently a high school junior going into my first year of International Baccalaureate, by the way. And I live in Miami so if I were to take college courses in high school, they would most likely be at MDC.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help ; D</p>
<p>Well, this is an unusual goal, but here is my advice:
Take as many community college classes as possible during high school and during your summers.
Choose an undergraduate college that gives you as much credit as possible for your IB and community college courses, with no limit on the number of credits you can come in with. If there is a tie, choose the undergraduate program that has as few distribution requirements as possible: a small “core.” That will help you finish quickly.
Choose a graduate program where you can skip your masters degree (skip writing the masters thesis) and do your Ph.D. immediately.
You might try posting this in some other section of this forum. College search and selection, perhaps, or college life.</p>
<p>What were you thinking of in terms of a doctorate? A doctorate in what academic subject?</p>
<p>Not exactly a ‘fall back’ or any safer than an artistic career. Unless its in one of a few areas, and you remain actively and continually involved in academic research, the jobs for someone with a doctorate are few. </p>
<p>Also, as you seem to know, not exactly a fast career choice. It’s a long road as a general rule. It’s like saying “I want to go to med school as a back up to my real career”. </p>
<p>Third, it’s a difficult road (esp if you are looking at a program that might actually lead to a ‘safe’ career in terms of employabiliity). Even for those that love their area of study and dream, eat and breath their specialty, it’s a ridiculous amount of work. I just can’t imagine someone slogging through such a program just as a back up plan. </p>
<p>Fourth, I think it would be particularly difficult to get into a decent doctoral program given you are doing it for the wrong reasons with goals that don’t jive with those admitting you. </p>
<p>I don’t mean to be discouraging but why not something quicker and that is more likely to provide a source of income if you are looking for a back up to your artistic endeavors? E.g. an undergrad in business.</p>
<p>I think your plan is unwise, but I will answer your question.</p>
<p>Take courses online from community colleges.</p>
<p>needs lot of work and effort. forget bout social life and make the books ur best friends lol</p>