How to select college for a kid who is too dependent upon parents?

[ucbalumnus]

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@Yankeedoodles

The guidance I gave her few years back … was … a) pick a profession which will likely be in demand for ever, b) pays well, c) is considered respectable in society, d) puts you in a position to be able to help others, and e) is difficult to acquire and not offered either online or by any of the diploma/degree mills risking dilution of your hard earned degree … but above all, pick something that you enjoy doing. I understand all of the above can be accomplished with many professions, but I suggested her medicine (MD).</p>

<p>She applied as a biology major

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<p>I hope you and she realize that:</p>

<p>a. It is not required to major in biology (or anything else in particular) to do pre-med. The pre-med courses can be taken alongside any major (unless the major has very large numbers of requirements).
b. There competition is fierce to get into medical school – many pre-meds give up the idea after a few B grades, and only half of those who make it to apply to medical school get even one acceptance (and medical schools are very expensive).
c. Biology majors have poor job and career prospects at the bachelor’s level.</p>

<p>If she is good at and enjoys something else, she may want to consider it instead of biology as a major. Majoring in biology makes no sense if the criteria for choosing include “a) pick a profession which will likely be in demand for ever, b) pays well”.</p>

<p>If she does not make it into medical school, she may be back in your house with her biology degree, dependent on you because she is more likely to have a hard time earning enough money to live on her own.</p>