I still don't know what I want to major in

Applying to College
1

Psychology, Economics, Computer Science, Physics, Political Science, Creative Writing… it’s like every month, the path I’d like to take changes.

I’m officially a second semester senior in high school, and I still don’t know what I want to do with my life. And by “with,” what I mean is not job-wise, but in general. I want to find something I’m passionate about. Something that would keep me working past the 9-5 job. I want to explore something I’d love.

I’ve taken (including self-studying) eight AP courses–but my GPA is still pretty low. I’m really only in them for the college credit (skip a year of CC). I’d like to think I’m a pretty bright guy. My niche is definitely the social sciences and creative writing, but I’m no coward of the maths and sciences. Although I stopped taking math after Alg 2 as a Junior (if you don’t count AP Stats as a class), I’d like to think I’m still a pretty smart guy. Sorry for being redundant, I’m writing in angst.

For example, I scored a mid 3 on an AP European practice exam a week ago without ever taking the class (or a similar class). I’ve also gotten a 4 on APUSH, even with a D in the class. I’d like to think the only thing holding me back is…me… my laziness. My SAT score is pretty mediocre, too. I told myself I’d take the exam multiple times, and use the first as a trial one; but I’ve taken my 1650, and settled. I score high on IQ tests if that means anything non-merit based. 99th percentile–but I’m still a shmuck. I really don’t know what I want to do with my life. I don’t know what I want to major in.

This year, I’m enrolled in five AP courses (Stats, Psych, Macro, US Govt, Physics 1). Again, taking them plainly for the credit (as to why I’m not taking English Lit, already passed the Language AP exam). I goof around outside of class, so it’s usually a surprise for my peers when they see me in their AP courses–but I think it’s funny. Sort of a Good Will Hunting without the mop (or the MIT).

Middle school, I “graduated” with a 1.5 GPA. Freshman year, 1.7. Sophomore year, 4.0. Junior year, 3.5. And senior year (if my physics teacher rounds me to a C-, 3.8). These are weighted. As sophomore year’d show, I’m capable of doing work. I’ve just grown lazy(er) since.

I don’t like throwing around large words, but I have a decent vocabulary (watch this: “copious,” “verisimilitude,” “intransigence,” “regurgitation,” “xenophobic.”). I think that may have shown all too well on my SAT…but who knows.

About me:

My English teachers adore me. Not necessarily a teacher’s pet, but I probably get off the hook more often than others because I’m likable.

To be real, sort of the class clown. Often say remarks for the laughter. Not in a cocky way, but in a way that teachers laugh, too.

Really a goof ball. “Yu dun goofed name_.” Infamous for my many mistakes. I’m actually a two-time winner from my youth group chapter’s (BBYO) “dubious Aleph achievement award.”

People are usually shocked when hearing my grades. Usually because I start the year off strong (scored one of highest in my class on first physics exam), and then do increasingly worse. People always think I have an A, when I really don’t (just finished Physics with a D+).

Have always been interested in the performing arts, but have never been in a play. I’m decent with magic. Have performed shows. My family is made up of magicians.

I’ve heard some great things about my creative writing abilities.

I have a pretty large group of friends at school…but sometimes I find myself alone (I may be an introvert, or just a suppressed extrovert… who knows?)

I’m going to my local community college next year… I really hope I finally land my As again. I’m repeating a lot of classes I took/am taking as AP (Statistics, US Government, English Language, etc…).

I have no idea, though, what to major in! If I find out before I start registering for classes, I might be able to transfer the next year to a UC and save time and money!

I’ve always thought of going to law school…but the more I think about it, the less I want to. I definitely want to go to grad school, I just don’t know for what. I’m a pretty bold person. I say stupid stuff, and I’m pretty sexually active (if that gives you an idea of the type of person I am).

Right now, off the top of my head, I’m leaning towards either UCLA or Berkeley (I really, really hope I start trying again in college). From how much I’d like to major in it as of now (this may change tomorrow), my preferences go: Creative Writing, Film and Television, Political Science. But who knows–I may be missing something.

My grades:
-(AP) Statistics: B-
-(AP) United States Government: B
-(AP) Physics 1: D+ (had a C until this final. It was an AP exam based off semester one concepts. Got a high 3, but that was graded 30/54. He doesn’t curve).
-(CP) Microsoft Office: A+
-(CP) Children’s Literature: A
-(CP) Team Sports: C

Next semester (I really want to be tenacious this upcoming semester)
-(AP) Macroeconomics
-(AP) Psychology
-(AP) Physics 1
-(AP) Statistics
-(CP) Madness and Identity
-(CP) Life Skills

I don’t know why I’m ranting. Teenage/adolescent angst. Who knows? I just got an F on my Physics final (or a 3…). He grades strange. 1/5th of the class has what I have (D+ or lower). I had an A the first quarter of this semester when everyone had Cs. My grade’s been going down, while everyone else’s up.

THANK YOU SOOOO much for reading. Please, how do I decide what I’d like to do for the next…life time? I want to choose a relevant major.

2

Go online and start looking at the major courses offered by different universities. You’ll be able to find classes syllables and textbooks .That’ll give you a good sense of what each class is like.

Another option is to show up on class during the first day and sit in class. See for yourself what different parts are like. Students. etc.

3

@bomerr I have. I just can’t settle. Is this just a me issue? Or do lots of others feel the same way? My friends, for the most part, have a discrete major they want to pursue; and are pretty straight forward with keeping that major.

I should sit in classes for every major I’m considering? If I do that, won’t classes be taken by the time I choose one?

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I mean before you even enroll at the university. For instance I live in Southern California so I sat in on a few classes at UCLA, USC, UCI and visited some of the other local campuses Chapman, CSUF, etc. That gave me a good idea what each school was like and what I would want to do.

For instance I like science and technology but the STEM classes were filled with international students who could barely speak English. I wasn’t happy in that environment so I quickly dropped engineering.

Likewise I like politics and how it affects our lives. But i felt that political science classes were just useless theory. Useless in the sense that it was not pragmatic. In that aspect I enjoyed Busienss Law a lot more. Business Law taught concrete example of how law affects everyday life. HOWEVER the subject is BRUTAL. It’s like biology x2 in terms memorization ability.

I like Economics as well. However just like Political Science I felt it focused on too much theory. IRL no one uses marginal supply curve to determine production. Likewise I could see that in the upper division courses I would be bogged down in trival math problems. So I went to Business instead. Right now I am doing accounting and I am really enjoying it. It’s a bit dry at times but requires much less memorization than business law. At the same time it is more focused on practical applications such as deprivation rate or capitalization of interest.

I went from not knowing what I wanted to do deciding on Business-Accounting. In short I believe you need to see how certain subjects are actually treated in an academic science to determine whether or not you enjoy the subject.

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It might not be just laziness. Have you ruled out ADD? Might be worth consulting with someone.

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@bomerr. Great idea! I live in SoCal, too, so I’m definitely going to sit in on some UCLA courses, then. I completely agree with you in regards to the pragmatic nature of PoliSci. I’m in AP Govt, and although I find it really, really interesting, I feel as if I’d have to choose a very specific career path in order for it to have a real affect on my life.

I’m definitely going to start class sitting. If you don’t mind me asking, did you have to set an appointment? Or did you just walk in to a class?

@midwestdad3, I don’t think I have ADD. I feel like, even if I do, it doesn’t affect me enough to actually pursue. I have friends who have ADD, and they get to take much longer on their CP exams and such. I feel like I wouldn’t need the benefits, even if I did have it. And I just really don’t think I have it. I’m sure it’s just laziness, and I’m an addict.

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If you go on the first day of lecture then you can usually just sit in class.

If you go in past the introductory week then you’ll want to get approval from the professor. Unless its a huge lecture class in which case it’s unlikely someone would mind as long as you don’t sit in their spot.

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You do not need an IQ 2 SD from the norm to be an actuary.

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My D is a second semester in college and just really figured out exactly what direction she wants to take with her career. I suggest you relax, take some college classes in your different interests and see where things go. Despite what you may be led to believe, not everyone has life figured out by the age of 18.