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Questions About College
So, I'm a senior in high school. Obviously it's only December so we're only about 1/3 done with school but teachers are pressuring us to get all our college applications done by Christmas break, which is coming up in a few days. My problem is I wanted to be a Pediatrician and that was my set goal, but now i don't know because i don't want to be in school for 11 more years. Then i considered a counselor but i don't want to be upset all the time wanting to help all these people when legally i can't help as much as i'd like. So i'm stuck with my whole solid career choice. And i was thinking of going to a community college for 2 years and then transferring to a university so i can get both experiences and save money. So in that case do i still have to apply to universities now? or deal with that in 2 years when im ready to transfer? Do i have to apply for the community college, or can anyone go there? I'm just kinda stuck and i'm not ready to be growing up so fast. I believe i need a lot more help with this than just all that i informed you on but that's all i'll ask of for now. Thank you <3
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Having a career in the medical field will take a lot of time, energy, and work. People that go into the medical field have to be absolutely 100% passionate about their job, because if you don't love what you do, then you won't succeed. So if you don't want to be a pediatrician just because of the length of school.. then reconsider what would make you happy 10 years from now.
As for the college decision part, its really your preference on what you want to do. Some people go to community college and transfer because its cheaper. Others do it because their lack of commitment to their education. There's many reasons but ultimately its your decision and you have to know what is best for you. I ended up going to a 4 year private liberal arts university and I love it! I'm majoring in chemistry with a forensic science certificate. I want to be a forensic scientist (kind of like CSI). I find it interesting and I can see myself in that field very happy.
Try making a list of things that you think you would enjoy. Pediatricians work with people, so try thinking of jobs that work with people such as teachers, veterinarian, business person, marketing, etc. Then write a list of things you're good at, like math, art, or analytical problems. then do some research and find jobs that match your criteria. You'll be surprised to know that there are jobs out there that I've never even heard of and i think i would enjoy. Look at other factors such as salary, amount of education required, if there are any internships or not. Most importantly, find a college or university where they provide the career field education that you're looking for.
Unfortunately, almost every job out there requires a lot of hard work and effort. Nothing comes easy. Just because med school takes 11 years, doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it. Yeah it might be a little difficult, but if its something you really love doing then I don't see why you shouldn't do it. My point is, med school could take 11 years, but other jobs take at least 7-8 years because of regular college and then grad schools, plus internships which take over 8 years. If you want a good paying job that you would love, it will take that long.. However, if you just want to get school over within 4 years, then you're not going to have as much luck finding a job thats good for you.
Talk to a counselor at your high school for help. I know every high school has some kind of assistance with applying for college. they will help you too.
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Let me first say your not alone in how you feel. You like many others may not be fully ready to jump into the full college experience. Going to a community college for a year or two and getting the liberal arts courses out of the way is not a bad idea. This gives you time to explore in more depth just what your major is to be as well as allowing you to concentrate only on your major only when you transfer to a University or regular college.
As for applying to a community college there is no true application process. You just go and register for the courses you wish to take. I would suggest you go and meet with a student adviser to find which courses are the ones you should take based on what you feel your major(s) will be. Then when enrolment opens you can either apply in person or online if your community college offers online registration.
Meeting with a student advisor gives you a plan to follow. Having a plan is always a good idea. A plan is like a road map which can be changed if you feel the need. At the very least it gives you a place to start your journey from and we all need a starting point in whatever we do.
To sum up; I think you are doing the right thing by going to a community college first. You have questions about your future and the direction you want to take. These need to be answered before you start down any highway to a goal you may want for yourself.
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