Choosing a Major

Shyrra

Shyrra

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Input appreciated:

Okay, so throughout my entire life, I've excelled at Math and Sciences, specifically Physics, Physics is my favorite class, I love it, I'm great at it. Now, I'm in College, North Carolina State University to be exact, which is ranked in the top 10 in Engineering programs in the country. I'm currently enrolled in the College of Engineering here too, which is impressive, but that's just being admitted. Since starting classes about 13 weeks ago, I've realized that compared to some of the other students, I'm not as great as I used to be at Mathematics, granted, I have yet to take Physics, but I can't imagine that being too much different. I'm struggling with Chemistry and Calculus, and doing fine in my basic engineering courses, but I'm doing great in English.

My quetsion is, having always rather enjoyed writing, although only being above average at it ... Should I consider changing Colleges? I plan on Mechanical Engineering, as that has the strongest base in Physics at the College of Engineering, but considering I'm both enjoying English more, and doing better at it... What should I do?

Also to consider, is my father would love to see me in an Engineering field... Granted, I'm not one to do stuff just because "My Dad wants me to" but I do always consider him as a factor... My mother is of the "Do whatever makes you happy" thought... But if possible, I'd like to have my dad really loving what I do, as well as me loving what I do. This would not likely "decide" it for me, but just something to keep in mind.

Now, of course, I always consider potential Job Opportunities. Out of everything mentioned, Mechanical Engineering has by far the most job opportunities, as a just plain Physics major has very limited choices, as well as any Writing major. Mechanical Engineers graduating from NCSU average an entry-level salary of approximately 55k-60k/year, which is very impressive, from my standpoint.

Well, maybe more later, but any thoughts, thought-provoking questions, comments, anything would be appreciated.... Otherwise, thanks for listening/reading.
 
General Sciences and Arts... just no. At my old University (UofAlberta), it is very difficult to get a job immediately after graduating with those degrees. There is no demand for it whatsoever.

I think you have to balance what you want to do and enjoy doing, with something that will get you the best outlook for a career. Saying that, Engineering is a great field to go into.

You might not be top of your class in engineering, and you say you are struggling, but that being said, engineering is extremely difficult regardless if you consider yourself a Math/Physics minded person. I would encourage you to keep at it and push through. If you finish the program, regardless of your average you will be able to land a job.

I graduated from University with a Business Degree with a Management Information Systems Major (databases structure usage and maintenance, project management for business IT applications, etc.)

Hope that helps.
 
I've always been fond of engineering. I work in a building where all they do is build mines and plants and shit, and seeing some of the precision and planning required for these projects kinda gives me a twinge in the loins.

Don't be afraid to change your enrollment, it's fairly common for people to change their mind after being in a program for a couple of months. Or after being in a program for 2½ out of the total 3 years... I still wanna slap my buddy for that. 6 months from getting his degree and he drops out because he doesn't like the course.
 
Thanks for the input guys, I'm really thinking I'll just continue with engineering, because I really did expect it to be hard. I guess I just didn't know quite what to expect, ya know? And Cmdr, I have the same feelings, I've limited actual working experience, but when I do things in Physics, like finish a long drawn-out problem, or finish constructing something that works, it's a great feeling. =)

Also, lol, I'm considering entering the Golf Program here, if I get some good coaching and focus on that a little bit, maybe you'll see me in an amateur tournament or two in the coming years =) Who knows?
 
I was good at math and physics all through high school too, and when I got to college it was the first time I ever needed a tutor. But the only way you should change is if you're failing, and nothing is helping. It's college not high school, it should be harder, and you're not always going to be the best.

Honestly, you don't really go to college for something that's fun anyway, you go for the degree, that's all that matters. I went for engineering but I didn't get a job in the field I went for, and once you get your BS you can get your MBA, and then depending on the school a lot opens up for you, it did for me.
 
Shy, grab the free tutors on campus and keep at it. There are few who are really smart and can sleep through to get A's (or cheat). Your major has to be something you enjoy doing. If not, make an attempt to revolve (err find connections; robot people are dull) it around life. If that seems to be nearly impossible, change it.

A lot of people I have came across have jobs in stuff not even the slightest connection with their major. This is your first year in college so you have time to decide on that later. Start networking. It's not really what you know sometimes as much as who you know.

This is comming from the person who changed majors three times. I still do not think it's what I excel at but I can graduate faster... XD
 
I'm not sure how your high school ranked in math and sciences, but the issue your seeing is very common. Often times students are unprepared for the school they're going to and need to get up to speed on a few things. Not saying that your HS is lacking, it's just that the transition from HS to college is not the easiest thing to prepare someone for. I've talked to many college prof.s and the biggest thing they say lacks in incoming freshmen are quality study skills. This is easily taken care of with tutoring or mentorship.

Don't worry about changing your field, or being unsure, you're in the majority of people in your shoes. Just keep plugged in to your advisor, and they will be sure that you don't do anything completely stoopid. ;)

Best of luck!
 
crookedmidget said:
I'm not sure how your high school ranked in math and sciences, but the issue your seeing is very common. Often times students are unprepared for the school they're going to and need to get up to speed on a few things. Not saying that your HS is lacking, it's just that the transition from HS to college is not the easiest thing to prepare someone for. I've talked to many college prof.s and the biggest thing they say lacks in incoming freshmen are quality study skills. This is easily taken care of with tutoring or mentorship.

Don't worry about changing your field, or being unsure, you're in the majority of people in your shoes. Just keep plugged in to your advisor, and they will be sure that you don't do anything completely stoopid. ;)

Best of luck!
Click to expand...

Actually, Crooked, that's why it's strange, my HS was one of the highest ranked academic schools in the state :|.

Anyways, I appreciate everyone's input^^ I'll let you know what happens today, have a meeting with my advisor in 1hr40min!
 
Eh... Public schools K-12 have different standards and they can vary from state to state. FCAT is the system in florida and they have yet to really prove it helps for anything in the college level (it's main use is to determine state funds for public schooling and teachers). Most schools usually prefer a standardized test such as SAT and ACT with a balance of senior GPA.

Probably also depends on the community input for a school as much as the state codes and such. One area it may be harder to implement a more challenging sciences program because some parent thinks all science = evolution theory (yes it happens). In the university system, the teacher teaches and rarely parents cry about the subject matter being wrong and mentally damaging for their child.

Math... hrm. The public school slacks. To be honest, I found it best to have a tutor aside from a really great calculus teacher. And other friends have suggested to rotate to teachers until you can find the one that is understandable. Leech on the teacher until they get sick of you. Make them explain again and again (but please read the book too so you can point out where the problem exists and misunderstandings in the text). :P If they cry about it, rate them down when it comes to teacher evaluation. If they do not have time to help a little, then they do not have time to teach effectively. If there is a smaller college (2yr) nearby, see if you can find help even there. Sometimes they focus more on the student learning than the university.

Anyways, good luck with your major decision.
 
I know we sorta talked about this last night but I was just thinking that it may just be the change in learning style that is affecting your grades. So with a little help from a tutor one-on-one you may feel a little better about what you are doing. Also, try to make it a little more like high school learning as best you can because it seems to be the best way for you to learn. I'm sure once you get in your groove you'll excell in Engineering. We all know how smart you are Shybeans!

Plus I'm also readily available to help you with Chemistry. I'll be your Mithran tutor extraordinaire. :3
 
ah NC State...I almost went their for soccer. I know a ton of people who go their along with my best friend :) I got to UNC-W though hehe. More girls here!
 
Don't to it! Take your money and run! Don't let them ruin you! Save your mind and fingers while you can!

Getting beer doesn't require a campus!

Kill WHITEY!
 
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