Deciding on my major in college

[Xcron]

Hello,

I have to admit, this is probably the last place I have to look for help on this subject. I am glad that such an irrelevant thread is possible here, haha. I am also glad that there will probably be many people who are knowledgeable in physics and astronomy, and perhaps engineering, =P.

I am going to be attending Cal Poly Pomona for the time being (it's in California...calstate school). I put down Physics as my major and that's what I am currently. I am 100% unsure about anything that I will be doing in the future, which includes school, career, major, work, etc. I know that my interests are in Science and Engineering. I am willing to do anywhere from 1-3 majors. Currently, I am considering transferring to UCLA because it offers the engineering and science that Cal Poly can never even dream of.

Now, the dilemma. I cannot decide upon a major. I was interested in Astrophysics. It's not offered at CPP. It is offered at UCLA. The problem though...is not within the majors, but within my interests. I am not able to decide whether my interests are stronger in the building part (engineering) or the research part (science). I am sure that if anyone can relate to this, then they will have some wise advice that I am in desperate need of hearing. Even if it is someone that can't relate but knows of some good advice, I am all-ears.

That is all I can put out for now...I am extremely unsure. Everyone probably is. I am 17. I don't know what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Please help me.

[selden]

Some universities have majors like "Engineering Physics". Also, once you've satisfied the requirements for your primary major you can take any courses you want. Some people have dual majors, for example, if they can manage to handle the course load. Stetching your undergraduate stay to five years instead of the usual four usually is an option, too.

The name of your major may not be quite as important as you seem to think. It's usually just a way to make sure you take a sensible set of courses. You need to discsuss the details of what courses you take with your faculty advisor. Some schools are more flexible than others in this regard, including taking courses for credit at other universities.

Don't forget that undergraduates can easily get involved in real research, either as the "work-study" part of your financial aid package or in the NSF's summer program "Research Experience for Undergraduates." REU often takes place at institutions other than the one you attend during the school year. (I think only 1 or 2 of the 20 students in the program at the lab where I work attend school here.) If you want to get into the REU program for next summer, though, you need to start making plans now.

See
http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm
and
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp ... &from=fund

I hope this helps a little.

p.s. There also is a "Research Experience for Teachers" program for secondary school teachers.

[t00fri]

Xcron,

while I am really not an expert of the American education system, here are my 2 cents:

Being unsure is perfectly normal in your present situation.
It's actually a very good signature, since it means you are actively contemplating about what you want to do professionally.

My advice: Always check out your motivation FIRST. If it's strong go for it. You can hardly know how everyday's life of a scientist looks like (I happen to be one since quite while, in fact. So is my wife and so is my daughter). Try to smell into it by applying as a summer student for example. Try to get involved in some real exciting science project at a big lab/institution before you decide. There are ample possibilities for devoted students. Really.

It helps. You bet...

Bye Fridger

[buggs_moran]

Well Xcron, as a professional mathematics and astronomy teacher at the high school level (love it) who once dabbled in business for 10 years as a chef, machinist, construction project manager, purchasing mgr, etc. with a degree in aerospace engineering (bad recession when I graduated), I can say without a doubt, you might, heck you almost certainly will, change your mind as you go. However, go with what you love the most. I never, ever, thought I would be a teacher as my parents were before they retired. Now, I have the ability to convey my knowledge and love for science to the next generation and it is a truly the most satisfyling thing in the world to me.

But like I said before, do what you truly love, don't sacrifice it for the sake of others, or what you "think" you should be doing because it "sounds" like the "right/safe" thing to do. Remember, you are part of the 1% of the worlds population to be educated in college. You are LUCKY, make the most of it.

I have recently thought of returning to school to study astronomy /astrophysics myself... I have a friend who just became a psychologist at the age of 60 and I am only in my 30's. Don't wait, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION if its astrophysics or whatever. To quote Fridger "Always check out your motivation FIRST. If it's strong go for it."

Because...you can always change.

[Cham]

I agree with the responses given here. In my opinion, DO WHAT YOU LIKES FIRST, WHATEVER WHAT IT IS.

Back at the age of 22 (I'm 40 now), I realised that I was on a wrong track and what I really loved was sciences, and theoretical physics in particular. So I changed to physics studies, and I never had any regrets !