Shawn

So, guys, I face a bit of a conundrum that isn't unique: college. Or, rather, deciding what I wish to do, professionally, for a good deal of time. Over the past few months, I've seriously considered a bit of everything; from liberal arts to my current mode, math education.

So, this is less of a "my week" thread and more of a "how is your life" thread.

How is it that you (the reader) decided what to do, or if you decided at all. And, specifically for those that have attended college, would you prefer a larger or smaller campus? I'm torn; because I can go cheaply to a large campus, with a less... erm... prominent degree but can go expensive for a great private school.

Also, what matters most to you: what you do, or how you do it?

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"Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone?"

Ben

I had the same problem last year.

I had no idea what I wanted to do. My results were pretty good, but I was never really interested in engineering or anything medical. I was thinking about taking a degree in international studies, but I don't really know where that would have taken me. So, I had a look at a few different areas, and I ended up choosing law. I was sort of reluctant to look at it when looking at possible degrees, but after seeing the opportunities I'd have to work in human rights the choice was pretty clear.

You're obviously going to be taking a look at all your options, so just go with what feels right for you, and forget about how 'prominent' the degree is. Also, consider taking a double degree if you haven't already. It adds a little bit of time onto the length of your study, but I think it's worth it for the variety.

Good luck with choosing--but remember that you're not locked in to your degree if you don't like it.

Malone

Most people switch majors a few times, so just go undeclared as long as you can then start picking and choosing.

My dad is a high up guy at one of the largest banks in the world, and he says the people who do the hiring aren't really concerned with what school you went to, or how prestigious it is. So take that for what it's worth.

__________________
There Is A Policeman Inside All Our Heads: He Must Be Destroyed

CountBlabula

Smaller colleges are great-- I met many wonderful women at the one I attended.

I myself dropped out of college after dawdling around for three years. I accomplished little, but learned a little about most subjects offered. I am giving myself a liberal education now, and definitely believe the prestige of having a degree from a high-tuition school is not worth the cost. Professors are frequently audited, and have their skills assessed by students, on top of that-- most professors who have taught me are brilliant, yet work in state universities.

I know I ramble, but I will mention one more thing: humanities journals have given me a much greater education than many of the college classes I have taken. If you have any interest in liberal arts, I highly recommend Lapham's Quarterly. Good luck!

(Again, I'm astounded that no one's talking about Lapham's Quarterly like I am!)

Shawn

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

I've stopped looking at the college names... it's much better.

The real rub here is that I don't have the greatest GPA in the world, but my SAT scores are really high. I'm basically going to be on academic probation if I go to any of the really good universities in Indiana... that being Purdue, Notre Dame, IU, etc. But... if I go to Vincennes University, I can be free to pursue my studies, pay a hell of a lot less (like on the order of twenty thousand less), and still go to a big campus.

And, not to sound conceited, but I think that I could be in the first percentile of my class there.

And I think I'm going to go with math education. It's one of those "those who can do" things.

__________________
"Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone?"

Malone

You got into Notre Dame with so-so GPA? My little brother graduated with like a 107 average, 1400something SAT scores and he still didn't get accepted.

__________________
There Is A Policeman Inside All Our Heads: He Must Be Destroyed

Shawn

My combined verbal and math is something on the order of 1570. I'm also a state resident and my uncle is a very rich part of the alumni.

I was sort of surprised with my scores, since my first try at it was 1240 or something like that. I keep saying though, I'm not all that smart, I just test very well.

I don't think I could stand to go to Notre Dame, though... it's just too... I don't know.

__________________
"Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone?"