I've always wanted to become a scientist, and I'm currently a freshman (with a substantial scholarship) at a research university. The thing is, I've discovered that I simply don't have the capabilities. I'm from a really small town, and everyone else in my major is incredibly far ahead of me in academics and in work experience. I also find it hard to fit in socially. I just don't have the IDEAS they seem to have. \n\nDo I stick with science, lose my scholarship, and transfer to a place where I'm closer to the top of the food chain, do I change majors and work my butt off to make up for the time I wasted with science courses, or do I transfer and switch majors? Any suggestions as to a major that would still allow me to do something science-related? I don't have the social aptitude to teach, and I would rather not do pre-med.
217567
Well I do think that this requires a little more thought before you make a decision. I doubt that you are as far behind as you think, even when you see that others may have more experience than you do. I don't know what your grades are like, but your task right now is to learn some of the basics in your field, make contacts with some faculty members who can mentor you and with whom you can try out some ideas, and look at what are some of the things that you can do with your major. \n\nI don't know what you mean by scientist, so that is something you have to consider. If you mean by scientist someone who does research for a living, you are correct that it does take ideas and it does take a real knack for science to be successful. But I think you'll find that many scientists don't start out that way but their training builds it in them.\n\nBefore you decide to switch, talk to a faculty member in your field and share your concerns. They can give you good advice. You should also talk with your academic advisor. I would certainly try not to give up your scholarship if you can avoid it. Its worth too much. \n\nOne last thought--there are lots of things you can do with science besides be a research or bench scientist. Someone already mentioned forensic sciences, but there are things like medical lab science, environmental sciences, etc. I don't know which major you have now, but go to your career services center and find out what the variety of jobs are that graduates with majors like your have gotten.\n\nHope this helps. Don't give up too soon!
159770
I agree with the first guy.  If you REALLY want to know about majoring in physics, don't ask a bunch of random, faceless people on the internet!  Go to a college and talk to actual present physics majors, and go talk to phsyics professors who majored in physics.  Both physics and engineering are great fields, but it's up to YOU to decide which one is better for you.  Good luck!
189531
Firstly - don't major in biology just because you want to go to med school.  A solid biology education is helpful, but med schools are (supposedly) increasingly more interested in people with varied backgrounds!  A biology major is not required... though you will have to meet some basic course requirements.  (Experience working in a medical setting is often useful!)\n\nIf you do choose biology, you could always do research and/or teach!  There are MANY other jobs though... check out this list!  http://www.utexas.edu/student/careercenter/careers/biology.pdf\n\nGood luck!
34837
College isn't for everyone.  \n\nThat said, you also have the perfect opportunity to explore things that you like.  \n\nYou say you like painting and psychology?\n\nWell why not look into art theraphy?  \nYou probably aren't doing well in school because you aren't focused on anything.  \nI understand that as I was the same way.  I took a year off and after being in the crappy job market I went back to school.  \n\nI've got my degree now, but still don't have a decent job making a decent wage.  However, college was fullfilling for me and I don't regret it.  It just hasn't helped me in the current job market.  \n\nTake the time to explore things you are interested in, or take some time off because if you can't focus in school and you are failing your classes you are probably wasting your time right now.
520338
The opportunities in research are limited by your ambition, imagination, and willingness to understand things outside "your" field. \n\nI'm a chemist, so you're going to have to bear with my intrinsic bias here.  I've had the opportunity to do research in a diverse number of areas, with people who call themselves by a variety of titles: biochemist, cancer biologist, cell physiologist, biophysicist, physical chemist, protein chemist, theoretical chemist, analytical chemist, and molecular biologist.  Each of them does something I'm very interested in.  One thing I love about my background (physical chemistry) is that it gives me a solid foundation to look at a wide variety of research areas that impact my passion (understanding the mechanism and treatment of diseases such as cancer).  I believe chemistry truly is "the central science" because ultimately all biological effects boil down to the interaction of molecules within living entites (be they humans or amoeba).  \n\nThink about what attracted you to forensics in the first place.  Was it the problem-solving nature?  If so, that's really just chemistry on a broader scale.  If you're considering changing your major, as you said, what is the reason for that decision?  Have you met a challenging class? Are you bored?  Do you not see relevance?  Its very hard to help you at all without these questions answered.\n\nAs a side note, if you want to work for the CDC/NIH as a researcher, you're probably going to need to pursue an advanced degree.  You should check out their job postings.  As you consider your options, remember, university education isn't just job training.  Potential employers are going to consider your whole resume, including different skillsets acquired outside of class and internship/research experiences.  Best wishes!
418310
Going to college can be very intimidating and exciting, too. Good for you for moving on in your studies.\n\nI have a suggestion for what it's worth:\n\nGo to the community college for your first year. Take the general foundation courses (like English, science, etc.), then transfer. \nYou can save up money and go on to the big University.\n\nYou will meet all kinds of people from all over the country and the world at MTSU (maybe at your community college, too.)  When students enter a new university, usually as freshmen, there are lots of activities that allow you to meet people. If you stay in a dorm, you will meet and live with new people.\n\nHave you visited MTSU? A lot of colleges and universities have programs where you can go onto campus for a few days and follow current students around (shadowing). You can sit in classes and talk to the profs and check out the surroundings. You may want to consider that, too. \n\nFrom your question and comments,you seem ready to go, but a little unsure of yourself.  You are not alone. There are probably lots of other kids who are a bit unsure of going to a new place.\nThat's a part of the learning process.\n\nGood luck.
299946
YES! I was in the same boat you are in now.  I went to community college and busted my butt to raise my grades. It is cheaper, and you don't have to worry about acceptance.  After 2 years of good performance, they didn't even look at my high school history.  I got a 4.0 in community college and was eligible to go to top colleges.  The only thing is...you really have to be committed to get in to med school.  If you still can't hack it in community college...med school isn't for you.  Get serious!\n\n\nBy the way...what the guy said about colleges not looking favorably on you in the sciences...that's not true.  I was a chemistry and geology double major and went on to great things.  I got lots of scholarships and now I have a great job. Don't listen to him!
360877
Hey. first of all - college is nothing like high school. Not at all. I go to UF and at least here, it's the best experience I could ever have hoped for. You can study  things that are interesting to you, with professors who actually care about you and your thoughts on the subject.\n\nAlso, there is so much free time to do anything that interests you. I feel as though coming to college was just learning to be independent and focus your life on your interests. \n\nYou can meet so many people with similar interests too by joining student organizations.\n\nI think you should give it a try. I mean if you don't like it - then you can look for another way. One of my friends did her first semester and hated it. So she's hiking the AT in February and plans to write a book about it when she's done.\n\nTheres something out there for everyone - but I think college is a great place to begin searching for whats for you.
618377
Hi there!  I'm actually a scientist in the biotech field, and I'll guarantee you that your job would never be boring.  As a scientist, you are constantly on the move from room to room or bench to bench.  Your work differs from day to day, and each experiment brings different results.  For example, if you find something interesting on Monday, on Tuesday you may want to set up an experiment to either repeat your results or both repeat and expound on the data... So your assay evolves with time, and eventually you get enough data to put together a very nice picture.  If it's good enough, you can publish and get your name in print....\n\nHere's the down-side: As a scientist in an academic institute, you're so underpaid that the janitors will actually be making more than you sometimes.... Also, science can be very frustrating, since new and challenging assays have a tendency to fail.  Working for a company can solve these problems... Companies are much more well-funded than academic labs, and thus you'll have all of the materials you need to have a a successful experiment.  This means less failure.  Also, you'll make so much more money in industry than you would in academia.  I just made the transition a year ago, and I'm now making $24k/yr more than I was working in an academic setting last year at this time.  \n\nSo how do you get into industry?  First off, you need to pick a school with a good biology program-- by "good" I mean that you need to go to a school that's going to teach you about current industry techniques.   Make sure you focus on molecular biology, cell biology and various types of physiology classes (immunology,  endocrinology, neurobiology, etc), since those will prep you best for industry.  Most industry these days is trying to do something with cells- so a good foundation in cell bio is especially important.  Ecology, ethology, entomology -though they will no doubt be offered by any well-rounded bio program in the US- are quite worthless to you.\n\nAlso, industry can be hard to break into straight out of college... Don't be discouraged if you have to be a lab tech in an academic lab for a few years to get your hands-on lab skills up-to-par.  Industry tends to favor those with a lot of experience rather than folks right out of college.  \n\nAnd finally, it's easier to find a suitable position at the BS/MS degree level.  With a Ph.D., you're much more specialized and thus, though you will make more money, finding a position you fit into well can be significantly more difficult at such a higher level.  Competition for jobs in industry is high at any degree level, so don't be afraid to start out in a smaller biotech and then move on to a large company.  I currently work for the 3rd largest company in the world.\n\nI hope you enjoy your career if you choose science!!!  Best of luck!\n\n\nPS: make sure you get to sample hands-on science as much as possible before deciding that it's the right career for you... Theoretical biology is not at all the same as the practical application... ie: You won't get a good feel of what it is to be a scientist unless you work in a lab.   Doing your own experiments is actually much more challenging than learning about someone else's in biology class.
354362
OK, I have a lot to say about this, so please give this a read. \n\nI have three college degrees. One is an associate's (I went to a community college), one is a bachelor's, and one is a master's. I didn't decide on my major until my junior year of college, and even then, I wasn't sure if I made the right decision. \n\nDO NOT let anyone tell you that you have to decide right away. You don't. Declare yourself a liberal arts major and take as many different classes as you can. Take what sounds interesting. Take internships. Take as much as you can! The only way to find out what you want to do is explore and experiment. \n\nAnd you don't have to know what you want to do for a living right out of high school OR college. I'm 28, and I've just decided what my "calling" is. It took me a long time, but I finally made it. \n\nBut I also want to go back to school for more education in areas where I didn't get to take classes. So, please, explore and don't let anyone pressure you into choosing a major.\n\nBy the way, I majored in English, and the only reason I did it is because I love to write. I didn't make the decision for careers because I'm certainly not making a lot of money off of my writing. :)\n\nGood luck, and my best to you with whatever decisions you make!
356595
You should take up a course which interests you. You have to follow what your passion is. So if your passion is Science, go for it! :) Im also weak in math but I still managed to be admitted in a nursing course in a prestigious university. Dont worry, you can do it. :)
304943
why? can't do math? talk to your tutor, and help is there to overcome if there is any issue that puts you of it. if there is none (and you ought to know it pays well later!) switch to something else like biology or physics or law. tutors have all your marks and know where you go wrong and why you are disappointed. if they ask you to switch and you sure dont like engineering please switch.
536310
Of course you do.  Not even a question.\n\nFirst off, be sure you take plenty of English/Writing courses.  Nothing's worse than a scientist (or doctor) who can't write a sentence.  Believe me, grad schools in general and Med schools in particular are clamping down on this.\n\nSecond, look at the entrance requirements and application suggestion for top colleges. You need to make sure you continue the correct curriculum, including math, science, English, foreign language, etc.\n\nThird, try to do extra-curricular activities.  Try to get into leadership positions - at work, at a religious organization, volunteering.  Top tier college eat that crap up.\n\nDo your homework.  Check out the college websites and applications - most are on-line.  See what they want in their essays and course curriculum, and make sure you take those course throughout high school.  And it is true, absolutely true, the best doctors come from the best med schools, who only take the most gifted undergrads from the most prestigious colleges, who are very discriminating regarding their freshman class.  So do not stop working hard.\n\nOn the other hand, there are thousands, maybe millions of people out there who screwed around in high school and now would sell their souls to Satan to have had your insight at your age.  If you want to go to med school, you will go.
321178
www.bls.gov/oco \nGo to this website to find out about different occupations, what they do, where they work, and how much they are making.\nMost people I know go on to get a Masters in a more specialized area of Biology. Just what you want to hear...more school!\nIts better to find an area to focus on or minor in because truly the jobs are competitive. My suggestion is epidemiology. You can make good money, there are a good amount of positions out there, and the future is looking pretty good for that area. \nBest advice I have is do at least one internship where you can learn about the different jobs and experience it hands on. I 'thought' I wanted to go into Biotechnology but once I got into the field realized it wasn't for me, nothing wrong with it but it wasn't personally fulfilling. \n\nGood luck!
232569
Are you sure you're in the right major?  That's generally the number one problem I see in students that are having trouble motivating themselves to study - they're just not interested enough in the material.  If you're still a freshman or a sophomore and struggling with your lib ed requirements, that's understandable - but, if you're also having trouble studying for the classes in your major, then you may want to reassess.  I was in the same boat as you about 5 years ago.  Every time I tried to sit down and study, this wave of lethargy would sweep over me, making me very tired.  I've never napped so much as I did those first couple years of college.  I finally realized that I had less than no interest in the classes I was supposed to be really interested in, and took some time off to figure things out.  I'm not saying you necessarily need to stop going to school, but if your classes aren't exciting you, perhaps you should go talk to one of the academic advisors for undecided students.  They're trained to help you figure out what you're really interested in.  Good luck!
247155
Dont worry. Alot of people have trouble in science. If you are not getting into science then just do it as a sake of school and then you can forget about it. Dont listen to the guy who went on and on about your other problems but left the real one untouched. Ur spelling is alright.  (According to the other guy I spelt "your" as "ur"...omg i have a big problem,  i cant get in college)LOL
399119
Perhaps you should change your major to a related field, one that doesn't require heavy math/science ability.\n\nTalk to a school advisor.  That's what they are there for.