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View Full Version : I need help choosing a major ! Chemistry or English?


nialalokita
Jan 18, 2011, 11:32 PM
I am 17 years old and I am a senior headed to college soon. I always thought I would major in english but I was introduced to chemistry this year & I love it! I love the fact that I get it so easily- it makes me confident that I have the highest average in that class. I still have a passion for english but I'm scared that I won't be successful until really late in my life, which interrupts my plans for a family, etc. I also love chemistry. The fact of being a well paid, female scientist is AWESOME! But my math skills are poor and that is what worries me. Will I be able to handle COLLEGE CHEM? I maybe good in high school chem but what should I expect in college? Especially since my grades started picking up last year (I was distracted when I first came into high school and I'm not sure if I'm well-prepared for college chem- I haven't took any a.p classes or anything). I'm so confused on what I want to do and its killing me! Go with my first love that intrigues the creative side of me… or my second that intrigues my mental & confidence? & Im also unsure of what I would do with my English major… I'm not to sure about free-lancing and that seems like one of the major options with an english degree. I have done research on both (tons of research) and it seems like chem opens more doors for me so I'm kind of leading towards that. But english seems more interesting & fun than chem!. I'm pretty good at both and am interested in both still... which makes the decision 10x harder. BUT I'm still unsure... HELPPP!!

carbelle
Jan 19, 2011, 12:20 AM
I guess the question is what kind of creative writer do you want to be?
A self described writer has the flexibility to work a regular job while pursuing her art. It is self involved work but you use your chemistry degree to work as a pharmacist, medical researcher, doctor or anything in the medical/science field on your day job.
Journalism though is often the job,and if on deadline may leave little time for little else. I would speak to someone who works in that field.
As a professor you may have time to pursue personal writing projects.
In the end, if you want the best of both worlds you can have both.
You may just have to decide in which form. For example a major in Chemistry with an English minor may be one. The concern about math: Chemistry is about formulas. There is nothing wrong with taking math courses to strengthen your math skills even if there are remedial. It is not a reflection of intelligence just practice.
Always remember it is not the smartest that succeed, but the ones that persevere-good luck.:)

Wondergirl
Jan 19, 2011, 12:37 AM
Why not have a double major, or a major-minor (English major-Chem minor?)? Chem would give you better-paid career choices (probably), and you can be a free-lance writer without an English major.