Education

[Dark]

So, what are you guys majoring in (and, if you feel comfortable posting it, where are you going to university)? And if you guys are still in high school, what is(/are) your favorite subject(s) and what is your intended major?

Also, feel free to discuss how goddamn expensive education is - I mean, private universities cost up to $55k a year with the only pull being amazing research and internship opportunities. It's also interesting to note that majors like political science and psychology (and even pharmacy) have completely saturated fields but people still pursue master's degrees in them - it's kind of sad that the only useful degrees anymore are engineering, medical, economics, and a few other liberal arts degrees. Is going to college even worth it if you aren't cut out to be an engineer/doctor/financier, in your opinion?

[Fusion X. Denver]

Right now I'm undeclared, but I'm trying to get into a Marketing course to see if I like that. Aside from that, I'm thinking a lot about going into Communications/Journalism since I'm somewhat decent at talking and writing. 

 

But in actuality, I'm wondering if there's an inherent flaw in my school's set-up.

I go to a university with a very expansive core curriculum. You have to take at least one or two courses in a variety of fields (Math, Science, English, Foreign Language, Music, etc.), which will take you around five full semesters to complete. In the meantime, if you're like me, who doesn't exactly know what they want to do, there isn't much time for you to declare a major and start fulfilling the requisites for it. Of course, the best option would be to doing a couple of core classes per semester while taking other courses in your specialized field. But that'll only work if you know what you want to do.

 

And on top of all that, the business school has its own set of core classes to take. I didn't want anything to do with Business going into college, but a year later, I'm starting to have second thoughts and I'm considering transferring over. But then I'll be another year behind and I'll either have to make up over some summers, or go for another year.

 

Which brings me to your point about the ridiculous expenses, I completely agree. Not everyone in the student body will be able to get those amazing research and internship opportunities. So what was the point in their parents spending all that money?

I feel bad that my parents are spending that much. I come from an upper class living and we're feeling uncomfortable with the amount of money being spent. Recently, I heard of a woman who had just finished paying off her student loans and she was forty years-old.

 

It's a real dilemma. I want to say colleges should lower their tuitions, but when I think about it, they need that much money just in order to stay afloat, give grants/scholarships, and whatever else because it's all relative to the state of the economy.

 

tl;dr-I consider the problem to be rooted in the economy rather than the field of education specifically. 

And I feel that most undeclared students are at a considerable disadvantage compared to everyone else. At least in my school.

[Enrise]

I'm going to a local community college to get my general studies out of the way to save money, then I plan on transferring over to Auburn University and get at least a Bachelor's in Biochemistry. If I'm feeling up to it, I might double Major with Biology as the second Major. After a while, when I'm feeling rich enough, I'll either get a Master's or Doctrine in both, if not one or the other, or whatever I can think of. But damn, the prices of even community college are outrageous for my tastes. I recently paid over $200 for a damned math book. I mean, sh*t, I could probably Amazon the exact book for less than half the price.

 

I love the atmosphere my current college gives though, it doesn't feel so restraining unlike my old high school. I didn't like how high school was directed, which why I probably got mediocre grades, even with AP classes. Then again, I can also place the blame on senioritis and other sh*t cause I'm just that type of person; but I honestly didn't like how high school was set up, or the education system overall. But while I'm at college, I actually feel a lot more focused on the content of the classes. I also love that I don't have to attend all weekdays and from morning to afternoon. I have only one class on Monday's and Wednesday, and free on Friday, since most of my classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

But now I want to move on to your last question in such an unfashionable transition. Because of the internet, we can research all kinds of things that interest us. And if you had to choose between spending a fortune on college for a useless degree, or keep your High School Diploma/GED, and learn what you want on the internet for dirt cheap almost, and save your money for a more useful degree, I'm sure most people would go with the latter. But I'm not a very socially adept person, so I can't tell how people would respond when given the opportunity of these two scenarios.

[Fusion X. Denver]

I recently paid over $200 for a damned math book. I mean, sh*t, I could probably Amazon the exact book for less than half the price.

 

I love the atmosphere my current college gives though, it doesn't feel so restraining unlike my old high school. I didn't like how high school was directed, which why I probably got mediocre grades, even with AP classes. Then again, I can also place the blame on senioritis and other sh*t cause I'm just that type of person; but I honestly didn't like how high school was set up, or the education system overall. But while I'm at college, I actually feel a lot more focused on the content of the classes. I also love that I don't have to attend all weekdays and from morning to afternoon. I have only one class on Monday's and Wednesday, and free on Friday, since most of my classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

But now I want to move on to your last question in such an unfashionable transition. Because of the internet, we can research all kinds of things that interest us. And if you had to choose between spending a fortune on college for a useless degree, or keep your High School Diploma/GED, and learn what you want on the internet for dirt cheap almost, and save your money for a more useful degree, I'm sure most people would go with the latter. But I'm not a very socially adept person, so I can't tell how people would respond when given the opportunity of these two scenarios.

Always look everywhere else before buying from the bookstore, much cheaper that way.

 

I will say that despite my shortcomings with my university, I love college overall for its freedom and atmosphere. Plus, when some people would consider it "funny" to disrupt class in high school, you'll just look like an idiot if you do that in college.

 

I can agree that the Internet most likely does have all the info you're learning at college, but it won't get you a degree. And with no degree, it's harder to get a decent job, unless you can make use of a high EQ and connections.

It sucks that the universal standard keeps rising; it's almost a given that I'll be going to grad school in whatever field I'll specialize in in order to get any sort of leg up that I can. And some fo those who would be better candidates are cheated because they can't afford racking up more debt.

[Organized Chaos]

The British Education System is pretty terrible. You get at least 15 exams a year, all preparing for something that might not even help in later life. I'm not even joking about the testing part, there are so many exams, it is literally unbelievable. A few of them are mocks, I will admit but it's still that unnecessary stress and the frustrating pointlessness of it all. Unless you continue your education in University, you most likely will not get the job you were opting for and most likely will be majorly dissapointed. If you somehow do get into University/college with the ridiculously expensive fees, there are even more exams and course work, it's torture for some. Apologies if I sound like I'm whining. I understand there are probably much worse systems, I'm simply expressing my view points.

In terms of subjects now, my favourite subjects are History, Biology, English and Drama. I hope to 1. Take A-Level in Psychology and Biology then continue up through Uni to become hopefully either a clinical psychologist or into a field that involves Behavioral Neuroscience. Or 2. Take A-Level in Biology and Chemistry then study Mortuary Sciences at college before hopefully becoming either a forensic pathologist or mortician.

[.Leo]

First off I will start by saying I am going in to my junior year of high school and I reside in Canada.

 

So far going through school, my options have been rather limiting, my choices of classes very small. Going into this year though, I had practically full control over what I wanted to do so I decided to focus more in math, seeing that is the subject that I enjoy doing the most and plan on pursuing in my future. So most likely for my senior year, it will once again by focused on maths.

 

For me, I will be going to college/university to most likely major in economics, because math is something I have enjoyed my entire life, so taking a career path in which I will use the skills that I have learned by my extensive math work would make the most sense for me personally. Also on the topic of whether university is worth, I think it is, mainly for the experience that you get along with it. You get to meet new friends, maybe some that you will be in contact with for the rest of your life. You could even find a soul mate that you could spend the rest of your life with. Yes you have to pay 55k~ at the end of it all, which is expensive and will probably take years and years to pay off, but I feel that I could get more out of the experience of going to university, then staying home and paying little money to get the same degree. 

[Cin]

Cost was the reason I never went to University, although the UK offers loads of assistance, plus we all agreed at 20 I wasn't really suited to the University lifestyle (Socializing, etc).

[Raine]

So, what are you guys majoring in (and, if you feel comfortable posting it, where are you going to university)? And if you guys are still in high school, what is(/are) your favorite subject(s) and what is your intended major?

Also, feel free to discuss how goddamn expensive education is - I mean, private universities cost up to $55k a year with the only pull being amazing research and internship opportunities. It's also interesting to note that majors like political science and psychology (and even pharmacy) have completely saturated fields but people still pursue master's degrees in them - it's kind of sad that the only useful degrees anymore are engineering, medical, economics, and a few other liberal arts degrees. Is going to college even worth it if you aren't cut out to be an engineer/doctor/financier, in your opinion?

 

I'm currently an undergrad in an undisclosed campus of the University of Wisconsin majoring in Engineering/Physics, however applying for the Biomedical program once I get some years under my belt. The price of education is certainly a massive factor in deciding to actually go though it's not AS BAD as 55k a year. It costs me a bit less than 10K a year for my public university. 

 

About majoring, college isn't exclusively about get the job and the cost. It's about having the opportunity to do what you want to do in life. Unfortunately, the 1st world is very unforgiving to those without a degree and limits your opportunities. Even at greater costs, having a degree in something that you are passionate about gives you the chance to live your life in a way you feel acceptable and desire to live. If your life plan does not require a degree, or is even contrary to a degree that if a personal decision however to simply not do it for money is kind of silly. I am majoring in my major because I am passionate about how the world works and the new research in physics and bio-medical sciences, that is my passion. Life is too short to do most things just for money. 

 

tl;dr: Make decisions, if you can, because you WANT to do them not money or things you don't care about. 

[Tentacruel]

Still a sophomore at Broward College studying Computer Science.  Once I get my last few classes in (being Physics, Calculus, hopefully no more than one class of each), I'll transfer to Florida Atlantic University to get my BS.

 

I hope to eventually get at least a Master's.  A Doctorate would be nice but those take so absurdly long and I'm leaning toward working for myself it wouldn't be all that useful.  I do want to become a Professor in the future and having one then would certainly help, but I can't say for certain right now. 

 

I recently paid over $200 for a damned math book. I mean, sh*t, I could probably Amazon the exact book for less than half the price.

 

Funny, I pirated a $200 math book recently. 

 

 

 

Oh, on the topic of how expensive it is. I've payed exactly $30 in tuition so far. 

 

Dat Socialism. 

[~ P O L A R I S ~]

I've still got some loose ends to tie up at high school. Transferring between Canadian and American school systems and back I still need certain credits. If I can get my transcript together I'll get in somewhere in Toronto and get that Liberal Arts major.

[fabfabulous]

I hate it when somebody asks me about my major and then acts all uppity because I say "journalism". that's the worst part about going to college for me, having to endure the unneeded shame associated with my major. I am proud of my choice though, somebody's gotta do the news thing, and I should probably be doing something I enjoy for 40 years after I get outta madison, real talk.  

 

college is definitely worth it, regardless of what degree you're opting for. you get to learn how to take care of yourself, how to budget your time, and really become more independent. plus, you get to meet up with all sorts of hunks and hunnies as a bonus. if you can afford it, college is the place to be. it gets five thumbs up and an a+/10 in my book.

 

and that university of wisconsin-madison tho >>>>> 

[Thar]

Right now I am attending a community college. Even though the campus I go to is 20 miles from where I live (with my parents), I prefer it much more than the UNCW campus that's like half the normal drive. I'm currently enrolled in a non-transferable Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, which I plan to work for a couple of years with before continuing my education at a university in a Computer Engineering degree. Not quite sure where I'll be going from there, but I am interested in getting into computer technology and programming.

 

Regarding education costs, I'm not TOO concerned about it. Granted, it's f*cking expensive, but when you have a decent college fund at your disposal, it's not that big of an issue. But I am aware that there are people who can't afford to pay a dime for college and have to rely on financial aid, which involves a helluva lot of paperwork. 'MURICA!

 

Textbooks, however, I can complain about. $200 for a half-inch thick book that you'll never use but need just in case? F*ck that!

[Shradow]

I recently started my sophomore year at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and I'm majoring in electrical engineering with minors in robotics and Japanese.

 

And darn you, out of state tuition. :(

[Thar]

And darn you, out of state tuition. :(

 

No kidding. I'm paying like $1000 tuition every semester for full-time, and that's with state residency. The tuition without the resident discount was literally six times more.

 

Keep in mind, this is community college. Universities, I think, are like ten times more, I think.

[TTR~]

Junior in high school, but I plan on majoring in English and most likely minoring in Japanese

After that I might go to an art school since I want to be a comic book artist and such

 

It's gonna suck when I have to pay for books and the like

[Rapidfire]

Ha, I'm only a sophomore in high school and let me tell you every club that I'm in wants so much money. Like in the end I probably spend around 150$ a year for all of them combined. Which really sucks because I just a poor high school student who saves change and crumpled dollar bills for concerts and movie tickets.

 

Sometimes I really question this whole system "school=job, job=money, but money=school" who made this system? Does anyone not notice the huge flaw in this?

 

[Enrise]

Ha, I'm only a sophomore in high school and let me tell you every club that I'm in wants so much money. Like in the end I probably spend around 150$ a year for all of them combined. Which really sucks because I just a poor high school student who saves change and crumpled dollar bills for concerts and movie tickets.

 

Sometimes I really question this whole system "school=job, job=money, but money=school" who made this system? Does anyone not notice the huge flaw in this?

 

 

Yup. Ever since high school teachers and staff told me that signing up for clubs would help you and make you look good for colleges and jobs and other stuff.

 

I paid for my clubs, but because they were so useless for me in the end, I only paid my fees and slept in my homeroom during club meetings, till it was time for the next class.

[Shradow]

No kidding. I'm paying like $1000 tuition every semester for full-time, and that's with state residency. The tuition without the resident discount was literally six times more.

 

Keep in mind, this is community college. Universities, I think, are like ten times more, I think.

 

Rose-Hulman's tuition per year is about $56k, iirc.

[WhyDidIJoinThis-.-]

Education in my school : School won't get off your arse if you're absent, yet they send you home on the first, most important day because of your imperfect shoes. But my favourite subject has got to be music just because our teachers (we have two, each teachers us every other lesson) are great, and it's what I like to do. Also IT, because it's literally my best subject, well right now my music and IT are both at the equivelent of A.