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This will probably end up being longer than I want it to be, so I apologize in advance .
I just graduated from a community college and planned on transferring to a state school this fall, but due to financial reasons, cannot transfer until at least winter semester. I plan on going back to the community college for the fall semester while continuing to work two part time jobs. My concern is that I have no direction. I have taken several math courses (as high as they teach at my CC anyways), a few biology courses, and all the gen ed's I need for my BA or BS. The only courses I would need to take after transferring are my major and minor courses. This is the problem. I don't feel as though I can continue much farther in the math courses (maybe it's a confidence issue?), and don't really care to learn much more about biology, or chemistry, or any other field for that matter. I'm not entirely sure that college is the way for me to go at this point. I feel as though I am just wasting credits. I know many employers require a BS in pretty much anything to get a job, so I know that permanently dropping out isn't the way to go, but getting a degree in say, Sociology or something doesn't seem financially responsible. I'm already in debt from my AA degree, and will end up around 50k in the hole after I finish the last few years of my BS. So, I guess my question is, should I keep going with my math degree (even though I know my gpa won't be much more than a B- if I do), or should I pursue the seemingly worthless liberal arts degree just to "get a degree". They seem to be more interdisciplinary, which might be good for me (I can't seem to fall in love with any subject). I could also take a semester off and just work, but I'm finding that I go crazy by not taking summer courses .
Last edited by michimaize; 05-19-2008 at 09:41 PM..
Reason: spelling error
I'm in the same boat you are. No advice, but interested in seeing what others say. I have a couple of interests, but they probably wouldn't get me anywhere. They too are in liberal arts fields, which I prefer, but if I'm not going to be paid well enough to pay back the loans... I don't know what the answer is. I'm finishing up my AA too. I should be going on to the University during winter term. I'm contemplating waiting awhile and working too. Good luck to you.
First of all, math majors earn on average 37% more money then non math majors. So, if you want to make money, then you are on the right track. Also, a B- average is pretty good.
You should check with the state school that you plan on transferring to regarding how many credits will actually transfer. Some colleges will only take 60 to 70 credits while others will accept up to 120+ and since you already received your associates degree it might be pointless to continue going unless it is just for your own sh*ts and giggles.
I'm in the same boat you are. No advice, but interested in seeing what others say. I have a couple of interests, but they probably wouldn't get me anywhere. They too are in liberal arts fields, which I prefer, but if I'm not going to be paid well enough to pay back the loans... I don't know what the answer is. I'm finishing up my AA too. I should be going on to the University during winter term. I'm contemplating waiting awhile and working too. Good luck to you.
I have a friend who has a BA in CSCL (Cultural Studies, Comparative Literature) which is basically just a philosophy major with a new program title and an ex girlfriend who has a BA in art and a Masters in Art (not art history, just 'art'). Both are pretty much 'useless' degrees unless you want to become a teacher, but I can tell you that both are making substantially more now then they did before they got these 'useless' degrees. Whether or not college or a particular degree is worth it is a personal matter and no-one else can tell you other-wise.
michimaize .. any idea about what you'd like to do after college? Degrees and majors aside, what would you like to do for work? Maybe you don't have an answer for that either (as many people don't). When you were little and were asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?" What was your answer(s)? or If you were a magician and could snap your fingers and bingo, what would you see yourself doing as a career? Random and outlandish thoughts can sometimes lead somewhere. Once "there", maybe the question about which major to follow would be clear.
I have a degree in math (also in chemistry) and I would encourage you to continue with math. First, to have a B average in math is great. Keep at it, it's gets more interesting after Calculus III (aka multivariable Calculus). Your having a B tells me that you understand the concepts of advanced math and would have no problem completing a math major. You could become an actuary, which is a very in demand field. And, math teachers are needed all around the country. Also, math is one of the best majors to prepare one for law school. And, since you seem to be into science also, what about a nursing major or something in health care? There would be a lot of options at your feet with a math degree.
I suggest that you take time off, figure out what you want to do, and then get your bachelor's degree. When you are truly into a subject, your grades will improve and you will find a way to apply the subject matter to your life, job, and other classes - no matter what the subject is. Mawipafl has great suggestions on how to begin to figure this out.
This is what I did and it worked out great...although perhaps I took a FEW too many years off in between .
Just a word of warning, when I left my previous school with a B- average I thought it was pretty decent, considering my major (economics), but potential employers treated me as though I had straight D's. I still don't think it's THAT horrible, but apparently everyone else did. But, my field wasn't and isn't math.
Keep going, no matter what. If you stop now, there's always a good chance that sheer inertia will take over your life and you'll never resume your studies.
I would go ahead with your plan to go to a four year college second semester. I'm a little confused about that - usually it's called fall semester and Spring semester even if it starts in Jan. No matter the name - I think it's important to spend the time between now and then figuring out what you love to do. There is no point in getting a degree in Mathmatics if you don't want to work in a math field - doesn't matter how much you can potentially earn if you don't like it to begin with. My husband is an engineer and he chose it because he likes to figure things out and he's good at math. There are career counselors that can help you figure that out.
My son is an English major but I don't think has a clue as to what he's going to do after graduation in two years. I am a little worried but hope that the next two years will help him figure it out. The journey and figuring things out may be scary but you really don't have to plan your entire life, just figure out what will pay the bills and make you happy for the next few years.
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). Both are pretty much 'useless' degrees unless you want to become a teacher, but I can tell you that both are making substantially more now then they did before they got these 'useless' degrees. Whether or not college or a particular degree is worth it is a personal matter and no-one else can tell you other-wise.
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