I am stressed about choosing my major/minor!Answered
Hello everyone! I am a senior in high school, meaning I have to do my college apps!
I’m really stressed though, mainly because I’ve started having doubts about my choice in major. I’ve been completely focused on majoring in art because I have a passion for it, but recently I’ve been drawn to science (specially biology) as well…
Obviously, I began to consider something a major/minor, or even a double major, but I’m still a complete mess about this.
For starters, I can’t decide if this would be an okay pairing? Cause they seem to be on opposite ends of the school spectrum (one creative, the other analytical).
Also, I have no idea which I would major in and which I would minor in if I chose to go that route. Since art has been my #1 for a couple years, I though, “okay, major in art and minor in biology,” except, is a /minor/ in a science even useful?
So I thought, major in bio and minor in art. However, then my stats come into play. I have a 3.57 unweighted gpa, no sat/act scores, and pretty average ECs. I’m no standout student because I wasn’t focused on looking good for college in my freshmen and sophomore years (my parents went to college in a different country so they didn’t really prepare me). So I feel like getting into a decent/good school in a competitive program like biology wouldn’t work.
My question is, is a major/minor like this even possible for someone like me? I don’t have a lot of time to cram in anything special, especially for biology. I did honors bio in freshmen year and that’s it. To be more specific, I’m interested in biology relating to wildlife and/or the earth and ecosystem. At the very least, I was wondering if there were any options for me to be able to explore this interest of mine. Thank you!
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3 answers
Hey there! I'm in a similar situation; I'm also a senior who is passionate about both art and academics. I'm probably going to combine these two disciplines by studying advertising/marketing/graphic design in college, but since you're interested in biology specifically, this may not be the path for you.
When you're deciding whether you should major in art and minor in biology or vice versa, I think it's important to know whether you lean more towards the arts or academics. Ex: I prioritize my passion for visual design over my passion for business, which is why I'm probably going to focus on pursuing an arts degree and steer that degree in the direction of a creative corporate job. You can also try completing a double major, if that interests you.
If I were you, I would think about the types of careers I could see yourself working in and then work backwards from there (i.e. find out the best degrees/universities that will help you pursue that career). Unfortunately for people like us who like creative AND analytical subjects, it can be hard to find a job that satisfies both of those interests. I might try looking into visual/graphic design, a degree you may be able to use to apply for jobs related to biology (ex: toy design for pets, visual design for animal-related businesses like zoos or animal charities, illustration for biology textbooks, etc.). I think there are also majors like scientific illustration which seems combine your interests pretty well.
John Hopkins Uni. and Uni. of Illinois at Chicago seem to have strong programs for scientific illustration. Additionally, there are a couple dual-degree programs like Brown and RISD, which can be really beneficial to you as Brown has an open curriculum where you aren't restricted to major requirements and can easily pick and choose your classes.
Hi @aleuwii!
I think there's two main things you need to consider.
The first is: what subject do you think you'd be most competitive in as an applicant? Since colleges are looking to build well-balanced classes, you'll be competing against other applicants in your major. Your extracurriculars should be relevant to that specific major, not just accomplishments in something unrelated, and you'll want your course history and grades to reflect your passion for that subject. If your classes and extracurriculars point towards an interest in biology or STEM, then you should apply for biology; if your application points towards a passion for the arts and music, then go for art.
The second thing you need to consider is your overall application theme. Your application should craft a specific narrative about your background and interests. If your extracurricular and course history include a mix of STEM and art-related topics, you'll need to put some work in to synthesizing those in one narrative.
For example, you mention having a specific interest in wildlife and the natural world. Perhaps you could argue you appreciate the beauty of nature, which also inspires your art — that way you wouldn't have to separate your interest in biology from your creative side. You could also focus on some common attribute — attention to detail, aesthetics, etc. — that overlaps your interest in each subject. The point is you'd have to do some introspection about what draws you to each subject, then write about that in your essays.
This would help you out if you're intent on double majoring or applying undecided. I think the wise strategic decision would be to apply where your application is most fitting, then integrate your interest in the other subject through your college essays.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions.
This is absolutely a good pairing.
You can research dual degree/double major programs, for example Johns Hopkins University is a very good university for majoring in a science/public health on main campus and a performing art at its Peabody Conservatory (though not sure for general art). A minor is also probably fine, haven't looked into that, but a dual degree/double major can ensure you get a Bachelor's in both areas in 4-5 years. If you choose a minor and major, you will have to prioritize either majoring in science but opening up opportunities for you to go into a higher salaried, possibly more stable career, or art, which might fulfill your passion but be a riskier choice.
Please take the SAT or ACT if you plan on applying anywhere remotely competitive. Even if you have to pay the late fee to take the October SAT, depending on when your apps are due, it's better to try than do nothing. Even if you get an awful score, you don't have to send it. Research SAT ranges for your potential colleges, if it falls out of that range don't submit it. Also, to be brutally honest, the way college admissions are for schools with 15-20% acceptance rates and under, your stats don't cut it, but you may already know that. Your status as a first-generation American/college student and other factors may give you an edge, but it's not good enough for top art schools and public health schools. You are competing against students who have numerous leadership rules, 3.9+ GPAs, 1500+ SATs, and are essentially a minnow in a sea of sharks. Your stats are good but are highly unlikely to grant you admission into top programs. It will even be risky to apply with these stats to 25-75% schools.
For now, research programs and colleges on their websites and third-party sites like Niche (ranking system that, unlike US News, isn't corrupt). I also second what @sl33pythekid said about thinking about your career. It's unfortunate that you haven't taken classes like AP Bio or AP 2D/3D Art, but not the end of the world. Extracurriculars are more important, but it's pretty much too late now. You can still join clubs but can't really put them on your resume once you submit it. First app deadlines are around November 1. Good luck!
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Thank you for your response. I’m sad to hear I probably won’t get into a good school, but I understand why! I want to apply for UCs and Cal states as I live in California— I believe those are test blind? Though I am going to be taking the SAT to try and help in whatever way possible.