Parents ask us all the time about whether their child needs to select a major or choose a career path before applying to college. While some schools don’t mind – or even prefer – undeclared applicants, others strongly suggest that students apply with an intended major and have a specific direction for their future.
At Colledge, we know there can be advantages to learning more about a few potential careers and majors early on to expand a young student’s horizons.
Here are a few examples of how we work with students on career exploration with colleges in mind.
Orthodontist
It might be rare for a high school student to know they want to be an orthodontist, but, who knows? Maybe they were fascinated by the process of getting braces and interested in overbites!
Regardless, the life of an orthodontist is exciting. Each day, orthodontists work with people to find solutions to their teeth problems. Be it overbites, under-bites, crooked alignments, or correcting jaw growth, an orthodontist can solve these problems.
Great Undergraduate Majors: Dentistry, Orthodontics; pre-health majors like Biology, Biochemistry, or Health Sciences would be great as well. And of course, dental school for a DDS would be required.
Our student, Peter knew he would like to be a dentist from a young age, so we helped him find programs where he could continue building on this specific interest. We suggested he seek out an internship with one of his local dentists, and he did. In fact, he pursued two summers of dental internships, and loved every moment shadowing the dentist, and watching cleanings and dental procedures. This observational work and light mentorship led Peter to pursue the study of Human Biology. We have tailored a list of colleges that are just for him, including University of Toronto, UBC, and USC, and he is on his way.
Architect
A day in the life of an architect will center around drawing out ideas with computer programs such as CADD, and may include meetings with clients, and checking city codes for building permits. Architects need to have a solid educational foundation, but the freedom and creativity architects have, and the potential business they may generate, make this profession appealing for many.
Great Undergraduate Majors: Architecture (BArch), Architectural History, Art, Art History, Math, Engineering, Environmental Design
There are two undergraduate paths to becoming an architect: the BArch or a BA in Architecture, both of which will build a solid foundation.
We worked with Jane last year, who attended an arts high school. Through our guidance and advice on which summer programs to attend, she found her calling in architecture. Jane attended the competitive Cal Poly SLO summer program where she was able to design buildings, create models, and receive critical feedback from professors on her portfolio. This environment gave her the hands-on opportunity to see for herself if she had what it takes to pursue architecture as a major.
We helped Jane apply to architecture programs at Cooper Union, Tulane, Cal Poly SLO, Pratt, and University of Syracuse. And she was accepted to her top choice Cooper Union in NYC!! She couldn’t be happier.
Whether you have a 9th grader who doesn’t know how to find their locker, or your junior wants a long-term career plan, we can help. To learn more about how we can expand your child’s options for majors and careers, click HERE to set up a free phone consultation today!
