How do I know if I’ve made the right study choices?
Hi everyone, I’m a teenage student from France currently in high school (lycée). I need to make decisions about my classes (specialties) for the next two years, such as biology, physics, and literature.
At the end of high school, I will have to decide on my higher education path. The challenge is that many universities are heavily influenced by the specialties we choose, and if I select the wrong ones, I might not gain admission without them even considering the rest of my application. I’m feeling quite lost about what I want to do in the future, which makes it difficult to identify the right options now. I also worry about discovering a field I love too late, leaving me without the necessary specialties for that path.
Teachers often say that mathematics offers the greatest opportunities, even in non-scientific fields, but I really struggle with it and dislike it, so I’m hesitant to choose that route.
Do you have any advice for me?
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your choices at this stage, so you’re not alone! Here are a few tips to help you navigate this decision:
Explore Your Interests: Take some time to reflect on what subjects you genuinely enjoy and what topics you find yourself drawn to outside of school. This could give you a clue about possible career paths.
Consider Your Strengths: Focus on the subjects where you feel most confident. It’s okay to challenge yourself, but choosing subjects you enjoy and excel at can make a significant difference in your motivation and performance.
Talk to Others: Have conversations with teachers, counselors, and older students who have gone through a similar process. They might offer valuable insights about the impact of different specialties on various career paths.
Research Careers: Look into various fields that interest you and see the qualifications and subjects needed for those careers. Understanding the pathways can help clarify your choices.
Keep Options Open: If possible, choose a combination of subjects that keeps your options open for the future. For example, if you’re interested in both science and literature, look for a balance that allows you to explore both.
Don’t Stress Too Much: Remember that many people change their paths during their studies or even after they graduate. Your first choice doesn’t have to be definitive, and skills from different specialties can often be transferred in the future.
Math Alternatives: If you find math difficult but still want to keep options open, consider whether you can take a less intense math course or seek extra help to improve your skills.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose what feels right for you, and remember that you have time to adjust your path in higher education. Good luck!