Question about college/major/schools

[tlonon]

I'm 17
and I'm about to start a new chapter in my life(always wanted to say that lol)
anyways
my original plan was career military, first joining the Corps of Cadets at A&M(WHOOP!) going ROTC in the marines and then going into the Marines as an officer.
I wanted to major in Marine Biology, but that major isn't offered on the College Station campus, it is only offered at the Galveston Campus. That wasn't good, cuz I love me some 12th Man Football.
that was before I got seriously into photography.
The thing the is the thorn in my side is the fact that I know of NO other schools that has spirit or tradition that compares to the Spirit of Aggieland.
But now I want to go to art school, still interested in marine biology, and still want to be in the military.

 

[Pickles]

Tell me this...why are you interested in marine bio?

 

[tlonon]

I like learning about anything complex, so anything biological I enjoy, I just focused on marine biology because of the many times I've read a National Geographic article, and seen someone getting paid to scuba dive, take pictures, and write an article.
I've always enjoyed the water, the ocean, it's the biggest watermass on our planet and we know so little about it.
there's a little peek at how my brain works...
basically, complex things and the unknown make me tick

 

[Pickles]

Sorry to tell you, but this is going to be one of the most difficult areas to get into. I have a few friends who did marine bio at UCSB, thinking as you did, and ALL of them wish they had done something else in college. Getting into the wildlife aspect of marine bio is reserved for only the most qualified individuals....if you plan on doing it, expect to get a Ph.D. as a requirement of that line of work.

Most marine biologists nowadays (and therefore the current curriculum) is based on molecular biology. Generally marine bio is not about playing with wildlife...it's all cellular biology now.

Are you still interested in going into the military after college? If you're into science, and still want into the marines, look into a true hard science (chem, molecular bio, microbiology, etc.). The military is in need of good chemical/bio weapon officers and specialists. that would be a GREAT place to get in.

 

[tlonon]

That doesn't really sound that appealing to me; to be blunt.
is there anyway that I could be a photographer in the marines?
Because photography is my passion, and I want that to be a major aspect of my job.

 

[Pickles]

That doesn't really sound that appealing to me; to be blunt.
is there anyway that I could be a photographer in the marines?
Because photography is my passion, and I want that to be a major aspect of my job.

Dude, by all means, be blunt. This is YOUR future, after all.

Are there ways to be a marine photographer? Sure. Is there any likelihood of getting that job? Not much, esp in the military environment we're in now.

Would you just want to be a photographer in the civilian world? Perhaps just get a degree that can be used as a fall back option, and pursue your photography goals outside of the classroom/military.

 

[ThrillRide]

Tradition and school spirit is cool and all but this is your future. don't pick a school based on that. Its only 4 years (give or take ) of your life. So pick based on your future. You'll have fun no matter where you go. College is a fun experience no matter what.

To me it sounds like you should look into Photography as perhaps a minor. Or look into Journalism; photo journalism. Best to learn more than just Photog. Be a double or tripple threat. Learn how to be a good writer and perhaps get a major or minor in marine bio. Photog by itself is hard to crack into. So the more you can add to it the better. And yes the military does have journalists as well. Talk to a recruiter or someone in the service. Get some practical knowledge and training in Photog and then practice because that is what will make you a good photographer.

I used to be a college recruiter/counselor and a high school college counselor, so if you have questions feel free to PM me.

 

[tlonon]

allright, thanks.
I actually am in charge of my own photography site, I work with minor bands that tour through houston.
I love it, The working environment is amazing, I love music, and I love photography, so it works out great.

 

[Pickles]

allright, thanks.
I actually am in charge of my own photography site, I work with minor bands that tour through houston.
I love it, The working environment is amazing, I love music, and I love photography, so it works out great.

I'd have to agree with thrill then. If you already have photo experience, LEARN HOW TO WRITE. You are still gonna have a hard time getting into marine photography, but it sounds like you would be happy in any photojournalism field.

Good luck.

P.S. - I second the comment about picking a school. I, for one, think you need to get AWAY FROM THE 'RENTS. Go to school in a different state. It's a tough transition, but you'll be a better adjusted person when the "real world" comes up to bite you in the ass after college.

 

[tlonon]

I'm afraid that being dependent is the biggest danger to my college, um, efficiency? I've learned to just be dependent on my parents, and because of this, I have problems motivating myself to get things taken care of, that was one of my major factors for getting into the military, I know that I lack discipline. Which WILL hamper my chances of being successful.
I don't mind writing, but I'd much rather be taking pictures, but I'm not worried about writing skills, I was top 10% in Texas for English PSAT scores

 

[tlonon]

are there any like... proficiency tests I could take to find out what I'm good at?
I've heard something about questionaires about stuff you're good at, which in turn gives you majors that apply to those skills.
Anyone know where I could take one?

 

[jred321]

texans are weird. using football as a part of deciding which school to go to? for me it was about what the school had to offer academically since you can still be a fan and attend games without being a student there. i'd say see what school has the best program for what you want to do and apply there


how come marines and not navy? i was under the impression that the marines were more ground troups and the navy spent their time on the water which sounds like it'd interest you more


i used to want to be a marine biologist until i realized that it didn't pay s***. so in school i was a computer science major. you can also look into commercial diving schools and see what they have to offer in the way of underwater photog and other fun underwater activities

 

[Pickles]

I'm afraid that being dependent is the biggest danger to my college, um, efficiency? I've learned to just be dependent on my parents, and because of this, I have problems motivating myself to get things taken care of, that was one of my major factors for getting into the military, I know that I lack discipline. Which WILL hamper my chances of being successful.
I don't mind writing, but I'd much rather be taking pictures, but I'm not worried about writing skills, I was top 10% in Texas for English PSAT scores

Great, so you're in the top 10% of people who took a test BELOW the SAT. That's like saying "I have the best 1987 Isuzu Pickup in town". Relativity blinds people.....you're still driving a piece of s***.

And english does not equal writing. The fact that you have decent reading comprehension and analysis skills has nothing to do with your writing ability. Truthfully, I've never met a decent writer who didn't work DAMN hard at it.

 

[SuperStretch18]

+1 writing is damn hard to do for a living. If you think you can write, you should pick a few current event topics and write a couple of op-eds for the local paper and see if they get published. At least then you have a gauge whether people like what you write.

Whatever you decide you want to do, make sure you get some experience in your field while you are going to school. If you want to be a photographer, work at a camera shop. If you want to be a writer, see if you can get a part-time at the school paper. If you want to be a marine biologist, volunteer at the local aquarium. Chef => waiter, etc., etc. At least you will learn the language and possibly meet some contacts that can help you find a job when you leave school...

 

[tlonon]

I was saying I ENJOY football,
I didn't say that was my grounds for choosing a school...

 

[tlonon]

well, I was pretty proud of myself, considering that I did 90% better than the rest of Texas, I wasn't aware that the PSAT was "insignificant"
Don't have to ream me for it
I think I should have posted this somewhere else....

 

[Pickles]

well, I was pretty proud of myself, considering that I did 90% better than the rest of Texas, I wasn't aware that the PSAT was "insignificant"
Don't have to ream me for it
I think I should have posted this somewhere else....

Not reaming you for it...just being straight.

As far as the PSAT, it is insignificant in the workplace, as are most tests. I don't want to lead you on in saying that most of this stuff is going to be significant in your future. While I know it feels good at the time, it really means nothing unless you keep developing skills and knowledge.

And believe me on this, I've taken more standardized tests and have more degrees than most anyone. Unless you have applicable skills, those test scores / ratings are pretty worthless (of which I learned the hard way).

Good luck.

 

[jred321]

tests on the whole are meaningless but something like the PSATs is a good way to compare yourself to your peers and when you're in HS there isn't much else to use to accomplish that. it's good that you're doing better than most

your school should give you one of those "what should i do" types of tests. i took one at some point in HS, don't remember which year. your guidance counselor could probably give you one if you asked

 

[tlonon]

sorry about taking that the wrong way Pickles
I needed to know that though

 

[Pickles]

sorry about taking that the wrong way Pickles
I needed to know that though

No worries man. The mantra you need to develop is "do more". Whatever you want to do, as long as you make sure that you work harder than the average person, you'll do fine.

Hard work is the key, young padawan(eekdance)

And now, it's time for pickles to pickle himself...(beer)