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Your future

Questions about my future (text version)

Real advice from a school counselor

Q. I am 16 and want to be a doctor. What do I need to do?

A. Being a doctor means lots of math and science classes. Medical school is very demanding and a high school preparation of honors and advanced placement courses will not only prepare you academically, but also the rigor will help you learn to handle the challenges of such a demanding program. I would also recommend that you research related health and science careers to learn about the many different options that you may not have thought of. There are many web sites that would be helpful, so do an Internet search.

Q. I am 11 and have not been getting good grades. Does this mean I can't go to college someday?

A. Definitely not, but there is no time like the present to start trying to improve your grades. The preparation a student gets in elementary and middle school helps to make high school harder or easier. Colleges look at a "transcript" that tells them all of your grades from 9th through graduation. All grades are factored into the final grade point average. Again, preparing from the point at which you are now will only help you to do better in your high school courses and on related testing. No doors are closed to you now, make the most of it!

Q. I don't think my family can afford to send me to college, but I'd really like to go. What can I do?

A. Some students start out at a community college to lower their college education costs. This is certainly one option. Work with your school counselor to learn about scholarship opportunities. These come in many areas – academic, athletic, artistic, musical, and the list goes on. There are also grants, loans and other scholarships that are available to students in need of financial help. Some students consider military scholarships. Again, with proper guidance, there are many ways to get money for college. Start looking and planning early, and see your school counselor.

Q. I don't think I want to go to college. Do I have to go to college to get a job?

A. The work force now and in the future requires students to have a college education or some specialized training. College is not for everyone and that's okay, but students need to prepare to join the work force after getting some sort of training. Take some interest inventories – meaning, figure out what you like – and start to research the areas or fields that you seem to like the most.

Q. Where can I find more information about careers that interest me?

A. Students have many options in terms of researching careers. Most school systems are joining with some type of program that allows students to do career interest surveys, often times early on. See your school counselor, and he or she can help you get started with online career research.

Q. My older brother joined the military. Is the military an option for me?

A. The military is an option only if it interests you. Why are you interested? Do you understand all of what is required and what kind of time commitment is involved? Take the time to find out and make the best decision for yourself, not just because your brother did it. If you are truly interested, by all means, the military is an excellent option for you.

Q. I am 14 and I get good grades. But, what else do I need to do to get into a good college?

A. Colleges like to see well-rounded students. Get involved in some clubs, leadership activities, sports or community service. Exploring what different colleges are looking for will help you get a better idea of what to get involved in. Consider your likes, talents and interests and what clubs or activities may match. SAT or ACT scores are also important and preparing for these tests in study groups or prep classes may be helpful as well.

Q. I am 16 and have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. What should I do?

A. Begin to take some interest inventories – find out what you like – and then explore where your talents are.

Q. I am third in my sophomore class, yet there's so much pressure to do better. How can I explain to my parents that I am doing the best that I can already?

A. Learning to communicate is so important, and communication between adolescents and parents is often difficult. Your parents will see the time you are putting into your work. Share progress reports with them or ask to have a parent/student/teacher conference so that your effort can be discussed. Prioritize and organize to get the most out of your time.

Q. With all the activities I am involved in, I can barely find time to get my homework done. I am afraid if I cut back, I won't look as good on my college applications. What should I do?

A. When you are in school, your job is to get good grades. This is your first priority. Without the grades, colleges won’t be looking at your extracurricular activities. Also, learning what one’s limitations are or how much you can handle is also helpful.

Answers provided by Peggy Throne, MA, a school counselor and member of the Frederick County Association for Counseling and Development (President), the Maryland School Counselor Association (President Elect), and the American School Counseling Association.

Content last updated June 23, 2008

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