Major Counsel

I come from the other side of the spectrum: My undergrad degree is in Mathematics and as everyone asks, "What do you do with a degree in Math?"Well, you fake being everything else. Now, I went to Harvey Mudd which requires you to take a third of your coursework in the Arts and Humanities beyond the core and your major.Yes, a good liberal arts education can teach you how to think. And yes, outside of specific fields, your degree is more a reflection on your ability to carry a task through at (what is supposed to be) a high level of detail. The vast majority of professional jobs (even in technical fields) require skill at language: At the very least, you need to be able to read complex materials and synthesize the information. Writing is right up there, too. But as an example of how it is often more important that you have done the work than what the work is: The contract I am currently on has different staffing levels depending upon your education and experience level. I was able to be slotted into the position that I have because I have a Master's degree. It did not matter what the degree was in, only that I had the degree.A broad exposure to literature is not dependent so much upon the specific works as it is the variety of them. This makes you consider other opinions, explore them for content, and relate them to other opinions.Now, if you do plan to go into academia, then the specifics of your degree become more important.Like most things in life, there are good and bad reasons to do it. What is it you want out of it? Is the program you are going to go into provide what you want? Answer those questions, and you'll know where to go.

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Rrhain

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Thank you for your submission to Science. Your paper was reviewed by a jury of seventh graders so that they could look for balance and to allow them to make up their own minds. We are sorry to say that they found your paper "bogus," specifically describing the section on the laboratory work "boring." We regret that we will be unable to publish your work at this time.

BMG:Don't be too discouraged about the famous/not-so-famous school thing. While being at a big-name school does come with benefits, it is mostly because people are deliberately seeking out that talent, not so much that the talent there is guaranteed. If you're willing to be your own PR rep, you can be just as impressive. It's going to take work, of course, but it can be done. Keep your grades up, keep track of your work, see what you can do now about getting yourself positioned well later, and you'll be ahead of the pack.No need to apologize. We expect our kids to make life decisions at 18, make them feel like they'll be consigned to the dustbin if they choose wrong, no wonder you're stressed.Don't overthink it. Yes, it's an important decision, but remember that millions of other kids are doing the exact same thing. And remember this: College is four years (at least). It is the rare person who makes it through those four years wanting the same thing out of life that he did when he started. Make your plans, have optimism, but don't be surprised (or even disappointed) when they change.