Expert: Paul Soderman - 10/30/2007

Question
Hi there. Im a 13 year old in grade 8. Next year I'll be choosing my GCSE subjects and I have considered a career as an aeronautical engineer or a pilot. I wanted to know what subjects I'll need to take for that. I have ICT and Math as compulsory subjects already. But I can also have 4 subjects of my choice. I'll type down all the subjects we have to choose from, just to give u an idea of what we're being offered:
Accounting, Business, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Geography, Sociology, History, 'Travel and Tourism'.

I already know that I'll need physics and maybe travel and tourism. But what Im concerned about is Geography...I get great marks in it but is it necessary for me to do??? And will chemistry be involved? I hope it is.

(P.S: I might be choosing a University in the US. Any suggestions??)

Answer
Neamah
For engineering, you want to study as much math and science as possible.  From your list, I would defenitely take physics and chemistry.  The others are good electives that might come in handy someday.  It is hard for me to say which are better because the answer depends on what you make of life, and who knows that yet.  I only question why Travel and Tourism will be of much help for you, but again it depends on your life path.  What I tried to do in school is choose subjects that interested me.  That seemed to work best.
Paul