Expert: Torski Dobson-Arnold - 8/30/2008

Question
Well, I don't quite know where to start. I'm a 15 year old girl. And I am in the 9th grade. Marine Biology has been something I have wanted to be involved in for such a long time. So, I guess you could say, that my career of choice, or what i want to be when I "grow up" is a Marine Biologist. I have wanted to pursue this for quite some time now. But, I don't really know how to do it. I am leaning towards the Advanced Diploma, because that is what the guidance councilor at my school said I would need to take. But, I don't know which colleges I should apply for, or even what Highschool classes I should take. I don't really make the best grades, but I'm a good listener, and a quick learner. I need to know colleges with good program of studies for this career, and which Highschool classes I should take. I have looked at alot of websites, and even some magazines. So, if you are a marine biologist, or even know things about this field, could you please answer this question?

Answer
Good afternoon, Ms. Marine Biologist Ariel:

I have a 15-year old daughter of my own, so I understand your interest in many different options after high school.  Here are my thoughts both as a career coach and as a mom...

I agree with your HS counselor, you will want to go for an advanced college-preparatory diploma.  I would advise you to take all of the most advanced math and science classes that you can take and still get good marks in.  I am most impressed that you candidly spoke about not making the best grades (also something that my own daughter struggles with).  With this knowledge, get help NOW!  When you have to take an advance algebra, geometry, or calculus class, get a tutor.  Talk to and get suggestions from your guidance counselor on how to get tutoring before and after school with your teacher or another teacher from the math department.

At 15 years old, I would also suggest for you to take the PSAT this year so you get an idea on what areas of the SAT you'll need to strengthen before taking this standardized test your 11th and 12th grade years.  Other than classroom issues, continue to google information online as it relates to marine biology.  You can find the best school that have this major.  

Here's a link to get you started...

http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/mbcolleges.html

Continue to read on and gather information on this profession.  You are probably already ahead of many of your peers in HS that haven't even thought about what they want to do after high school.  Don't panic; you have a lot of time to figure out what college to attend.  Just do the best that you can do in those standard and/or advanced classes and the rest of the process will all fall in place.  Give yourself a pat on the back for being proactive and being responsible for your own future career success.

Wishing you nothing but great things,

Torski