Expert: Susie Watts - 1/21/2009

Question
Hi! My name is Chris and I'm 16 (hold on I'll explain why so young) and I'm having issues deciding my major in college or at least getting a vague idea of what i want to do (see? I told ya).

The good thing! I've narrowed it down to Music and Medicine. Music because I have always loved music and I have always loved teaching other about it whether it's private lessons or composition or conducting patterns. Whatever. Medicine because the whole field is just fascinating. The fact that we as people can cure and treat diseases of all shape and form but still have not figured out the mystery that is Medical Science is just intriguing.

The negative! I'm stuck. I can't choose. They're obviously completely different choices so it's not like this is easy in the first place. My prime concern is if I will enjoy what I am doing and I answered that one with a HUGE yes because I have a passion for both fields. My second concern is (sadly) income. See, I want to take care of my family and make sure they are provided for when the time comes.

I'm not sure what my actual question is but I have explained my predicament and now I am hoping that you will be able to give me some form of advice! :D I have talked to  the counselers in my school but they were not helpful and my family did the whole "We'll support you in whatever you want to do kid!" which is great but not very....useful for my purposes at the moment.

Waiting for your reply!
-Chris

Answer
Medical schools are interested in students who major in many different areas.  One of the most sought after majors to medical school is philosophy.  I would suggest you pick something that really interests you, minor in music and make sure you take all the science and math courses that you can.  This way you leave the doors open to a number of different areas and have a chance to explore your options.