I thought I had college all worked out but now I’m not so sure. 

There’s nothing irresponsible about switching course, says our elder. Give yourself time to figure out your path.

 

Dear EWC

Hi! I am currently a sophomore in college pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I picked this specific major as well as university because they have an accelerated program that is offered where you can apply to get your bachelor’s degree along with a master’s degree in counseling all in five years’ time. I chose this program because, coming into college, I was a little unsure what I wanted to do with my psychology degree, and I wanted to try and save as much money as possible. So, getting two degrees with only one added year sounded ideal. I knew coming into college that the program was difficult to get into but I was ready for the challenge. I was a straight A student in high school, and have always performed well academically. 

The problem I am running into now is I feel unsure about whether or not I still want to join the program. Next year, my third year, is when I have to officially decide what I am doing and as that decision gets closer, I feel more unsure about what I want. I am not sure I want to go into counseling as well as if I am ready for the extremely heavy and intense course load that is about to come. I also feel as though I would really appreciate taking my time and getting as much as I can from a four-year bachelor’s program before deciding on grad school options. Another factor holding me back is the college experience itself. I have become really close with the other psych majors in my year and I would love to be able to continue on the same path with them and be able to walk at graduation with all my friends instead of a year early. But the program is the main reason I came here, and not doing it seems like an irresponsible decision.

 

Ketchman replies

It’s not unreasonable to change your mind. People do it all the time when they get additional information or experiences bearing upon a previous decision. There’s nothing irresponsible about that. What would be unreasonable would be to press on with a decision you’re no longer confident in just because, well, you once made that decision. 

Saving time, in your case about a year, isn’t always the best way to go. Taking that additional year – if, indeed, you still want to go into counseling – will provide some more space to consider if that’s truly the path you want to follow and, if it is, can well give you a deeper learning experience than one characterized by rushed and intense class work with insufficient time for reflection and research. Of course, taking the customary route to a master’s degree will entail some more expense but, if you can handle that it might turn out for the best in the long run.

I wish you success, whatever your decision. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to offer an opinion to you. I hope it helps. 

Article #: 450062
Category: School