Zoology or Anthropology?

[Lobo_Reptiles]

Ok, I need some advice from all of you if you will.

Over the past 3 years of high school I have changed my major nearly 3 or 4 times. I went from Marine Biology, to Linguistics, to Zoology with a concentration in Herpetology, to Anthropology concentration in Native American Studies and independent study of reptiles in religious ceremonies *runs out of breath*

I have sent my applications out for Cornell, Dartmouth, and St. Lawrence University for a major in Anthropology. But back when I wanted to have zoology as a major, I found a college called Delaware Valley that had Herpetology as a concentration. They were my first choice college.

I changed my major because I got caught up in a lot of cultural things with my tribe and all. Also, I'm not exactly a math whiz. My math grade waivers between B and B+. For science I'm pretty good depending with what. A+ in Biology, A- in Earth Science. I guess I don't really know if I have what it takes to have Zoology as my major. When I switched I stopped taking math and science, so I haven't taken Chemistry or Calculus or anything.
But since Delaware Valley has rolling admissions I figured hey what the heck I might as well apply and see if I get in. But the only problem is I think I would still pick it over Anthropology. I think my love for animals and reptiles still heavily outweighs any other interest area.

Another thing is I applied for the Gates Millenium Scholarship which is basically a full scholarship for Native Americans. They generally like to grant it to students interested in a science career or that are interested in using their career to better their tribe or whatever. So they think I want Anthropology, while now I may want Zoology. I'm confused as to what to say!!

What should I do?

I dunno, none of what I said really makes sense so...have at it and thanks for any input.

[JLC]

Interests come and go. Best thing to do is to search your heart and figure out what you're most truly passionate about...not just infatuated with. That was my biggest problem in school when I was young, was that I never took the time to figure out what would REALLY make me happy.


Try to picture yourself 5, 10, 20 years from now. What kind of work/career would make you eager to get out of bed every morning and anxious to work whether or not you actually got paid? Figure out what that is...then plan the best educational path to get there.

That's just my two pennies worth.

[Colin Vestrand]

i used to just do general studies since i didn't know what i wanted to be... then i settled on business because it seemed like the 'the thing to do'. after a couple years of that i got a good job in business but after two years i realized that i hated it. from that point on, i looked less at how many jobs are available or whatever, i looked at what my interests were and what i could do as a career with what degree.
now i'm 23 and i've pretty much started school over... and my major is zoology. i don't know if this helps you at all, but i figure if nothing else, misery loves company
i guess basically, look at what careers are available and try to envision what would make you happy. you can always study whatever you want in your own time...

[hornsrule]

the only advice i can give you, this coming from a sophomore at UT who has changed majors once, is don't go into college thinking that whatever major you go in with will or has to be whatever major you come out with. i know so many people who came into college in a major that they were very interested but just didnt like the classes or realized maybe i am not as interested in this as i should be. given this information my advice to you would be this. it sounds to me like you are genuinely interested in zoology. my advice is to take zoology as your major. given what i know about degree plans and course schedules here, anthropology is something that just about any major can fit into their plan. so if your college is the same way, you can start taking zoology classes and take an anthropology class an elective and see what you think. then depending on your decision either take zoo. as your major and minor in anthro or drop zoo. or vice versa. hope all goes well. keep us posted

[Schlyne]

I've got a friend who is an anthropology major. He loves it, but he really has to get a master's degree to be able to employ himself with his degree. He's not really interesting in doing the "go out, find a tribe, live with them for the next 2 years in the middle of nowhere" sort of anthropolgist.

Don't take me wrong, doing what you love is great, but you've got to take that look at what you'll be making etc..and figure out if you can live with that. That doesn't mean you have to decide right now though. I went from biology to electrical engineering. And if I'd been this interested in reptiles when I started college, I would have gone the exotic vet route.

[The Cannibal Monkey]

This is totally just IMO, but I'm an optimist and I believe almost everyone "has what it takes" to do what they want. Although it may seem intimidating, don't let stupid core stuff like math keep you from trying. If you want it bad enough, don't let anything get in your way! =) However, if you're just not sure because...well...you're just not sure, I have to echo the "picture yourself in the future" sentiment. Sometimes just taking a step back and thinking in terms of "what would make me happy" without considering ANYTHING else can be very revealing. I hope everyone's advice helps, good luck with your decision!

[Lobo_Reptiles]

Thanks for the replies! It's just so hard to decide, because although Delaware Valley is awesome for Zoology, they don't have Anthropology. And Cornell is my first choice for Anthropology and they are Ivy League. I'm leaning towards Zoology..but hey i might not even get accepted to Delaware Valley so who knows.

[tigerlily]

I've got my degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Zoology, but finding work is not easy nor is it high paying. But if it's what you love then go for it. Having said that, I feel like I should warn you that I had to take a year of Chemisty, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. You have to take a lot of these courses as a basis for your degree. If you feel you may struggle in these then be prepared to look for a tutor or ask for help from the TAs. Also look into getting into work with some of your professors. I had a great job in an entomology lab, and that's when I knew I was on the right track. Of course now I'm a mom, but I am looking forward to the time when both kids are in school and I can go back to what I love.

[Colin Vestrand]

Of course now I'm a mom, but I am looking forward to the time when both kids are in school and I can go back to what I love.

ouch, so you don't love being with your kids??
(kidding of course)


you guys bring up good points about tutoring. math is not my strong suit and i had to get a tutor for calc, but i ended up with a B+. if i could do that, then just about anyone could.

[tigerlily]

ouch, so you don't love being with your kids??
(kidding of course)

It all depends on when you catch me. LOL! That didn't come out right.

It's just when you stay at home you end up giving up so much of you. You become this kid's mom and this guy's wife. Not so much you. *shrug* I love my kids. I wouldn't give up this time with them for the world, but it's still hard.