The Pre-Degree Questions You Can't Afford To Skip

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For many of us, going to college can feel like the ultimate relief. Like you're finally there.  

Forget classes you can’t stand; college means you can finally focus on your passions. Or at least, it does if you take your time deciding on the right degree for you. 

Sadly, as many as 30% of students drop out in their first year alone. Why? Well, there's a range of reasons, but you can bet that many jump into the wrong course without thought. That’s a problem and, not only can it be expensive, but it means taking even more time out to settle on your career at last. 

Luckily, there are ways around this. 

For instance, even if you think you know what you want to study, you’re guaranteed to settle on a better course if you first ask yourself these pre-degree questions.

Is there a career path to follow?

via GIPHY

It’s incredible how many of us overlook the career paths we stand to pursue after attaining a degree. Of course, college education in itself can help to secure many roles, but some degrees are still more useful than others. Notably, options like general business degrees always come in handy, while more specific choices like master of engineering management courses are now among the top 7% or so for career options. By comparison, something like an English degree doesn’t always lead to a clear career path. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take this route if it appeals. But, you should always consider where you’ll go after you finish studying. 

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Are you applying for the right reasons?
We choose our degrees for all manner of reasons, and not all of them are good. Ultimately, given that you’ll be the one taking this life path/sitting in those lectures, the only valid reason for choosing a course is because you want to. If perhaps you’re taking something because your parents want you to or your friends are, then you should think again. After all, this is the time to come into your own. Don’t let other people’s reasoning sway you off-course. 

Are you really ready?
Ask yourself, too, whether you’re truly ready. Often, we treat college as just another of those milestones to tick off the list, but the truth is that you can return to higher-education at any time. Think, then, whether you’re truly ready to commit to four or more years of study straight after high school, or whether you’d prefer to get an in-between job. You can always tackle college in a year or longer if you wanted. And, taking this breather could be just the thing to see you standing the test of college life better than if you signed straight up.

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​by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors