5 answers
danya
Student
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2
Questions
Updated
466 views
What do i do after 12th?
hello am currently in grade 11,
Initially, I thought about choosing biology with math, but after my parents suggested computer science, I went with that instead. I was interested in biotechnology, which I read doesn’t require biology, so I chose CS. However, I've now changed my mind—I want to become a doctor.But now i cant change. I’ve tried to develop an interest in computer science, but I don’t enjoy coding. Now, I’m unsure what to do.I am confused..
5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
If you have your sights on becoming a doctor Danya you should be looking into a college you want to attend for your Pre-med Bachelor degree. As Pre-med you can major in whatever subject you want, just take the required classes needed to apply to the med school you want to attend.
Each medical school may have slightly varying course requirements, but they generally course prerequisites for pre-med are pretty standard and include:
• BIOLOGY: Almost all medicine requires a basic understanding of biology, so it is a definite necessity for medical school. Knowing about genetics, cells, and the framework for life are the building blocks of medical science and are crucial for success in the field.
• CHEMISTRY: Chemistry—and especially organic chemistry—provides a strong basis for understanding acid-base imbalances within the body and how different medications work. chemistry is also the foundation for understanding biochemistry.
• PHYSICS: Physics also introduces key medical concepts, such as laws of pressure and volume, which are incredibly important for cardiology and understanding the forces operating within the body.
• MATHEMATICS: Some schools will require calculus, while others require statistics. Regardless, most schools require at least a semester of math. A surprising amount of basic math and statistics is important for daily life as a physician or health professional—from determining proper dosage to reading lab results.
• ENGLISH: Many medical schools want you to have critical thinking and reading/writing skills outside of basic science classes. The way they ensure you have these skills is through requiring an English class or, at the very least, a class with a writing-intensive focus.
• BIOCHEMISTRY: Biochemistry has gotten a lot more attention since receiving an increased emphasis on the MCAT.
• PSYCHOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY: Like biochemistry, psychology and sociology have increased in popularity as medical school prerequisites since their inclusion on the MCAT.
Just like when you apply to colleges, your GPA is going to be a big part of your medical school applications. Medical schools only accept their top applicants, so if your GPA is less than stellar, you may not get into your top schools. While your math and science classes will take priority, you shouldn’t allow your grades for your outside classes to slip either. Medical schools will review your undergraduate transcript and all of your grades, even those that aren’t directly related to math and science.
Each medical school may have slightly varying course requirements, but they generally course prerequisites for pre-med are pretty standard and include:
• BIOLOGY: Almost all medicine requires a basic understanding of biology, so it is a definite necessity for medical school. Knowing about genetics, cells, and the framework for life are the building blocks of medical science and are crucial for success in the field.
• CHEMISTRY: Chemistry—and especially organic chemistry—provides a strong basis for understanding acid-base imbalances within the body and how different medications work. chemistry is also the foundation for understanding biochemistry.
• PHYSICS: Physics also introduces key medical concepts, such as laws of pressure and volume, which are incredibly important for cardiology and understanding the forces operating within the body.
• MATHEMATICS: Some schools will require calculus, while others require statistics. Regardless, most schools require at least a semester of math. A surprising amount of basic math and statistics is important for daily life as a physician or health professional—from determining proper dosage to reading lab results.
• ENGLISH: Many medical schools want you to have critical thinking and reading/writing skills outside of basic science classes. The way they ensure you have these skills is through requiring an English class or, at the very least, a class with a writing-intensive focus.
• BIOCHEMISTRY: Biochemistry has gotten a lot more attention since receiving an increased emphasis on the MCAT.
• PSYCHOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY: Like biochemistry, psychology and sociology have increased in popularity as medical school prerequisites since their inclusion on the MCAT.
Just like when you apply to colleges, your GPA is going to be a big part of your medical school applications. Medical schools only accept their top applicants, so if your GPA is less than stellar, you may not get into your top schools. While your math and science classes will take priority, you shouldn’t allow your grades for your outside classes to slip either. Medical schools will review your undergraduate transcript and all of your grades, even those that aren’t directly related to math and science.
Victoria Monz
Digital Artist
3
Answers
Milford, Pennsylvania
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hello Danya!
I'd definitely recommend getting into computer science. There are always jobs available to build websites and help out brands with their assets. This is a tough decision to make. Don't stress yourself out on this too much. Coding is hard and it takes time and practice. I'd recommend sticking to it if you're good at it. There are other fields you can get into with coding. This includes the gaming industry as well.
Good luck to you, I know how difficult it is to actually decide what you want to do. I'm an animator and I chose to pursue a career that relies on Coding, even in the software we use it's necessary.
I'd definitely recommend getting into computer science. There are always jobs available to build websites and help out brands with their assets. This is a tough decision to make. Don't stress yourself out on this too much. Coding is hard and it takes time and practice. I'd recommend sticking to it if you're good at it. There are other fields you can get into with coding. This includes the gaming industry as well.
Good luck to you, I know how difficult it is to actually decide what you want to do. I'm an animator and I chose to pursue a career that relies on Coding, even in the software we use it's necessary.
Thank you for giving me advice.
danya
Monicka Matheswaran
Software developer
1
Answer
Chennaipalem, Telangana
Updated
Monicka’s Answer
Hello Danya,
I trust you've already started discussions with your teachers and school administrators about the possibility of changing your major. School policies can vary, but if there's even the smallest chance of being able to make this change, I encourage you to explore it.
If, for some reason, your current school isn't open to the idea, don't be discouraged. There are many other schools out there that might be more accommodating to your request. Consider the possibility of transferring to a different institution.
Another point to consider, I recently came across an article in The Hindu that mentioned non-biology students are eligible to take the NEET exams. If you're in India, why not start preparing for these exams or explore other medical exams that you could potentially qualify for? Even if you're not in India, there are likely similar opportunities available in your country that don't exclude non-biology students.
Remember to talk to your teachers and parents. If your dream is to become a doctor, hold on to that dream and don't let go. You have the potential to achieve it.
All the very best!
I trust you've already started discussions with your teachers and school administrators about the possibility of changing your major. School policies can vary, but if there's even the smallest chance of being able to make this change, I encourage you to explore it.
If, for some reason, your current school isn't open to the idea, don't be discouraged. There are many other schools out there that might be more accommodating to your request. Consider the possibility of transferring to a different institution.
Another point to consider, I recently came across an article in The Hindu that mentioned non-biology students are eligible to take the NEET exams. If you're in India, why not start preparing for these exams or explore other medical exams that you could potentially qualify for? Even if you're not in India, there are likely similar opportunities available in your country that don't exclude non-biology students.
Remember to talk to your teachers and parents. If your dream is to become a doctor, hold on to that dream and don't let go. You have the potential to achieve it.
All the very best!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
danya
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Danya !
I know that it may seem confusing but you have gone through a lot of consideration about majors and now feel that a future career as a doctor is what you want. That is exactly what you should do. There is no such thing as "not being able to change". You are in the 11th grade and you won't be applying to college for a while yet. Know that you do not have to "settle" for a major while in 11th grade. You will pick your major once you apply for college which may be a bit over a year from now. You have time.
At this time in your life, you must be self-directed. If you want to become a doctor, you can. You can take the supportive courses for that in college and major in one of the human sciences. I am so sorry to know that someone made you feel that you not only had to pick a major now but also once picked that you can't change your mind and go with a different future college major. Even if you've applied to college yesterday, you can ALWAYS change your major to a field that will prepare you for the career that you want.
There may be something that you can do now that will put you in the place you want to be with future aspirations of becoming a doctor and not a computer technology professional. Visit your guidance counselor as soon as possible. Ask the counselor what the process is for dropping a class and adding a different class. This is right at the beginning of the school year. Coupled with the assumption that your coding class is an elective, it may be not difficult to do. All high schools have different rules and processes for dropping and adding a class in its' place, so talk with the guidance counselor and see how it is done. Once you get the go-ahead, arrange with the counselor to add a biology, anatomy or psychology class in the place of the coding class. Do this as soon as possible, though as it is very early in the school year.
Although doctors use computers and other technology, you will learn all of that in Medical School. Do not worry. Even if there are no life science classes at your school, you will do well in preparation in undergraduate college majoring in a life science. All is not lost. You can become a doctor and you should pursue any career that you feel passionate about because it will be a large part of your life, not anyone else's.
This is advice I would give to students in the United States. Do explore what the guidelines are in your country as that may be why you believe that you cannot change what you plan to major in. Read about various majors at nearby colleges and learn the criteria and guidelines for that. Even if it's that your country accepts early enrollment and you've already applied, consult with the college about the process of changing your major. I am not sure what factors cause you to believe that you can't change it.
I hope that this is helpful, maybe with some possible active steps to take. I wish you all the best moving forward and exploring how you can make your future college experience work so that it can be a wonderful experience for you !
I know that it may seem confusing but you have gone through a lot of consideration about majors and now feel that a future career as a doctor is what you want. That is exactly what you should do. There is no such thing as "not being able to change". You are in the 11th grade and you won't be applying to college for a while yet. Know that you do not have to "settle" for a major while in 11th grade. You will pick your major once you apply for college which may be a bit over a year from now. You have time.
At this time in your life, you must be self-directed. If you want to become a doctor, you can. You can take the supportive courses for that in college and major in one of the human sciences. I am so sorry to know that someone made you feel that you not only had to pick a major now but also once picked that you can't change your mind and go with a different future college major. Even if you've applied to college yesterday, you can ALWAYS change your major to a field that will prepare you for the career that you want.
There may be something that you can do now that will put you in the place you want to be with future aspirations of becoming a doctor and not a computer technology professional. Visit your guidance counselor as soon as possible. Ask the counselor what the process is for dropping a class and adding a different class. This is right at the beginning of the school year. Coupled with the assumption that your coding class is an elective, it may be not difficult to do. All high schools have different rules and processes for dropping and adding a class in its' place, so talk with the guidance counselor and see how it is done. Once you get the go-ahead, arrange with the counselor to add a biology, anatomy or psychology class in the place of the coding class. Do this as soon as possible, though as it is very early in the school year.
Although doctors use computers and other technology, you will learn all of that in Medical School. Do not worry. Even if there are no life science classes at your school, you will do well in preparation in undergraduate college majoring in a life science. All is not lost. You can become a doctor and you should pursue any career that you feel passionate about because it will be a large part of your life, not anyone else's.
This is advice I would give to students in the United States. Do explore what the guidelines are in your country as that may be why you believe that you cannot change what you plan to major in. Read about various majors at nearby colleges and learn the criteria and guidelines for that. Even if it's that your country accepts early enrollment and you've already applied, consult with the college about the process of changing your major. I am not sure what factors cause you to believe that you can't change it.
I hope that this is helpful, maybe with some possible active steps to take. I wish you all the best moving forward and exploring how you can make your future college experience work so that it can be a wonderful experience for you !
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
danya
You are very welcome, Danya !
Michelle M.
Avinash Chandran p
Career Exert
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
It sounds like you're in a tough spot right now, and it's completely normal to feel this way when you're making big decisions about your future. You're not alone in feeling confused, especially when the path you thought you'd enjoy doesn't feel right anymore. Let's break this down together.
First, it's great that you're aware of what excites you and what doesn't. Your interest in becoming a doctor and your discomfort with coding are valid feelings, and it's important to honor them. You’re in grade 11, so while it may feel like the door is closing, you still have some flexibility.
Becoming a doctor typically requires a strong foundation in biology, so even though you've chosen computer science, you can still make a plan. Look into your school's policies on subject changes—sometimes, they allow adjustments. If switching back to biology isn't possible, there are still ways to get back on track. For example, you can explore taking biology or other relevant subjects in your 12th-grade year or even consider private classes or preparatory courses after 12th.
Lastly, take a moment to talk with your parents again. Share how you're feeling openly, and perhaps discuss a plan where you can follow your passion for medicine. It’s important to pursue something that feels meaningful to you, and there are often more paths to your goals than we realize at first.
This moment of confusion is natural, and it’s actually a sign that you’re really thinking deeply about what you want in life. Stay open, keep exploring your options, check opportunities and career after 12th and give yourself the grace to pivot when necessary.
First, it's great that you're aware of what excites you and what doesn't. Your interest in becoming a doctor and your discomfort with coding are valid feelings, and it's important to honor them. You’re in grade 11, so while it may feel like the door is closing, you still have some flexibility.
Becoming a doctor typically requires a strong foundation in biology, so even though you've chosen computer science, you can still make a plan. Look into your school's policies on subject changes—sometimes, they allow adjustments. If switching back to biology isn't possible, there are still ways to get back on track. For example, you can explore taking biology or other relevant subjects in your 12th-grade year or even consider private classes or preparatory courses after 12th.
Lastly, take a moment to talk with your parents again. Share how you're feeling openly, and perhaps discuss a plan where you can follow your passion for medicine. It’s important to pursue something that feels meaningful to you, and there are often more paths to your goals than we realize at first.
This moment of confusion is natural, and it’s actually a sign that you’re really thinking deeply about what you want in life. Stay open, keep exploring your options, check opportunities and career after 12th and give yourself the grace to pivot when necessary.
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