Degree choice panic
Okie so, I've been in a bit of a panic lately. Any advice would be extremely appreciated:
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
Original post by Lugg13
Okie so, I've been in a bit of a panic lately. Any advice would be extremely appreciated:
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
the ucas deadline for application to these subjects is January so you have plenty of time to think about it! pick one you enjoy more!
Original post by phi04
the ucas deadline for application to these subjects is January so you have plenty of time to think about it! pick one you enjoy more!
OP mentioned applying to Oxford, and would therefore have a deadline of 6pm on 15th October.
Original post by Lugg13
Okie so, I've been in a bit of a panic lately. Any advice would be extremely appreciated:
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
Hi @Lugg13
I understand the dilemma! Personally I didn't realise I wanted to take business management till I was just about to write my personal statement, I was originally planning to do law. It's difficult to choose the right degree for you, however devoting time to adjusting your application for a course you would prefer may be worth it. The best way I suggest viewing it is what would you be happy to have as a career 10 years down the line? What are you passionate about and what will drive you to work harder and improve? I also recommend possibly looking into other courses and weighing up the options, there are so many unique courses and routes that may have the right balance of your interests. The best way to achieve a high grade in your degree is to be passionate about the subject your taking, so take this into consideration.
I honestly don't believe it's not too late as this time last year, I was still arranging my application too, which I also submitted at a similar deadline to yours (October). I hope this can give you a bit of confidence that you do have time left!
Please feel free to ask me any questions and good luck with your application, 🙂
-Sophia (Business and Management)
What aspects of physics do you not enjoy?
If you set aside the question of careers for now, what would you rather spend 3 years studying intensively - physics or psychology?
Most graduate jobs aren't specific about what subjects they want their applicants to have studied. Something like physics can be handy because you get a lot of practise with coding, data analysis, problem solving etc, but anyone can learn that in their own time. If you get an internship you'll be in a good position regardless of the degree subject.
If you can't decide in time, then in my opinion the best thing to do isn't to impatiently throw yourself into a degree you're not certain about. Nothing wrong with doing a gap year; and you'd get to apply after having received your results.
If you set aside the question of careers for now, what would you rather spend 3 years studying intensively - physics or psychology?
Most graduate jobs aren't specific about what subjects they want their applicants to have studied. Something like physics can be handy because you get a lot of practise with coding, data analysis, problem solving etc, but anyone can learn that in their own time. If you get an internship you'll be in a good position regardless of the degree subject.
If you can't decide in time, then in my opinion the best thing to do isn't to impatiently throw yourself into a degree you're not certain about. Nothing wrong with doing a gap year; and you'd get to apply after having received your results.
Original post by Lugg13
Okie so, I've been in a bit of a panic lately. Any advice would be extremely appreciated:
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
I've wanted to study psychology for the past year. I have my sights on Oxford as well as a few other high performing unis, and my application is quite strong.
But now I'm having second thoughts. I'm not so sure I like any of the careers you can go into with psychology. I certainly don't want to go into anything clinical, nor anything to do with social work. I originally thought about research but now I'm not so sure either.
I'd think about studying physics instead (I have the right A-levels) but I don't enjoy all aspects, and I feel like it's too late to change if I wish to make the October deadline.
Does anyone have any advice? If you've had something similar, or any interesting psych careers, or any tips on how to change subject so late in the game? Thank you so much!!
So I did Psychology at AS levels and while it was the most interesting of the three subjects, I definitely had the same worries in terms of post-gradutaion career opportunities. Best thing is to focus on WHY you want to study Psychology in the first place? Is it because of the content? Is it because it's interesting? Almost everyone finds Psychology interesting, it's full of facts, experiemtns and understanding society etc. I'd say see if you can have a chat with your pospective university on the careers you can go into afterwards before making a change. Or even at you school/college. Doesn't hurt to ask. That way you can get some idea of which subject to pursue.
I don't know much of the Oxbridge deadline and their criteria but just thought I'd share my experience and tips. Hope that helped 🙂
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