Can I take only general education courses the first couple years of college?

The college will have a list of general education courses which are required by law, and which specific courses that they offer will satisfy those requirements. You should be able to find it on the school's website. It will include English - writing and literature, Science, History, Political Science/Government, Math, Arts, Foreign Language (?), and possibly a Freshman orientation to college/library. It takes about a year and a half to work through these.

If you take all of them first, and nothing else, two years from now, how will you be any closer to deciding between medicine and education? You need to start "sampling" both fields, by taking one or two of their introductory courses. They both offer a very broad range of opportunities. For example, you may not want to be a teacher, but could better see yourself as a school counselor. In medicine, there is everything from lab to doctor to radiology, and even social services that help transplant patients. Okay, I was not planning to say this as I started writing, but a Counseling degree field would be transferable to both medicine and teaching!

There is a lot to explore and think about! As you take these different classes, try to determine where you feel like you "fit in" more. And don't let a bad class, or a bad instructor, influence your decision. There will be some of those in every field!

Best of luck~

kim

Hi! Congratulations on your decision to move forward with furthering your education. Generally your college will have a list of core courses you need to take. There will be some elective courses permitted as well that allows you to customize your classes. This allows you some time to explore your major. I would suggest speaking to the admissions to set you up with a counselor. In this digital age, you may even be able to communicate online. Beat to you!!

Colleges have lists of general education classes you can take first before starting your major classes. While you take these classes, you could also begin exploring more in your potential fields of interest. This is wise for a couple of reasons. It allows you to get comfortable with college life and how to balance your educational and social activities. Second, it may save you some money in the longer term. If you're ultimatelt confident in the major you select, you'll be less likely to switch majors. Sometimes the requirements for one major do not fully transfer to another major. Your school counselor can help you clarify this with you specifically.

Well wishes in selecting a college and your major! I graduated from the Ohio State University and was blessed with fantastic counselors and professors. I hope your experience will be the same.