6 answers
Tiana
Student
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
7
Questions
Updated
332 views
How do I know what field to enter if I have a lot of choices?
I am an IBDP Grade 11 student with interests in business and entrepreneurship but not able to manage grades and college applications .
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6 answers
jose isahy Galvan Mendoza
I'm an accountant
3
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
jose isahy’s Answer
It's tough to decide because you might worry about making the wrong choice, but that's not true. My advice is to follow your heart. You might feel tempted to pick a path just for the money, but that's a mistake. Even all the money in the world can't keep you motivated when things get tough. It's easier to stay inspired and bounce back when you're doing something you love.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Tiana
Hector Santiago
Sr. Project Manager
8
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Hector’s Answer
Hi Tiana. I would apply a very simple approach that includes making a list of the things that you like to do and another list containing the things that you think you're good at. Once you compare these 2 lists you will be able to clearly see the things that you will want to search for in a field, career or specific job. Hope that helps.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Tiana
Navalayo Osembo
Business Manager
6
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Navalayo’s Answer
Hi Tiana,
In addition to all the wonderful advise you've received so far....
Take a step back first to put things into perspective. You need good grades and strong extracurricular activities to help you get into college. A lot of applications for college will open up in fall so you also need to keep that in mind. Now that you have the bigger picture ahead of you, create a realistic plan that will help you move forward and not feel stuck or stressed.
1. Make a shortlist of the colleges you want and rank them by priority (must apply to, nice to have, and maybe). Note the requirements and deadlines. Knowing this will help you move from the general feeling that college applications are a big task to having smaller, actionable items to focus on. So, if, for example, you focus on the personal statements for your must-apply-to list, you would have made progress. And once you make progress, the next step always feels lighter.
2. Ensure anything that is needed across the lists, e.g., standardised testing are also scheduled and done.
3. Treat your extracurricular activities as hobbies because essentially, you should enjoy them. Do them for yourself, focusing on the ones relevant to your application, e.g., if you are working on an entrepreneurship project for yourself or have an internship, but also make time for things that give you joy and energy and are unrelated to the application process. Take a walk, meet a friend, go swimming - whatever it is, do it. These joy bringers play an important role in re-energising you and giving you space to breathe outside the daily rigour. A re-energised you is more likely to do a much better job in the college applications, and also be a better human, than a tired you. It will also show in the quality of your output, so it is key that you look after yourself in this moment.
All the best!
In addition to all the wonderful advise you've received so far....
Take a step back first to put things into perspective. You need good grades and strong extracurricular activities to help you get into college. A lot of applications for college will open up in fall so you also need to keep that in mind. Now that you have the bigger picture ahead of you, create a realistic plan that will help you move forward and not feel stuck or stressed.
1. Make a shortlist of the colleges you want and rank them by priority (must apply to, nice to have, and maybe). Note the requirements and deadlines. Knowing this will help you move from the general feeling that college applications are a big task to having smaller, actionable items to focus on. So, if, for example, you focus on the personal statements for your must-apply-to list, you would have made progress. And once you make progress, the next step always feels lighter.
2. Ensure anything that is needed across the lists, e.g., standardised testing are also scheduled and done.
3. Treat your extracurricular activities as hobbies because essentially, you should enjoy them. Do them for yourself, focusing on the ones relevant to your application, e.g., if you are working on an entrepreneurship project for yourself or have an internship, but also make time for things that give you joy and energy and are unrelated to the application process. Take a walk, meet a friend, go swimming - whatever it is, do it. These joy bringers play an important role in re-energising you and giving you space to breathe outside the daily rigour. A re-energised you is more likely to do a much better job in the college applications, and also be a better human, than a tired you. It will also show in the quality of your output, so it is key that you look after yourself in this moment.
All the best!
Navalayo Osembo
Business Manager
6
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Navalayo’s Answer
Hi Tiana,
Take a step back first to put things into perspective. You need good grades and strong extracurricular activities to help you get into college. A lot of applications for college will open up in fall so you also need to keep that in mind. Now that you have the bigger picture ahead of you, create a realistic plan that will help you move forward and not feel stuck or stressed.
1. Make a shortlist of the colleges you want and rank them by priority (must apply to, nice to have, and maybe). Note the requirements and deadlines. Knowing this will help you move from the general feeling that college applications are a big task to having smaller, actionable items to focus on. So, if, for example, you focus on the personal statements for your must-apply-to list, you would have made progress. And once you make progress, the next step always feels lighter.
2. Ensure anything that is needed across the lists, e.g., standardised testing are also scheduled and done.
3. Treat your extracurricular activities as hobbies because essentially, you should enjoy them. Do them for yourself, focusing on the ones relevant to your application, e.g., if you are working on an entrepreneurship project for yourself or have an internship, but also make time for things that give you joy and energy and are unrelated to the application process. Take a walk, meet a friend, go swimming - whatever it is, do it. These joy bringers play an important role in re-energising you and giving you space to breathe outside the daily rigour. A re-energised you is more likely to do a much better job in the college applications, and also be a better human, than a tired you. It will also show in the quality of your output, so it is key that you look after yourself in this moment.
All the best!
Take a step back first to put things into perspective. You need good grades and strong extracurricular activities to help you get into college. A lot of applications for college will open up in fall so you also need to keep that in mind. Now that you have the bigger picture ahead of you, create a realistic plan that will help you move forward and not feel stuck or stressed.
1. Make a shortlist of the colleges you want and rank them by priority (must apply to, nice to have, and maybe). Note the requirements and deadlines. Knowing this will help you move from the general feeling that college applications are a big task to having smaller, actionable items to focus on. So, if, for example, you focus on the personal statements for your must-apply-to list, you would have made progress. And once you make progress, the next step always feels lighter.
2. Ensure anything that is needed across the lists, e.g., standardised testing are also scheduled and done.
3. Treat your extracurricular activities as hobbies because essentially, you should enjoy them. Do them for yourself, focusing on the ones relevant to your application, e.g., if you are working on an entrepreneurship project for yourself or have an internship, but also make time for things that give you joy and energy and are unrelated to the application process. Take a walk, meet a friend, go swimming - whatever it is, do it. These joy bringers play an important role in re-energising you and giving you space to breathe outside the daily rigour. A re-energised you is more likely to do a much better job in the college applications, and also be a better human, than a tired you. It will also show in the quality of your output, so it is key that you look after yourself in this moment.
All the best!
Thank you for the advice.
Tiana
Marty Meyer
General Manager
92
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
There may not be just one right choice- follow your interests, choose a school that appeals to you and learn everything you can. Occam's Razor states that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one. Good luck to you -
Thank you!
Tiana
Amy Romine
Author
3
Answers
Claremore, Oklahoma
Updated
Amy’s Answer
You’re standing at a crossroads most people don’t even recognize yet—and that’s a good thing. It means you’re paying attention.
Let’s slow this down and get you clarity without overwhelm.
You don’t win by choosing the perfect path.
You win by:
Choosing a clear enough path
Then executing consistently !😁
1. First Truth: You Don’t Need to Pick Your Final Field Yet You’re in International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Grade 11. That means: You are exploring, not locking in your life forever Colleges expect direction, not perfection Most successful people pivot multiple times So remove this pressure: “I must choose the perfect field right now.
2. What You Do Need: A Direction (Not a Destination) Since you said: > “I’m interested in business and entrepreneurship” That’s already a strong direction. Now we refine it into something usable for college applications.
3. Simple Framework to Choose Your Field Ask yourself these 3 questions: 🔹 A. What do I naturally enjoy? Selling ideas? Leading people? Creating things? Solving problems? 🔹 B. What kind of work excites you? Starting something new → Entrepreneurship Managing operations → Business Administration Marketing & branding → Marketing Numbers & strategy → Finance 🔹 C. What can I realistically handle right now? This is key since you said: > struggling with grades + applications 👉 Choose something broad and flexible, not hyper-specific.
4. Best “Safe + Smart” Fields for You Based on your situation, here are strong options: ✔️ Business Administration (Best overall) Flexible Covers everything (marketing, finance, management) Keeps doors open ✔️ Entrepreneurship Great if you’re action-driven Some schools offer it, but often paired with business ✔️ Marketing Creative + business mix Easier entry than finance-heavy paths ✔️ Finance (only if you like numbers) More demanding academically
5. Your Real Problem Isn’t the Field Let me be honest with you (because you need it): 👉 The issue isn’t confusion. 👉 It’s overload. You said: Can’t manage grades Struggling with applications That means your focus should be: ⚠️ Priority Order: 1. Stabilize your grades 2. Pick a simple field (not perfect) 3. Build a basic application story. The 80/20 Strategy (This Will Change Everything) Instead of trying to do everything: Do THIS: Pick one field → Business Administration Pick one story → “Future entrepreneur learning business foundations” Pick one or two activities → small business idea, club, or project That’s it.
Let’s slow this down and get you clarity without overwhelm.
You don’t win by choosing the perfect path.
You win by:
Choosing a clear enough path
Then executing consistently !😁
Amy recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Amy
Tiana