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Niha
Student
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I am a high school junior currently suffering from a chaotic time due to career confusion. I want to know a clear path for my future. My majors are maths and chemistry, and Computer science as a minor. I want to get a clear-cut path for my future, as I am running out of time. I need to decide what to do next. I need genuine help from a mentor. Along with that, I need to know about some useful free websites as a teenager to get into top universities
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11 answers
Nalani Kopp
Forward Deployed Engineering Director
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nalani’s Answer
I remember feeling this remarkable amount of pressure as a high school junior, especially with college applications on the horizon and the guidance that this year's performance is the most critical for your applications. I promise you that no matter which path you will take, it will also change with life, interests, and the world around you. That's not to discourage you from choosing a path, but moreso to invite you to be open-minded about how your life's journey will always change. You've got this! I've added some recommended next steps below. I have used all of these tools personally and with my former students. I hope they will take some of the pressure off that you're feeling this year, and also help you focus on what really matters - your purpose and the beautiful ways you can contribute to our community.
Journal about why you love the majors/minor you selected. What gives you energy about these Fields? What inspired you to explore them?
Explore the Ikigai Purpose Driven Life Exercises - https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai-worksheets-templates/
Use the What Color is Your Parachute Book to work through why you love things, how that connects to your skills, and how that will connect to future job opportunities https://parachutebook.com/
Nalani recommends the following next steps:
Danielle O'Hara
Associate Director for Post Enrollment
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Danielle ’s Answer
I want to start by applauding how proactive you are being. Many students wait until their senior year or even college to start thinking seriously about their future, but you are already reflecting on your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. That level of self-awareness and initiative is a real advantage. It is also important to remember that feeling uncertain at this stage is completely normal. The students who are most successful are not always the ones who have everything figured out early; they are often the ones who are willing to explore, ask questions, and learn more about themselves before making a decision. I started college believing I wanted to go into medicine- majoring in chemistry and psychology, but found over two years that my passion more lied in education. Even you choose one direction- you always have the ability to take a different path.
Rather than trying to find the "right" answer immediately, focus on discovering what genuinely interests and motivates you. Use your remaining time in high school to explore areas connected to mathematics, chemistry, and computer science through classes, projects, competitions, online courses, job shadowing, or conversations with professionals in those fields.
Pay attention to which activities energize you, which problems you enjoy solving, and what subjects you find yourself wanting to learn about beyond what is required. Below are some resources that could help you in exploring:
BigFuture by College Board (career quizzes, college exploration, and major information)
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers
My Next Move (career assessment and career exploration tool)
https://www.mynextmove.org
O*NET Online (detailed information about careers, skills, and job outlooks)
https://www.onetonline.org
Harvard CS50 (free introductory computer science course)
https://cs50.harvard.edu
MIT OpenCourseWare (free college-level courses from MIT)
https://ocw.mit.edu
Khan Academy (free courses in math, chemistry, science, and SAT preparation)
https://www.khanacademy.org
The goal is not to choose your entire future today, but to gather enough experiences that your next step becomes clearer and more confident with time.
Rather than trying to find the "right" answer immediately, focus on discovering what genuinely interests and motivates you. Use your remaining time in high school to explore areas connected to mathematics, chemistry, and computer science through classes, projects, competitions, online courses, job shadowing, or conversations with professionals in those fields.
Pay attention to which activities energize you, which problems you enjoy solving, and what subjects you find yourself wanting to learn about beyond what is required. Below are some resources that could help you in exploring:
BigFuture by College Board (career quizzes, college exploration, and major information)
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers
My Next Move (career assessment and career exploration tool)
https://www.mynextmove.org
O*NET Online (detailed information about careers, skills, and job outlooks)
https://www.onetonline.org
Harvard CS50 (free introductory computer science course)
https://cs50.harvard.edu
MIT OpenCourseWare (free college-level courses from MIT)
https://ocw.mit.edu
Khan Academy (free courses in math, chemistry, science, and SAT preparation)
https://www.khanacademy.org
The goal is not to choose your entire future today, but to gather enough experiences that your next step becomes clearer and more confident with time.
Ayla Gehner
Student advising
2
Answers
Marion, Illinois
Updated
Ayla’s Answer
Hi Niha! First, you should know that almost no-one knows with certainty what their career path will be by the time they're a Junior. It's normal to feel like time is running out- but try to remind yourself that's not true! Based on your interests and goals, it sounds like college is something you seriously want to pursue. When you begin college, whether it's at the Community College or 4-year university level, you do not have to declare a major of study immediately. Many students begin with general education coursework, and take elective courses in areas of interest to help them narrow down their interests and goals. Starting in an Associate's level or Bachelor's level Applied Science program will likely give you the opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover your path.
Although it's admirable and commendable to aim for admission to a "top" university, remember that qualified, passionate, and excellent professionals emerge from ALL schools- not just those with a prestigious name.
Set up college visits with campuses near you to learn more about their maths & sciences departments
Remember it's normal and ok for study goals to change. Focus instead on a higher-ed institution that meets your needs in other ways, such as distance from home, cost, and personal comfort.
Although it's admirable and commendable to aim for admission to a "top" university, remember that qualified, passionate, and excellent professionals emerge from ALL schools- not just those with a prestigious name.
Ayla recommends the following next steps:
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Niha
Ysmenia Perez
On Road Area Manager
5
Answers
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Updated
Ysmenia’s Answer
Hi Niha, first of all, take a deep breath, what you're feeling is completely normal, and honestly the fact that you're thinking about this as a junior means you're ahead of the game, not behind it. You are not running out of time, I promise.
And here's some genuinely good news: Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science is one of the strongest subject combinations you could have picked. It keeps almost every door open instead of closing them. Fields like engineering, computer science, data science and AI, chemistry and chemical engineering, or applied math and physics all flow naturally from what you're already studying. So you haven't boxed yourself in at all.
The thing that helped me most at your age was realizing I didn't have to pick my final career, I just had to pick my next step. So instead of trying to plan your whole life, try exploring two or three of those fields through small free courses or a little project, and pay attention to which one makes you lose track of time. That feeling is a real signal. Building even one small thing, like a simple coding project or a science experiment, will teach you more than months of worrying ever could, and it looks great on applications too. Keep your grades solid in math and chemistry especially, since those are the gatekeeper subjects for most of these paths, and start keeping a simple running list of everything you do; courses, clubs, projects because it makes college applications so much less stressful later.
For getting into top universities without spending money, there's a lot out there. Khan Academy is fantastic for math, chemistry, CS, and even SAT prep. MIT OpenCourseWare (ocw.mit.edu) gives you actual MIT course materials for free, and Harvard's CS50 on edX is probably the best free intro to computer science anywhere. Coursera and edX let you audit real university courses at no cost, freeCodeCamp is great for hands-on coding, and BigFuture by College Board is really useful for exploring careers and finding scholarships. Brilliant and channels like Crash Course on YouTube are great for building intuition in math and science.
But if you take away one thing, let it be this: pick just one small action this week. Don't try to figure out everything at once. Clarity doesn't come from thinking harder — it comes from doing. You've genuinely got this. 💪
And here's some genuinely good news: Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science is one of the strongest subject combinations you could have picked. It keeps almost every door open instead of closing them. Fields like engineering, computer science, data science and AI, chemistry and chemical engineering, or applied math and physics all flow naturally from what you're already studying. So you haven't boxed yourself in at all.
The thing that helped me most at your age was realizing I didn't have to pick my final career, I just had to pick my next step. So instead of trying to plan your whole life, try exploring two or three of those fields through small free courses or a little project, and pay attention to which one makes you lose track of time. That feeling is a real signal. Building even one small thing, like a simple coding project or a science experiment, will teach you more than months of worrying ever could, and it looks great on applications too. Keep your grades solid in math and chemistry especially, since those are the gatekeeper subjects for most of these paths, and start keeping a simple running list of everything you do; courses, clubs, projects because it makes college applications so much less stressful later.
For getting into top universities without spending money, there's a lot out there. Khan Academy is fantastic for math, chemistry, CS, and even SAT prep. MIT OpenCourseWare (ocw.mit.edu) gives you actual MIT course materials for free, and Harvard's CS50 on edX is probably the best free intro to computer science anywhere. Coursera and edX let you audit real university courses at no cost, freeCodeCamp is great for hands-on coding, and BigFuture by College Board is really useful for exploring careers and finding scholarships. Brilliant and channels like Crash Course on YouTube are great for building intuition in math and science.
But if you take away one thing, let it be this: pick just one small action this week. Don't try to figure out everything at once. Clarity doesn't come from thinking harder — it comes from doing. You've genuinely got this. 💪
Jezlea Ortega
Tech Architecture
102
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jezlea’s Answer
The combination of mathematics, chemistry, and computer science is genuinely one of the most powerful and versatile academic profiles a high school student can have right now because it opens doors into some of the most in demand and well compensated fields available: computational chemistry, data science, artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, biotech, and quantitative finance all sit directly at that intersection. You are not running out of time and you are not behind.
The most honest advice for finding clarity is to stop searching for the perfect answer and start narrowing through elimination instead. Ask yourself which of your three subjects genuinely excites you most when you are engaging with it independently rather than just for a grade. If chemistry lights something up that math and CS don't, look toward chemical engineering, materials science, or computational chemistry. If the programming and logical side pulls strongest, data science or software engineering with a quantitative focus might be your direction. If mathematics itself is where you feel most alive, fields like actuarial science, quantitative analysis, or applied mathematics open exceptionally strong career paths. You do not need a final answer today, you just need enough direction to move forward intentionally.
The most honest advice for finding clarity is to stop searching for the perfect answer and start narrowing through elimination instead. Ask yourself which of your three subjects genuinely excites you most when you are engaging with it independently rather than just for a grade. If chemistry lights something up that math and CS don't, look toward chemical engineering, materials science, or computational chemistry. If the programming and logical side pulls strongest, data science or software engineering with a quantitative focus might be your direction. If mathematics itself is where you feel most alive, fields like actuarial science, quantitative analysis, or applied mathematics open exceptionally strong career paths. You do not need a final answer today, you just need enough direction to move forward intentionally.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Niha
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2791
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. You have plenty of career options. Below are my suggestions :
1. Would you consider to become an engineer, accountant, banker, financial analyst, pharmacist, web / apps developer, network engineer, etc.
You can find out more relevant careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend the information sessions hosts by relevant department in colleges
4. Seek guidance from your school career counselor, your parents, etc.
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
1. Would you consider to become an engineer, accountant, banker, financial analyst, pharmacist, web / apps developer, network engineer, etc.
You can find out more relevant careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend the information sessions hosts by relevant department in colleges
4. Seek guidance from your school career counselor, your parents, etc.
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
I appreciate your support, Rebecca
Niha
Philip Gauthier
Nuclear Plant Work Week Manager
31
Answers
Prairieville, Louisiana
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Hi Niha, I'm sorry you are going through some confusion about what comes next. Not knowing the future can be a stressful thing, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. I have been there many times in my life, and I know Junior/Senior years can feel a bit overwhelming with all the tests and decisions that need to be made.
Just remember that you are not running out of time... Yes, you have choices to make, but you are young and you have a lot of time to figure out what it is that you want to do with your future. There are very few wrong choices (drugs, crime, etc...) when it comes to choosing your path in life. As long as you pursue something that is important to you, there are only learning and growing opportunities. I have made mistakes in the past, but since I pursued something important to me, I have had no regrets.
As someone who deals with ADHD, one of the things I do is make pros and cons lists and set a deadline for myself (I recommend Pen and Paper). If I am still on the fence between options when the deadline approaches, I make myself make a decision. One of the worst things you can do is not make a choice or let someone else make a decision for you. I read to my young daughters every night and one of the books I have read them is Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places you'll go". I know this sounds childish, but I didn't discover the wisdom of the following quote until I was 33.
"Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused
that you’ll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles cross weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…
…for people just waiting."
Waiting or procrastinating is the worst choice as it could limit your options and if you may miss out on some very valuable learning opportunities. Don't take this to mean that you have to rush into a decision. Put a personal deadline on yourself and do research to make an informed decision on your terms. YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP. Everyone will have their opinions or comments but only you can give the order to the helmsman on what heading to take.
It sounds like you are good at Math and Chemistry which is excellent because these skills are required for a lot of careers. My suggestion for getting into a top university is to make sure ALL of your grades are high (Focus on the ones you struggle with). Don't just focus on school either... Make sure you are involved in some extracurricular activities outside of school (Volunteering, Youth organizations, Community Programs, etc...). Universities are often very interested in these extracurricular activities.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you find something that is fulfilling!
Make a Pros and Cons List of Options and set a personal deadline to make a decision
Work on getting your lowest grade up
Participate in extracurricular activities / volunteer
Just remember that you are not running out of time... Yes, you have choices to make, but you are young and you have a lot of time to figure out what it is that you want to do with your future. There are very few wrong choices (drugs, crime, etc...) when it comes to choosing your path in life. As long as you pursue something that is important to you, there are only learning and growing opportunities. I have made mistakes in the past, but since I pursued something important to me, I have had no regrets.
As someone who deals with ADHD, one of the things I do is make pros and cons lists and set a deadline for myself (I recommend Pen and Paper). If I am still on the fence between options when the deadline approaches, I make myself make a decision. One of the worst things you can do is not make a choice or let someone else make a decision for you. I read to my young daughters every night and one of the books I have read them is Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places you'll go". I know this sounds childish, but I didn't discover the wisdom of the following quote until I was 33.
"Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused
that you’ll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles cross weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…
…for people just waiting."
Waiting or procrastinating is the worst choice as it could limit your options and if you may miss out on some very valuable learning opportunities. Don't take this to mean that you have to rush into a decision. Put a personal deadline on yourself and do research to make an informed decision on your terms. YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP. Everyone will have their opinions or comments but only you can give the order to the helmsman on what heading to take.
It sounds like you are good at Math and Chemistry which is excellent because these skills are required for a lot of careers. My suggestion for getting into a top university is to make sure ALL of your grades are high (Focus on the ones you struggle with). Don't just focus on school either... Make sure you are involved in some extracurricular activities outside of school (Volunteering, Youth organizations, Community Programs, etc...). Universities are often very interested in these extracurricular activities.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you find something that is fulfilling!
Philip recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Philip
Niha
Nishi Bhonsle
Director Engineering
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Nishi’s Answer
Hi Niha, don't worry about running out of time. Learning can happen throughout your life if you choose. You can build a career while still studying. Since you've chosen Math, Chemistry, and Computer Science, you likely have a logical mindset. There are opportunities like Teach For America that can offer career-like experiences while you're still a junior. You can also find free courses on Udemy and YouTube in your areas of interest. But first, think about what truly excites you. Is it research, problem-solving, or something else? Based on this, you can find resources online to help you grow in those areas.
Remember, getting into top universities is a good goal, but some factors are beyond your control. Many students who don't attend top schools still build successful careers because they follow their true passions and seek help when needed.
Take a deep breath. You've got this.
Remember, getting into top universities is a good goal, but some factors are beyond your control. Many students who don't attend top schools still build successful careers because they follow their true passions and seek help when needed.
Take a deep breath. You've got this.
Gina Heimbecker
Higher Education- Admissions
2
Answers
Carol Stream, Illinois
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Hello- Being a junior in high school can be an exciting and overwhelming time. It's great that you have an idea of what you would like to study. Have you started to look at what type of careers you can explore with a math, chemistry, and computer science background? My recommendation would be to career search specific roles and look at what type of degrees are required for that role. For instance, with math, chemistry , and computer science you can go into engineering, data scientist, or software development just to name a few. If you are able to identify career that peaks your interest that will make searching colleges easier. From there you can search colleges that offer those degrees.
I have a daughter that is a junior in high school now and with myself working in high education for 25 years, I told her that a lot can change between now and when she starts her classes for her major. The first few semesters you will completing general education courses. You can select some electives during this time to see what are is the best route for you and by the time you start your major, you may pivot from what you initially planned.
I have a daughter that is a junior in high school now and with myself working in high education for 25 years, I told her that a lot can change between now and when she starts her classes for her major. The first few semesters you will completing general education courses. You can select some electives during this time to see what are is the best route for you and by the time you start your major, you may pivot from what you initially planned.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Niha
Jennifer Tabor
Manager, Creative Services
1
Answer
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Niha, only you can decide what the right path is for you! A place to start would be to research roles that sound exciting and connected to your interests. You can do this for free on platforms like LinkedIn. Use the description of the role to better understand what educational expectations are required for roles you like. You can also use websites like https://www.bls.gov/ to research salaries and other helpful job information.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Niha
Kelly Bellinghausen
Software Engineering Manager
1
Answer
Carlsbad, California
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
I know it feels like it, but you aren't running out of time. You'll make the best decision that you can, now, with the information you have available and who you are. And over the years, you'll learn and grow, and that answer may not be the right one anymore.
When I was graduating high school, I turned down a fellowship at Georgia Tech because I couldn't see myself as a software engineer. I took a scholarship from Mercer instead, intending to go on to law school. I was majoring in Political Science and Spanish - international law was the plan. I started Comp Sci as a minor along the way to pad my law school application.
One night as I studied for the LSAT, I decided that if I did poorly, I'd just go to graduate school for Computer Science. Then I realized... that's what I wanted to do. I petitioned the University for an extra year of scholarship which they graciously provided, and I left undergrad with degrees in all three plus a minor in Math.
After that, I went to graduate school at the University of Minnesota intending to become a university professor. I didn't want to work in industry - I wanted to help people. I rage quit about 5 years in with just my Master's to join Microsoft because my Ph.D. advisor asked me to pick a new topic and I was tired of being overworked and poor. I planned to make a little money and then come back and finish my Ph.D. with a new advisor and topic.
That was roughly 20 years ago. 10+ years at Microsoft. Almost 8 at Tableau/Salesforce now. I've been a test engineer, a software engineer, a data engineer, a program manager, an individual contributor, a people manager... I used to say I'd never go back. Now? Who knows... maybe I'll go back one day. I'm still not sure what I want to do "when I grow up."
Now neither Mercer nor University of Minnesota are "top universities" in computer science. Far from that. I went where the scholarships were. I assure you, the folks I work with who have degrees from from more prestigious schools don't know or care where I went to school now. That's not to say it doesn't matter at all - it can open doors early in your career - but the people you know open FAR more doors than the school you went to, and after a job or two, no one even looks for the school anymore. (Or no one you'd want to work for, at least.)
You're going to be fine.
Don't just apply to top universities - apply to a healthy mix so that you'll have options.
Extracurriculars make a difference. Do things that give you joy. Even better if they help others. Schools care about that, but more importantly the folks who will eventually hire you will care.
Don't be afraid to change your mind. There are very few one way doors when it comes to education. Just ask all the very talented Ada graduates I work with. (https://adadevelopersacademy.org/)
Accept that your path will never be clear. Life will make sure of that. Just do the "next right thing." (The high schooler who never planned to have kids had 2 little girls in her late 30s and now quotes Frozen rather I like it or not. :))
Have fun!
When I was graduating high school, I turned down a fellowship at Georgia Tech because I couldn't see myself as a software engineer. I took a scholarship from Mercer instead, intending to go on to law school. I was majoring in Political Science and Spanish - international law was the plan. I started Comp Sci as a minor along the way to pad my law school application.
One night as I studied for the LSAT, I decided that if I did poorly, I'd just go to graduate school for Computer Science. Then I realized... that's what I wanted to do. I petitioned the University for an extra year of scholarship which they graciously provided, and I left undergrad with degrees in all three plus a minor in Math.
After that, I went to graduate school at the University of Minnesota intending to become a university professor. I didn't want to work in industry - I wanted to help people. I rage quit about 5 years in with just my Master's to join Microsoft because my Ph.D. advisor asked me to pick a new topic and I was tired of being overworked and poor. I planned to make a little money and then come back and finish my Ph.D. with a new advisor and topic.
That was roughly 20 years ago. 10+ years at Microsoft. Almost 8 at Tableau/Salesforce now. I've been a test engineer, a software engineer, a data engineer, a program manager, an individual contributor, a people manager... I used to say I'd never go back. Now? Who knows... maybe I'll go back one day. I'm still not sure what I want to do "when I grow up."
Now neither Mercer nor University of Minnesota are "top universities" in computer science. Far from that. I went where the scholarships were. I assure you, the folks I work with who have degrees from from more prestigious schools don't know or care where I went to school now. That's not to say it doesn't matter at all - it can open doors early in your career - but the people you know open FAR more doors than the school you went to, and after a job or two, no one even looks for the school anymore. (Or no one you'd want to work for, at least.)
You're going to be fine.
Kelly recommends the following next steps: