Neuro, or Engineering?

[revbill]

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<Obligatory first time introductions, etc.>

I'm a high school senior and have started applying to colleges. All my life I've been set on becoming an Aerospace Engineer, but now I'm having my doubts. Although I am still very interested in the field, if I attend a college specializing in Engineering and realize that I am not specialized in that field, then what would I do?

Anyways, I've been thinking about Neurology. Unfortunately, the only neurology centre in my city isn't accepting volunteer work, so I have no way to sample the profession, although I am interested in it.

I've got a very strong academic background and am applying to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. While this would work out for changing my major from Engineering to Pre-Med, if I am not accepted and end up going to a school such as Embry-Riddle (FL resident, Bright Futures scholarship, etc.) then I am essentially stuck in the Aeronautics division.

< / end introductions >

Essentially, because of this conflict, I would like some arguments (if possible) for either of those two professions.

I'm especially interested in Neurology (I'd love to become a neurosurgeon in a perfect world, but my family's financial situation will probably deter that), but know little about what to expect at the college and post-college level, other than standard residencies and fellowships.

Is there anybody in a similar position, or could post something arguing one way or another?

Thanks

 

[DrYoda]

You could always get your engineering degree and then go to med school if you decide you don't want to be an engineer. Med schools don't care what your undergrad degree is in, you just need to have taken the required courses.

For gaining exposure to neurology: Unless you live in a very sparsely populated area there should be a private practice neurology clinic or a hospital with a neurologist on staff, you could see if they are open to students shadowing (or if not, check neighboring cities). At this point though it's more important to figure out if you want to be a doctor or not, since you will most likely change your mind on specialties during med school.

 

[URHere]

If you think there is any chance that you would end up backing away from engineering as a major, I would suggest that you choose colleges based on more than their engineering programs. Make sure that wherever you end up leaves you with options - after all, college is largely about figuring out what appeals to you intellectually and for most people, that process involves some serious mind-changing. Once you've settled on a school that leaves you with options, just relax. If you find that you hate engineering, you'll have plenty of time to switch to something else.

Also:

I'm especially interested in Neurology (I'd love to become a neurosurgeon in a perfect world, but my family's financial situation will probably deter that).

Just out of curiosity, why would your family's financial status keep you away from neurosurgery but not neurology? Both of those fields require the same medical school education (at the same astronomical cost). Keep in mind that an undergraduate degree in neuroscience won't really give you any more advantage than a standard biology degree would. Neurologists are medical doctors and if you choose that path you're in for much more than a 4 year haul in undergrad.

 

[BigRedBeta]

Agreed with the posters above.

Don't worry about specialty yet. It'll change as you see what each specialty does and how that fits into your personality and likes and dislikes. Instead focus on whether being an engineer or a physician is the right field.

Also, your family's financial situation has little to due with what specialty you'll go into. More than 85% of medical school grads go into significant debt because of medical school - generally over $150k - expect it, embrace it, don't worry about it. It's all part of the rags to riches story of becoming a doctor. Your initial debt will be the same no matter whether you go into NSGY or Neuro.