Is it risky to admit you don’t know what you want to do?

[Anonymous]

My daughter wrote a Why Us? Essay for an application all about how she doesn’t know what she wants to do after college and how she thinks this particular school will allow her to explore her many, varied interests.

It’s actually pretty good but is it unwise to admit you don’t have a specific career goal or path in mind? This is for a SLAC.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter wrote a Why Us? Essay for an application all about how she doesn’t know what she wants to do after college and how she thinks this particular school will allow her to explore her many, varied interests.

It’s actually pretty good but is it unwise to admit you don’t have a specific career goal or path in mind? This is for a SLAC.

Thanks.

Have you been to an admissions session? Some schools really pride themselves on helping students figure out that path. I actually love that b/c I don't think a lot of 17/18 year olds know enough about themselves or potential careers to make an informed decision. One school talked about how it's unusual to have just one major or at least one minor b/c they help you explore a lot of interests. I wish my kid liked Tulane more b/c I think they are really good for students who aren't 100% when they start school. We've mostly looked at big schools, but I am sure a lot of LACs are the same.

[Anonymous]

It is so weird and unrealistic to expect literal kids to have any idea what they want to do with their lives and careers. Isn’t that the point of college? To learn and explore different avenues and opportunities?

[Anonymous]

I have developer a variety if interests and passions through high school and want to attend a college that has excellence across the several disciplines of interest that will allow me to explore...

[Anonymous]

I don't know what actual admissions officers think, but I personally would find the honesty refreshing. Sure, there are teens with a vision and passion, but most of us were just kids with various interests and no idea what we'd end up doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is so weird and unrealistic to expect literal kids to have any idea what they want to do with their lives and careers. Isn’t that the point of college? To learn and explore different avenues and opportunities?

I 100% agree with you. My DC is looking at careers that would require additional degrees in the health field. They are super interested in kinesiology, but won't be applying to that at a number of schools b/c it locks you in and doesn't let you explore interests. So, they picked a major in A&S where they have space to explore.

[Anonymous]

I think it sounds like a perfectly reasonable response. It's not like she's applying to Pitt for their guaranteed pre-med track. That would be very different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is so weird and unrealistic to expect literal kids to have any idea what they want to do with their lives and careers. Isn’t that the point of college? To learn and explore different avenues and opportunities?

100%%%

I feel like so many more kids were undecided back in my day.

I remember- I like English & Biology. Not sure what I wanted to do.

I had roommates that changed majors several times.

My 2024 grad had a very distinct area of interest. His younger brother does not. His interests are all over the map—which I think is more typical. No idea what he’ll write about next year.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s fine IF it’s done well.

[Anonymous]

It’s risky. Ultimately depends on the RO who reads it but adds unnecessary uncertainty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s risky. Ultimately depends on the RO who reads it but adds unnecessary uncertainty.

Nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Not for a SLAC. That’s the benefit of a liberal arts school.

[Anonymous]

How many kids end up actually doing what they say they want or intend to do? Very few is my guess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not for a SLAC. That’s the benefit of a liberal arts school.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter wrote a Why Us? Essay for an application all about how she doesn’t know what she wants to do after college and how she thinks this particular school will allow her to explore her many, varied interests.

It’s actually pretty good but is it unwise to admit you don’t have a specific career goal or path in mind? This is for a SLAC.

Thanks.

It's truthful. Don't want to set yourself up for potential misery or failure just to get into a particular school. If they don't like it, probably not the right school.