[gon3withth3wend]

People have always noted my focus -- I've always known what I wanted to do, and I've never wavered in my desired professional route. However, I have lost interest in my "destined subject". I know that I am exceptionally talented in this arena, but it doesn't satisfy me anymore. I'm set to go to college. I applied to several and have gotten into 2 so far. I don't even want to go, but it's expected of me. Lately, I've been thinking about taking a different path -- If I'm not focusing on this one thing, college becomes pointless for any other profession I might want to pursue. Do I tell anyone about my doubts? How do I tell them?

Hi there. Whomever is expecting this of you, you need to discuss this lack of desire with. I really feel it doesn't matter what course you take in life, it is all a learning experience, but we need to have a career that we enjoy in the end.

[Perna]

The first couple years of college are about taking basics in most other subjects (unless you have predestined yourself for math or a hardcore subject like engineering?) so I would use them to explore other subjects and maybe different aspects of the subject you are good at?

It is hard to be locked-in to a career early, one's experiences in other things to know what other areas one might like to explore are not there yet so I don't think anyone will mind if you tell them you are feeling burnt out about the subject you use to like so well.

Give yourself permission to explore other areas; there's no right or wrong way to live your life, it's yours! If you stop to smell the flowers, so-to-speak, the bluebird of happiness won't fly up your nose in spite

[gon3withth3wend]

Well my subject is an performing arts subject, so lots of work has gone into my application process and auditioning. also lots of money. and I'd be set to start with a full load of classes related to my performing art, not the regular broad college classes. I applied for a more specific degree at each school - not a BA. ( for some reason I'm nervous that I'll say too much about myself and someone will know who I am? So I'm nervous to say what exactly I do right now?)

[Travelinglady]

Since you original plans are so demanding and once you get into them, you're bascially locked in, could you go the regular college route? Maybe do something on the side related to your original plans?

What would you do with your life if you don't go to college now?

[gon3withth3wend]

I didn't apply to regular programs, and I'm afraid I'm not smart enough to be admitted to an academic program (downward trend in grades, mediocre scores).

[Travelinglady]

How about a community college to start with? They can be a safer place to start and your courses would transfer to a 4-year school, if you pursue that path later.

[Perna]

Can you apply for managerial, design, or other classes like that? A well-recognized school like University of North Carolina School of the Arts that might have some breadth to it?

[notablackbarbie]

What Perna is still true even with the program you are in. I've had peers go through similarly intensive arts programs...and the first year is still an introduction to a wide variety in the field, THEN you narrow down. Professors are still confident/arrogant enough to teach you more because you are now entering a different level. You will also still need to take some basic courses in English and Psychology, which will help in courses you would take after and can be transferable. Most universities are nice like that in still giving transfer credit if you do change your mind.

Beyond that, you don't have to struggle alone, or that you are all alone with your feelings and concerns too. So I second everyone else's suggestion to talk to a counsellor (guidance, academic, personal etc...) for support and some feedback on your options. Also know that being afraid at this stage is ok, yet you probably have a lot of potential and talent too, to get accepted still beyond all that competition. Don't give up...