Choosing a School
Question from Candidate:
I have an enormous problem in choosing my place of higher education because of my desired fields. First off, my anticipated majors are sports medicine (hopefully pre-med.), international business, or history. I have been accepted to the University of Illinois and United States Military Academy. At West Point I am limited to only business and history major due to the absence of courses offered. My decision lies in which will further my job placement upon graduation. Incidentally, I do not plan to attend the University of Illinois for all four years but hope to study abroad or transfer out east. At West Point, I have the obligation of five year upon my graduation. So in essence, my question is what will look better on my resume? Any sort of guidance would help. Thank you.
Sports medicine, international business, or history: If nothing else, you have a wide range of interests. When I was looking at schools, I was interested in engineering and swimming (lol) – it certainly made my decision easy.
But you have a much more complicated decision – and it’s not as simple as UI plus an out east school vs. USMA. The Academy has more complicated issues associated with it – not necessarily the obligation but the potential for death. As such, in my eyes, anyone attending a military academy starts out a job search with a significant head start over someone who elected to not heed to a higher calling. Again, I can only speak for my beliefs.
No wait! It’s not just me…the Academy has produced alumni who are movers and shakers in business, medicine, politics, etc. I strongly urge you to contact the most local chapter - http://www.aogusma.org/Soc/index.htm - of the Association of Graduates of the USMA and talk to folks who were probably faced with the same decision you’re facing. For that matter, do the same with UI alumni who are working in areas that represent your academic interests.
It is important to keep in mind that discipline is engineered into the USMA whereas at UI it’s up to you to foster; in both cases the level of effort you put into your education is directly proportional to what you will probably gain from it.
Think about all the advice posted here and let us know what other questions pop up. Deal?
While my response to your question was delayed by a number of factors, I've re-read Steve's a couple of times. Initially, I wanted to provide a different perspective and voice. There was a thought that your question required some research. Again, I re-read Steve's words and finally came to the conclusion that he has provided the best research link that could be provided.
CollegeRecruiter.com has a schools research service that can provide you with a great deal of information about what programs your desired schools offer and other information. I recommend that you add that to your research agenda.
In addition to getting feedback from the UI and USMA alumni from the AOGUSMA source, I also recommend you check out the guides and research products available from WetFeet and Vault.
What I see is that you can integrate your interests into a business career that is based in the sports medicine industry. Considering that the military has certain combat aspects that are extremely similar to sports-related work, the Academy would be a great choice. Plus the name carries a great deal of prestige.
I don't know a great deal about UI. However, I have the impression it also carries a great deal of distinction.
Do your research. Consider the options available to you by integrating your choices into a new career path. Do informational interviewing with your schools of choice.
It sounds as though one of the two schools will offer you all that you desire.
May all your Entrances be through the doors of success!
Viva