How to Choose The Right Stream After Class 10?
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The last day of class 10 boards exams brings with it immense joy and relief. The first major challenge of life gets over. Its time to take a step forward towards one dream. However, this is an extremely crucial time of one’s life. At the tender age of 14-15 years, one has to take a very big decision, which plays a major role in carving one’s entire life. The big question is “What to study next?” Choosing the stream for future studies is very important. From so many subjects taught till then, one has to choose only four. While for some, this decision is easy and simple, for some it is very confusing and difficult. Here are a few things to keep in mind while making the big decision:
- Pay attention to your interest and personality: It is important to have a clear knowledge of oneself before making this decision. Every person is different so is their interest. While some want to be an engineer, others want to be a lawyer. One must assess his or her characteristics and behaviour before deciding. Pay attention to the roles you play in a game or playing with your friends. If you find yourself playing the same characters most of the time on your will, then definitely take that into account. Our subconscious mind does it unknowingly.
- Understand the stream: You may like a history, while political science does not interest you. Or you may like physics, but not chemistry. This can happen. But sadly, our educational system provides us set of subjects, where sometimes it is compulsory to study one subject with another. So do your research and keep in mind all the possible combinations available. Choose your stream accordingly. As your interest in one subject will not spare you from studying the rest.
- Look into the long run: One might be very fascinated by particular chapters or areas of a subject. But keep in mind, few portions do not limit a subject or stream. There are many things beyond. Also sometimes, the liking is momentary. Pay attention to these. Think deeply, if you can continue it in the long-term. If you mechanics of physics interesting, ponder over the fact if you enjoy electrical as well or not. The syllabus of all the subjects is huge and class 12 boards is a long leap.
- Check the career prospects: Sometimes, if we are lucky we get combinations according to our will. But be careful. Check the career options available with the combination. It is a very common mistake that students do. For eg, earlier geography could be studied easily in humanities, without mathematics. However, with changing time and demands, colleges have made mathematics a compulsory subject of class 12, for studying geography majors. Keep a check of these. Similar is the case for studying Chemistry majors. One must definitely keep mathematics and physics in their class 12 combination.
- Note your passion, not marks: Sometimes it so happens that marks scored in a particular subject make you think that you are really good in it and it is your strength. But it is not so. Maybe you have studied it thoroughly, or you have been lucky to get all the known questions. Your marks are a measure of your hard work and never your passion. There are several examples of making it big in life in-spite of failing in exams and vice-versa. Follow your passion, it will give your fruits; if not immediately but definitely.
- Do not get influenced: Don’t take science because your best friend is taking. Don’t force yourself to take humanities and become a lawyer because your father is one. Simply do not get influenced by anyone. One should definitely consult their parents, well-wishers and teacher. But never get fully influenced.Ultimately, you have to study and excel. Nobody can do that for you.
- Seek Help: If too many things play in your mind then reach out for help. Avoid confusion.Various psychometric tests are available that will help you get an idea of your strengths and real interest. Also, educational fairs and counsellor are available, where one can know about the various available scopes and possibilities.
- Know the real scenario: You might be fascinated by watching a police catching thieves. A detective’s life may seem very interesting while watching a movie or reading a story. But there are hidden truths everywhere. Get a reality check. If possible, go for a field study. Visit their place of work. Think carefully if you can adapt and work or not.