Good day, my name is Flower.
The question is which option to select between "an option that is easily tested but not preferred" and "an option that is preferred but not easily tested." Regardless of the option chosen, a conflict of avoidance will result. Selecting the option that is easily tested but not preferred may result in repeated consideration of why the best effort was not made when difficulties arise in the future. Selecting the option that is preferred but not easily tested may result in concern that if admission is not achieved, the easier option may be preferable.
How to incorporate parental input
Parents' starting point may be the probability of success. They probably believe that having a postgraduate diploma is preferable to having none, and they are basing their decision on their life experience. When I was considering which school to choose for postgraduate studies, I was torn between choosing my own school or a better school from outside, and that was also based on the probability of success.
It is important to assess your level of success.
The initial step is to assess your fundamental abilities.
Assess your past performance in tests, memory recall, learning, and the mastery of fundamental knowledge within your field.
The second step is to evaluate the existing resources.
Cross-disciplinary exams assess your ability to learn as much as possible from the materials of professional courses and the professional materials of the target university.
How useful are the available resources?
Thirdly, an assessment of competitive strength is required.
Who are the individuals competing with us for postgraduate entrance exams? If the level of competition is relatively equal, we will also be competitive, and it will come down to who is better.
In conclusion, parental advice should be regarded as a point of reference. It is essential to evaluate our comprehensive strengths based on our actual circumstances and make an informed decision. Ultimately, we are responsible for our own lives.
Self-Regulation When Preparing for Exams
If you select "an easily passable subject that is not your preference,"
If you are not enthusiastic about your chosen subject, you are likely to become bored while preparing for the exam and often wonder why you are investing so much time and effort into something you do not enjoy. At this juncture, it is advisable to shift your focus to the key objective of achieving a balance between effort and ease.
The objective is to gain admission to graduate school, not to pursue a particular area of interest. It is advisable to avoid dwelling on the question of personal preference.
If you select "an option you are interested in but which is not a guaranteed pathway to success,"
Given the challenging nature of the task at hand, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of difficulty and self-doubt when preparing for the exam. This can lead to indecision and a sense of being torn between different options. Given the significant investment of time and effort, it is natural to have concerns about whether you will be accepted. In such moments, it is crucial to focus on your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject matter. The passion you have for it will serve as a driving force, enabling you to push through the challenges and give your best.
Is it necessary to select a preferred graduate school major?
If you are interested in the subject, you will be more motivated.
In contrast to undergraduate studies, postgraduate studies are more focused and specialized. Typically, students align with the direction of their tutors. However, even if you choose a major you are interested in, you may not necessarily encounter a direction that aligns with your preferences.
It is likely that scientific research will involve repeated failure, which can lead to feelings of frustration. However, a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the subject matter can provide the motivation to persevere.
Even if you are not enthusiastic about your chosen field of study, you can still succeed if you are prepared to work hard and persevere.
It is worth noting that the majority of master's students find it challenging to achieve results without guidance. It may also be beneficial to define the objective of postgraduate studies. The experience gained from the process itself is likely to be more valuable, as it allows for the development of critical thinking, research methodology, and problem-solving abilities.
Even if the subject is not to your liking, you will gain certain abilities as a result of the learning process.
Once you have made a decision, select a course of action and dedicate yourself to achieving your objective. I wish the individual who posed the question all the best!
Comments
I can totally relate to how you're feeling. It's really tough when your interests and practical considerations don't align. Maybe it's time to sit down and weigh the pros and cons of each option more carefully, including longterm satisfaction versus shortterm ease.
It sounds like you're under a lot of pressure. Have you thought about talking this through with a career counselor? They might offer some insights that could help clarify what path would be best for you.
Your feelings are completely valid. Sometimes following our passion leads to unexpected opportunities. If the major you love has higher entry requirements, maybe look into preparatory courses or tutoring to boost your chances.
I understand your anxiety. How about considering a compromise? Look for a related field that you find somewhat interesting and that also offers better career prospects and lower entry barriers.
It's stressful not knowing which path to choose. Why not explore internships or parttime jobs in the fields you're considering? Gaining firsthand experience can give you a clearer picture and inspire you to study harder.