What's a good career for someone who almost aces the GRE?

Question

I got a 1590 on my GRE. Yay! But I can't figure out what I want to do. I don't have particularly great grades in my major, which is history. I've got some experience teaching, but I don't know if I want to keep doing it. I like art and computers, but I don't really have enough experience with either to be competitive.

I think I want to go to grad school, but I have no idea what in. I really want a job where I can be creative, and work with smart, creative people. Any one have any ideas?

Answer 1

I'm going to be brutally honest here.

A great GRE score qualifies you for a career as a test prep course teacher. Period.

Before even contemplating graduate work, you must be absolutely passionate about a very specific area of study.

Until you have this focus, there is absolutely no reason for you to consider graduate school.

Here's something to contemplate, though, given your interests. Museum / curatorial studies. With your history background, your interest in art and computers, you might really enjoy a career that allows you to contribute to the creation and design of museum exhibits, and to work with many very intelligent and creative people. Do keep in mind the huge variety of museums and public history centers in the world today. They range from living history centers (like Plimoth Plantation and Jamestown) to children's museums, to subject-specific museums (like those devoted to Jewish history, the history of slavery, and local historical societies).

And of course, your GREs will indeed help with admission to graduate programs. But I think in your case, your personal statement will be even more crucial. In that statement, you'll have to justify and explain the specific focus of your studies, delineate your long-term goals, and demonstrate a high level of preparation for graduate work in whatever discipline you choose.

Just a thought.

I wish you every success!

Answer 2

It's my experience that raw intelligence is no indicator of career success. Passion is what you really need. Explore what you are most passionate about. Try taking some career assessment tests (http://www.careerexplorer.net/aptitude.asp has one) to help you focus on your strengths.

Obviously, not knowing you personally, I can't recommend a specific career. I assume you are in your final year of college. That can be a tough time trying to figure out what to do with your life. I would recommend taking at least a year off between college and grad school to see if that's really what you want to do. Often you see people "hiding" in academia because they don't know what else to do.

I hope I was helpful. Good luck!

Answer 3

Be a waiter. There are plenty of creative thinkers in that profession. Sounds like you need focus not school.