It’s the time of year when high schools across Jamaica host career days or career weeks in an effort to help third formers choose the subjects they will pursue in fourth and fifth forms, and ultimately sit in external exams, usually the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) which is administered by Caribbean Examninations Council (CXC).

To help them decide, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, accountants, and a litany of other professionals discuss the merits of their respective careers with the students. At the end of the exercise, some students get an ‘ah-ha’ moment, others become more resolute in choices they had previously decided on, some remain dazed, and others are somewhere in between. But who can blame the lost ones? It’s difficult to ask a 13- or 14-year-old to make a decision that many adults grapple with — what career is the best fit for me?

The best fit is discovered when one’s aptitude and interests meet opportunity. Students really must consider what they’re good at. For example, a student interested in becoming an engineer must be good at maths.

It is OK for third formers not to know what they want to do with their lives, but many well-intentioned parents do not realise that this is when college preparation begins. I always feel terrible when I meet a student whose Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) or International Baccalaureate subject choices and college prospects are limited by poorly planned CSEC choices.

Choosing a career path requires exploration, introspection, maturity and guidance. Therefore, the best decision that a third former can make when selecting subjects is to take a solid college prep curriculum. This will create a competitive applicant profile, maximum flexibility in terms of post-CXC study, and strengthen the student’s ability to perform well on standardised tests like the SAT and ACT.

Generally speaking, college prep courses should include English (language and literature), mathematics, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), social studies/social sciences (geography or history), and a foreign language. Once the core is covered, students may choose electives based on their interests. This is a general guide, but individual choices will of course depend on the student, the college options a student is considering, whether he/she is passionate about a certain area (for example, a talented maths student or one who has a possible interest in med/engineering/science should take add maths, especially if he/she intends to do CAPE maths). If a student is particularly gifted, he/she may sit one or two CSEC subjects in one year, starting in fourth form.

CSEC subjects determine one’s eligibility for study at the CAPE level, but they are not necessarily required at the tertiary level overseas. For example, many high schools do not allow students to sit CAPE maths unless they have done CSEC additional mathematics, yet it is not a requirement overseas. Similarly, if a 13-year-old is sure that he/she will go into business, he/she will select principles of business and principles of accounts, but these are elective subjects that are not required to pursue business studies at the tertiary level overseas.

Consider your third form subject selection carefully! Good luck!

Nicole Campbell is the founder and CEO of AIM Educational Services, an independent college admissions counsellor, and public speaker. Contact her at nicole@aimeduservices.com.