Which college course is best for Filipino-American high school graduates?
Often, high school seniors find it difficult to choose which college course to take. Getting into a community college first may help get the feel of which course is best. Also, you can save a ton of money.
‘Intelligence type’ as a deciding factor
Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence can be used to measure or identify which course fits well with high school graduates.
For example, Gardner identified two major types of intelligence: Verbal and mathematical, traditionally measured by I.Q. Therefore if you’re good at math or critical thinking, engineering or programming is a good fit.
‘Heredity and environment’ as deciding factors
Genes and environment play critical roles in intelligence. Psychologists believe the true heritability quotient for I.Q. is 0.5 percent, half is environment. Thus, the “parent’s and environmental coefficient” contribute to the “modifiability of intelligence.”
The learning environment is rigid in most Asian countries, and parents push hard. Poverty (also an environmental coefficient) pushes Asian immigrants to excel in American schools.
Considering the grades
Looking at where high school grades are highest is a practical way to identify which college course to take—but not always. The environmental coefficient may have influenced it.
For example, high grades in Honors Math or Science can be attributed to having a tutor or long hours studying. Likewise, a high grade in AP chemistry is because of intentional focus and peer support.
a career course that has a lot to do with interpersonal skills and empathy.
Considering ‘ethnicity and culture’
Racial ethnicity may also identify career interests because nature and nurture interact in human intelligence formation. Filipinos have traits that work well with certain careers.
For example, Filipino nurses contribute to about 25 percent of health workers in the world. Clearly, it has something to do with Filipino character and values. Of course, ethnicity and culture should not be the predictor, rather the inspiration.
The point is, Filipino-Americans may well be suited to a career course that has a lot to do with interpersonal skills, empathy, and intentionality.
College courses where Filipinos excels
Administration
Behavioral Science
Education
Civil Engineering
Communications
Hotel Management
Medical Doctor
Nursing
Physical Therapy
Special Education
Deciding factor
A parent’s influence is critical but they’re not the decision-maker. The best way is to take time and pray for God’s will, not the parent’s. College should also be fun. Also, its unproven that intelligence comes from the mother therefore a father’s input is equally important.
