What is a good career choice?

I am currently a high school senior and I'm beginning to think about college and a future career path. I am at the point right now where I could do pretty much anything I wanted. I was wondering what's a good, high-paying job without rediculous 90 hour work weeks aka investment banking. I want a life, but I also want money. Some suggestions involving what to study in college and some career examples would be greatly appreciated.

I wish I was your age and know now what I did not know then. I was very similar to your situation, I could have chosen any professional career path. I chose the law, an attorney, and it has been disappointing. I often think if I had to do it over again what I would do.
I think that you should first look at the jobs that pay well, and are secure. Second you should decide whether that job fit is right for you. I wish I had put more time in the beginning finding the ins and outs of my profession to see if I would like it. Many of the well paying careers require a substantial investment of time and money, and to find out at the end its not what you wanted can be horrible. So without further adeu, here are some careers to consider:
Dentist: 4 yrs under grad, have to take science courses, 4 yrs of dental school. Income: very high. I would be a dentist if I had to do it again. They make a ton of $$$, more than a general MD. Also, most dentists are self-employed which is huge plus you have no boss and you can set your own hours, want to work 4 days a week, no problem and you will still make plenty of money. Never be unemployed. I think there are only 43 dental schools in the country and class sizes are small, 40-50, so this means you will have plenty of patients. Compare this to the 250+ law schools with class sizes, 200-300. No HMOs, or residency like in Med School. It is like drilling for gold.
Physician: 4 yrs undergrad, 4 years med school, at least 3 yrs residency. Very high pay. Specialists highest paid profession outside of I-Banking. Very in Demand, never be unemployed or looking for customers. Very hard. Residency is crazy. For me I don't like a lot of death, blood, or bodily functions.
Other jobs very in demand and well paying but not like those two.
Pharmacist: Shortage of pharmacists, stable employment, good pay, not as much school as other two.
Nurse: same.
MRI or X-Ray person: In demand, small school like 1 yr program. Pay 50-60k.
If you are good at sales look at pharmaceutical sales rep jobs, good pay, 4 yr degree.
Other careers in demand:
accountant, almost every business needs one.
Hope this helps, good luck.

You could be a doctor.

you need to do something that you want to do. Im in the same situation as you. i have a 4.2 gpa and could go to school for whatever i want, but it all comes down to your personal opinion. If i were you i would take liberal classes next year in college and dabble in a little bit of everything. I personally am thinking of becoming a phsychiatrist high paying and you can make your own office hours

Petroleum Engineer, Civil Engineer, Geoscientist, Geophysicist, Mechanical Designer---all good jobs and well paid. Usually you work your hours and still get money.

Choose one that is recession proof.
Optometry, opthamologist, veterinarian, dentist or periodontist are all good jobs. Hours are 9 to 5 and plenty of money can be made. No crazy hours need be kept.

Another one is Actuarist (insurance industry) or a pharmacist. They are in good demand.
After graduation, it is a good idea to buy a practice that is already running successfully and the seller is a retiring person. Trade and professional journals have such an information. In about 4 or 5 years, after graduation you can earn in the neighborhood of 100K or more per year.

Bottom line? Do what interest YOU the most. Money will come - do not focus on money too much - because you will be good at it and highly interested in the profession of your choice. You will be working the rest of your life till 65 or 70. Why not enjoy what you do?

There is two thing vital in the world. one is life and another is existence of life. life will save by energy. without energy no one do work and get ahead in there life so science of energy is the great field to choose for your career.

Skilled trades. Join a union labor , carpentry ..etc. they porvide schooling, insurance. This way you have a job some benifit's and when you decide which way too go in life you'll have something while going too college or what ever. Also you'll have a trade to fall back on if life ever just takes a dump.
also help you later save money on home repairs, maint. remodeling. etc.
this was my answer to my nephew. He joined a union. worked 2 yr's. started college, has sense finished. Had a desent job and ben.'s while doing it. and is veterinary today.