How do you become a Magazine editor or writer?

I want to become a writer for a newspaper or a magazine editor. Should i major in journalism?

• I am 15 years old. Living in California. I am about to graduate from high school early because im ahead in credits. I want to know what i should do to become a writer or an editor. I originally thought i should become a journalist. Now I am completely confused. I also want to know what University or College I should go to? Distance is not a problem. Can any journalist, writer, or editor out there help me?

• Answer:

  You don't have to get a degree in journalism to become a writer or an editor, but a degree in a related field - English, communications, writing arts, political science - is almost a necessity. As far as schools go, it doesn't matter too much where you go; you don't have to have a degree from Columbia to go on to great things, you can find great programs almost anywhere. USC would be up there as far as West Coast schools go, and you could look into the University of Missouri, Columbia, NYU - but almost any college or university that appeals to you will be able to launch your career. Your success in writing is going to be in large part what you determine it - if you go off to college and work on the campus paper or magazine and make something of the experience, it'll be worth more than a degree from any school will.