How to Choose a Major in College

This article describes some important ideas to review when selecting a college major.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An open mind, willingness to think independently of others

1. Look closely at the things that really interest you. Are you a technical person? An artistic person? Make a list. And be honest. Don't allow outside influences to mold who you will become.

2. Make a list of the things that you dislike, even if only mildly. These are very telling! If you strongly dislike chemistry, don't be a pre-med student. You wont be able to avoid all of those general and organic chemistry courses in college. It's just common sense. However, keep in mind that not everyone loves in chemistry. If you don't love it, but also don't hate it and are pretty good at it, don't rule out a career involving chemistry.

3. Talk to the advisors of various departments at your college, not just your general advisor. While your general advisor may make suggestions that sound like fun, they may not be the best idea or may be inaccurate. Know three things: One, every student at a college or university is trying to feel out their options and find them self - don't feel intimidated to talk to an advisor just because you don't know much about their field. Two, those who work at the college are there for you - they are paid to provide information and resources to you - don't be shy! It is their job. Three - if you are really interested in a field, but a talk with the department advisor or faculty member wasn't so hot, talk to someone else in that department. Not everyone is fabulous at what they do, just like not every professor is going to be the best for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to everyone you can. Be an informed student. Down the road, you wont get any sympathy for decisions made due to lack of information.
• Listen to yourself. While mom and dad may have always wanted an engineer, if your heart is not completely in it, you wont cut it. And chances are you will end up changing your career path down the road anyways. Make the tough decisions now, you will be so happy you did later.
• Job shadow someone in your intended major. People who love what they do will always want to share it with you, even if you don't know much about it.
• Don't be intimidated by anyone. I cant say this enough. If you express your interest in a major to someone who can provide you with information, they will. And if they wont, then they clearly do not have the information themselves.
• Don't choose a major for any other reason than you are interested or passionate about it. You can always find a way to make money doing something that you are good at, and you will be happy. This is what counts, not the annual income list.
• If you don't know what you want to do, do everything! Try out as many different classes, clubs, and activities as you can and listen to your heart. You will eventually find something!
• Don't let anyone other than yourself choose a life for you. Even if mom and dad are funding your schooling - they will be much happier in the end if you choose a career that you will be successful in than one that they chose, but you cannot do well or enjoy. Stand up for yourself!