Choosing the Right College Major for You
Students often struggle with how to choose a major because they're just beginning to discover who they are. It's OK not to have an exact plan for college and a future career. You can start by choosing a major based on your current interests. Then, using your college experience to learn more about yourself, you can change it if you feel the need.
The major you choose will have an impact on the jobs you'll qualify for after graduation, so it's important to use your college experience to determine your long-term career interests. That way, you can pick a major that will help land you a job you love. Here are some key factors to consider so that you can choose the right major for you.
How to Choose a College Major
All students going to college will have to ask themselves, "What major should I choose?" Finding the answer to that question is a challenge. It boils down to identifying your passion. Studies show that students who enjoy what they’re learning perform better in their program of choice. If you choose a major because you’re influenced by others, you may not be as excited and motivated. Consider the advice of friends and family, but never forget that the final decision is yours.
Steps to picking a major
1. What do you like?
The first thing to consider when picking a major is what you like to do. By the time you graduate high school you’ll have enough information and experience from your classes to figure out what you might or might not be interested in pursuing. Here are some ways you can dig deeper:
List 10 things you love. Listing what you love doing, both inside or outside the classroom, is a great way to see possible paths you can take. If you enjoy art and drawing but you’re also interested in technology, consider majoring in graphic design. If you’re into business and traveling, investigate majoring in international business.
Make a list of strengths and weaknesses. Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses can help you assess what kind of major to go into. For example, if public speaking isn’t really your thing, you might want to avoid majors that could lead to careers like being a news anchor or spokesperson. You can also take your weaknesses and build on them in college. If public speaking is something you want to improve, go ahead and take a speech class. You might love it!
Take the career quiz: It will help you match your interests with potential careers and give you an idea of how your passions could guide what you want to major in.
Explore AP Courses: Check out how AP courses can line up with majors and careers you’re interested in.
2. What are your career goals?
After digging into what you’re interested in and potential careers options, it’s time to think about your goals and your future career—and how easy or how hard it might be to find employment.
If you have a specific career goal in mind, you might need to pick your major or program in advance, sometimes as early as when you’re applying to college.
To help you consider your options, explore the Career Insights Snapshots on your score report. The snapshot is a list of growing careers in your state that need skills like yours.
It’s also good to know what degree you’ll need for the field that interests you. Learn about different types of college degrees, including associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree
3. Talk to advisers and professionals
The best source of college advice is your school counselor. They’ve helped lots of students who are making the same decisions you are. Your school counselor can tell you more about college majors and program offerings. Here are five questions you might want to ask a counselor.
Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby?
Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my wish list?
Which elective courses do you recommend?
Do you have any information to help me start exploring careers?
Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled?
Check out this list of 20 questions to ask your counselor to get the conversation started.
You can also reach out to professionals working in the field you’re interested in. They can talk to you about how they got from college to where they are now. Whether they’re your parents, guardians, family members, or people you interact with professionally, set up a time to interview them. Be prepared with a set of questions to ask.
4. Backups
Try to come up with one or two backup majors. This way you’ve got options if you decide to switch your major.
You Don’t Have to Select a Major Right Away
The good news is that there's no pressure to choose a major quickly. Most colleges don't require students to declare a major until the end of sophomore year. If you already have a specific academic track in mind, you can select a concentration as a first-year student or even before taking your first class. This gives you a chance to try major-specific classes earlier and change direction if necessary. You may also be able to take electives in the field you’re considering before declaring a major.
The Impact of Major Choice on College Acceptance
The major you choose can affect your chance of admission if the college only accepts a certain number of applicants into the program. You should research the programs available at each college to better understand their requirements and any restrictions they have on a particular major. If you choose a program that allows only a limited number of applicants, applying for early admission and considering multiple colleges may be helpful.
You can also ask the admissions rep at the college you would like to attend about any major programs the college is trying to grow. If you’re interested in any of these programs, selecting one could increase your chances of acceptance.
Understand the Time Investment for School
As you advance through your college coursework, you'll experience new challenges that affect your time management. Challenges that could impact your daily schedule include newfound independence, final exams, and extracurricular activities. That's why it's important to understand the required time investment for your chosen major.
Study Obligations
Most undergraduate degrees take a minimum of four years to complete as a full-time student. However, if you plan to become a doctor or lawyer, you'll need to continue your education past an undergraduate degree. Becoming a doctor typically takes an additional four years of medical school and three or more years of residency. Becoming a lawyer will take about three years of law school past your undergraduate study. Before choosing a career, research which degrees you're required to obtain and how long they'll take you to complete.
Improving Your Chances of Happiness After Graduation
Finding happiness after graduation depends on what your values are. If you choose a major that aligns well with your life values, you could improve your chances of enjoying life after college. If the major you choose leads you to a career that excites you, then there’s a good chance you’re on the track to happiness. There are other factors that affect happiness, but career choice is an important component of your life.
College is a time to develop skills for a successful, rewarding career. Reflect on what you are passionate about. Explore new interests as you venture through college life. You can always change your mind if you discover a new passion. And if you're wondering why you should go to college at all, try spending more time researching what majors are available that relate to your current interests.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQs about choosing a major to get answers and feel more confident in your decision.