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How do you figure out which major to choose?
I'm currently in 11th grade and have interest in many different majors but also none at the same time, I am not sure what to do.
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4 answers
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T’s Answer
Hello Renee, The first thing I would want you to do is think about a few things you enjoy doing and do you love it enough to make it as a career. Another thing is you do not have to know at this exact moment what you want to major in for college. You can enter college undeclared and find what interests you by taking different courses.
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Luc’s Answer
It's a lot to ask someone who is in their late teens to try to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives. This is part of why Americans tend to change careers several times as they go through life. Personally, I have done this as well - I started college pre-med, and I work in consulting now (with a lot of steps in between).
Were I to go back to my much younger self and try to give myself advice, I would tell myself to get out and explore the world a bit before choosing a career and the degree to go with it. Seeing how other people live, talking to professionals in fields that I find interesting, and taking the time to learn more about who I am would have been very beneficial. And, especially with the cost of college being so much higher than it was when I was going, knowing that you're making the right choice before incurring that kind of debt is important.
I would never tell someone to not pursue education. Learning should be a lifelong endeavor. But there are many ways to learn, and that experience can be helpful in selecting a school and in the classroom itself.
Were I to go back to my much younger self and try to give myself advice, I would tell myself to get out and explore the world a bit before choosing a career and the degree to go with it. Seeing how other people live, talking to professionals in fields that I find interesting, and taking the time to learn more about who I am would have been very beneficial. And, especially with the cost of college being so much higher than it was when I was going, knowing that you're making the right choice before incurring that kind of debt is important.
I would never tell someone to not pursue education. Learning should be a lifelong endeavor. But there are many ways to learn, and that experience can be helpful in selecting a school and in the classroom itself.
Updated
Kaylee’s Answer
Hi Renee,
Choosing a major is TOUGH! I encourage you to first think about what interests you most. What makes you most excited? What subjects do you like? Math, Science, History, English, Business, etc.? Then think about what you've heard your parents, friends, movies, teachers, etc. talk about. Do some research on all the various jobs that exist that you'd be interested in and then research what majors can help you get there.
Most people change majors during college, so the good news is, you don't have to make the perfect or final choice right away! Your first two years have various courses that may even help you figure it out further. Then many people go into jobs that have nothing to do with their major. That's totally okay and works out!
I know it can feel big and scary to decide, but this is just the first step on a long journey of figuring out what you want to do. It takes time and continued self-reflection. You've got this!
Think about your likes, dislikes, and passions!
Think through what you've heard about various majors/ jobs
Do research online regarding majors and future jobs
Decide, but realize it is A-okay to change your mind later :)
Choosing a major is TOUGH! I encourage you to first think about what interests you most. What makes you most excited? What subjects do you like? Math, Science, History, English, Business, etc.? Then think about what you've heard your parents, friends, movies, teachers, etc. talk about. Do some research on all the various jobs that exist that you'd be interested in and then research what majors can help you get there.
Most people change majors during college, so the good news is, you don't have to make the perfect or final choice right away! Your first two years have various courses that may even help you figure it out further. Then many people go into jobs that have nothing to do with their major. That's totally okay and works out!
I know it can feel big and scary to decide, but this is just the first step on a long journey of figuring out what you want to do. It takes time and continued self-reflection. You've got this!
Kaylee recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi, Renee!
Good question! The answer is that you may not need to declare a major on your college application right away or while you’re still in high school.
For most colleges and universities, you will have at least the first year and a half to decide. So, advisor Kaylee is correct.
Most colleges expect you to work with your career center team, faculty, and consider the classes you’re excelling in as options. So you’ll need to do your research.
Similarly, other colleges may even encourage students to start their degrees in a foreign country or to do study abroad to get exposure to the options available across the globe.
Still, there are schools that will allow you to create your own major as well. The key is to take the initiative by using resources and opportunities outlined for you.
In the meantime, you may start by looking into your fields and careers of interest and follow the steps that Kaylee and others have outlined for you nicely (see below).
Finally, you can also do more research on your own by conducting informal interviews with individuals who have interesting jobs or careers. This research may lead you to different opportunities like mini-externships, exploratoriums, science and historical museums, city and government facilities, banks and investment organizations, architectural and engineering firms, etc. You’ve got this!
All the best with this research adventure!
Lisa
Good question! The answer is that you may not need to declare a major on your college application right away or while you’re still in high school.
For most colleges and universities, you will have at least the first year and a half to decide. So, advisor Kaylee is correct.
Most colleges expect you to work with your career center team, faculty, and consider the classes you’re excelling in as options. So you’ll need to do your research.
Similarly, other colleges may even encourage students to start their degrees in a foreign country or to do study abroad to get exposure to the options available across the globe.
Still, there are schools that will allow you to create your own major as well. The key is to take the initiative by using resources and opportunities outlined for you.
In the meantime, you may start by looking into your fields and careers of interest and follow the steps that Kaylee and others have outlined for you nicely (see below).
Finally, you can also do more research on your own by conducting informal interviews with individuals who have interesting jobs or careers. This research may lead you to different opportunities like mini-externships, exploratoriums, science and historical museums, city and government facilities, banks and investment organizations, architectural and engineering firms, etc. You’ve got this!
All the best with this research adventure!
Lisa