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How did you know what you wanted to major in, going into college And why did you choose the college you went to? ?
I am a Junior in high school and still unsure of what I want to do. I think I am leaning towards a veterinarian. I am not sure what the path is for this profession in college. I am also having trouble deciding what colleges I should apply for next year. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Doug’s Answer
Hi Navi.
While you do need to choose one or more colleges to apply to, you don’t need to choose a major before you get there.
To choose a college, determine some factors that are important to you. Would you be more comfortable at a large school or a smaller school? Is diversity important? Maybe a vibrant sports legacy is important. If you are confident in your idea for a career (veterinarian), you can research schools that have a reputation for a related major (biology or animal science). Finally, if you need a scholarship to help with costs, a school that will award you a scholarship may be a major factor in your decision. Be sure to talk to your high school college advisor, teachers you trust, and any other people you know and admire who are currently in college or who have recently graduated.
Regarding choosing a major – you have some time. I had no idea what I wanted to study or what career to pursue when I started college. And, as my first two years progressed, I discovered many of my classmates who seemed to come into college knowing exactly what they wanted to study, changed their minds at least once. I went to a liberal arts school at a university and took a wide variety of courses. After a year and a half, I realized I was most interested in Psychology, and I made that my major. I also took courses in the School of Engineering and by senior year, I realized that I enjoyed programming. I ended up pursuing a career in Information Technology.
I recommend you take a wide variety of courses in your first year or two. At some point, you’ll discover you’re taking more of an interest in courses in one department or in an activity you’re participating in. This discovery will help you choose a major and maybe a career.
Good luck and best wishes!
While you do need to choose one or more colleges to apply to, you don’t need to choose a major before you get there.
To choose a college, determine some factors that are important to you. Would you be more comfortable at a large school or a smaller school? Is diversity important? Maybe a vibrant sports legacy is important. If you are confident in your idea for a career (veterinarian), you can research schools that have a reputation for a related major (biology or animal science). Finally, if you need a scholarship to help with costs, a school that will award you a scholarship may be a major factor in your decision. Be sure to talk to your high school college advisor, teachers you trust, and any other people you know and admire who are currently in college or who have recently graduated.
Regarding choosing a major – you have some time. I had no idea what I wanted to study or what career to pursue when I started college. And, as my first two years progressed, I discovered many of my classmates who seemed to come into college knowing exactly what they wanted to study, changed their minds at least once. I went to a liberal arts school at a university and took a wide variety of courses. After a year and a half, I realized I was most interested in Psychology, and I made that my major. I also took courses in the School of Engineering and by senior year, I realized that I enjoyed programming. I ended up pursuing a career in Information Technology.
I recommend you take a wide variety of courses in your first year or two. At some point, you’ll discover you’re taking more of an interest in courses in one department or in an activity you’re participating in. This discovery will help you choose a major and maybe a career.
Good luck and best wishes!
Thank you so much for you're advice I will take it into consideration! Thank you for sharing how you ended up choosing your major it is very interesting to hear the changes you made through your college career. Thank you so much!
Navi
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Casandra’s Answer
Hi! Choosing a major can feel overwhelming when you start looking at the long list colleges have. But I would start with making a list of what subjects do you enjoy? Then prioritize it. Most enjoyable to least. Think about the strengths you already have. Are you good with people? Animals? Are you creative? How do your strengths align with the subjects you enjoy? It is always good to talk with people in the field you are interested in. Visit a Veterinarian for example. I've found that most people doing what they love will give you all the time in the world to talk about it. This will give you opportunities to ask specific questions about the field.
Selecting a college is just as important. For me, leaving the state was not an option. Out of state tuition was extremely expensive. So I explored in state options and visited a few campuses. The place I had listed first on my listed ended up not being the place for me at all. (I did not like the city and where the college was located) I ultimately selected a place where I felt safe, loved the city, and the college was helpful in assisting me find financial aid/scholarships.
Selecting a college is just as important. For me, leaving the state was not an option. Out of state tuition was extremely expensive. So I explored in state options and visited a few campuses. The place I had listed first on my listed ended up not being the place for me at all. (I did not like the city and where the college was located) I ultimately selected a place where I felt safe, loved the city, and the college was helpful in assisting me find financial aid/scholarships.
Thank you so much for your advice! I truly appreciate it
Navi