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How do I decide my major?

I got into college, yayyy :)

The problem is, I don't know which major to declare. Right now, I'm in as undecided, but need to choose soon
I love science. I know I want to go into either Chemistry or Cellular and Molecular Bio.
I'm hoping to enter either Med school or Pharm school (keeping my options open for now), and go into research.

Which major fits better with this track?

college college-major college-advice major college-bound choosing-a-major
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Matthew’s Answer

Begin with something you love or that excites you. This is a great first step. Talk to other students who are in the program or have recently finished it to see if it's the right fit for you. Consider taking one or two classes in that major before committing fully. You can do it!
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Paul’s Answer

I usually say to choose a major is based on a "simple rule": find a subject you love so much, that you would still study, and work it as an occupation, even if you were not paid to do it. So, if pay was not an option, you would still do it anyway. Because when you are genuinely engaged with your field of study, you are more likely to achieve better grades and professional success.

My key recommendations for pursuing a major include:

Prioritize Passion Over Pay: I do warn against choosing a major solely for financial reasons, because many students who do so eventually leave those occupations because they lack a deep connection to the work.

Use General Education for Exploration: Use introductory courses in Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and other sciences to identify your strongest interests.

The "Library Test": A major is the right fit if you find yourself spending your free time in the library or online reading about the subject simply because you want to learn more.

Strategy of "Two Majors": Identify two potential areas of study—a primary major and a secondary one with similar course requirements—to keep your options open.

Research Beyond Interests: Before committing, students need to research course content, conduct informational interviews with professors, and investigate job market trends.
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Breanna’s Answer

Congratulations on your acceptance! Starting college is an exciting time, and it's okay to be unsure about your major. Visiting the Career Center and using other resources at your university can be a great help. Talking to professionals can give you a clear idea of what different majors involve and what careers they lead to. Take time to explore your interests and skills, and do some research on careers that match them. Don't forget to talk to classmates who might be considering the same options; they can offer valuable insights. Best of luck on your journey!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest first, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, finance manager, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Amy’s Answer

The good news is that Chemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology overlap a lot early on, especially for students considering med school, pharm school, or research. Either major can get you there—what matters more is doing well in the core science courses, completing prerequisites.

My advice: choose the major that interests you most right now, knowing it’s not permanent. You can adjust as you learn more. Focus on strong grades and pay attention to what genuinely excites you.

A helpful next step is to look at the colleges you’re considering (or your current college) and compare the course requirements for each major. Pay attention to where there’s overlap—those shared courses are great ones to start with. That way, you’re moving forward while still keeping your options open.

Additionally, find people to talk to during careers you think are interesting. If you need help finding people in a profession you're interested in ask that question on this platform too.
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Vanessa’s Answer

Medical school and pharmacy school will have core requirements which are best met with Chemistry and Biology courses. Mentorship is also a great way to get to know various pathways within the medical field and pharmacy field. Weighing the time commitment needed and cost is also critical.
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Jerome’s Answer

I would offer that it is OK to start college as an undeclared major. You can use the first two years to get your general Ed done while exploring a few different electives.

That gives you some runway to figure out what you want to do without feeling pressured to do it now.
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Sheena’s Answer

To choose a major, start by thinking about what you like, what you're good at, and what's important to you. Look into different careers by taking quizzes, reading course outlines, and talking to people in those fields. Research what degrees you need, how the job market looks, and what salaries you can expect. Talk to advisors, professors, and career services for advice. Remember, it's important to find a balance between what you love and what's practical.

1. Self-Reflection
- Interests & Strengths: Write down subjects or activities you enjoy and what you're good at. Note any areas where you might need improvement, like public speaking.
- Values & Lifestyle: Think about the difference you want to make and the kind of life you want to lead.
- Past Experiences: Recall topics that have always interested you or activities you loved as a child.
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Claxton’s Answer

If going to med school or pharmacy school is your primary objective, chemistry and biology would be great majors to pursue. Even if you declare one as your major (for example, chemistry), you can take classes in the other subject (biology). You may also find after taking classes in both subjects that you want to change majors.
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