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Liam
Student
Newton Falls, Ohio
1
Question
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What classes should I choose in college?
I'm 15 and a Freshman in high-school, I hope to go to college nearby. I am unaware of what major I should take. I believe that I'm good at math, science, and English. I would like an academic scholarship, but I don't know if that will be possible. I want a major that will lead to a long lasting career that pays a good amount.
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1 answer
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1104
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Liam:
I normally advise undecided students to initially follow a generalist path by leveraging their college's General University Requirements (GUR) or General Education requirements.
Instead of rushing into a specialized track, I recommend taking a broad variety of introductory courses during your first two years to figure out where your true interests lie.
This includes the following core subject areas within the GUR to use for major exploration. Subjects like:
• Humanities (including the arts, cultural studies, and ethnic or gender studies)
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Math
• English and Writing
• Various Elective Courses
Strategy for Course-Based Exploration
• The "Library Test": I suggest evaluating your classes by what you naturally find yourself investigating or reading about in your free time. I really believe a good major (and future career endeavors) are rooted in a subject you truly love doing.
• Look for Concentrations: If you take an introductory class in a broad field like Business Administration, pay attention to the specific sub-fields taught within it—such as Finance, Marketing, Accounting, or International Trade—to narrow down your focus.
Structure for Overlap
As you explore these general classes, I recommend targeting two potential major areas (a primary and a secondary backup) that share similar course requirements.
Also, work with your academic advisor to map out a schedule that lets you test both paths without losing credits.
I hope some of these suggestions have been helpful. Best of luck in achieving your future academic goals.
I normally advise undecided students to initially follow a generalist path by leveraging their college's General University Requirements (GUR) or General Education requirements.
Instead of rushing into a specialized track, I recommend taking a broad variety of introductory courses during your first two years to figure out where your true interests lie.
This includes the following core subject areas within the GUR to use for major exploration. Subjects like:
• Humanities (including the arts, cultural studies, and ethnic or gender studies)
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Math
• English and Writing
• Various Elective Courses
Strategy for Course-Based Exploration
• The "Library Test": I suggest evaluating your classes by what you naturally find yourself investigating or reading about in your free time. I really believe a good major (and future career endeavors) are rooted in a subject you truly love doing.
• Look for Concentrations: If you take an introductory class in a broad field like Business Administration, pay attention to the specific sub-fields taught within it—such as Finance, Marketing, Accounting, or International Trade—to narrow down your focus.
Structure for Overlap
As you explore these general classes, I recommend targeting two potential major areas (a primary and a secondary backup) that share similar course requirements.
Also, work with your academic advisor to map out a schedule that lets you test both paths without losing credits.
I hope some of these suggestions have been helpful. Best of luck in achieving your future academic goals.