3 answers
Liam
Student
Newton Falls, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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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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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1115
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.
Zara Stanford
University Student
4
Answers
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Zara’s Answer
hey liam!
similar to Paul's answer, i would decide based on the main faculties:
- Humanities (including the arts, cultural studies, and ethnic or gender studies)
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Math
• English and Writing
• Various Elective Courses
ultimately, you are still a young high school student, so don't feel pressured to make a decision now especially if you're good in english/art-related courses and STEM-related courses. i am going to university for my first year in a few days for Sociology then Social Work, but i didn't know that's what i wanted to do until about the beginning of grade 12.
about scholarships; not all of them have to be academically based (though apply if you think you're eligible!). i had roughly an 80% overall within my last few years of high school, so i wasnt really eligible for academic-based scholarships. however, because of extracurriculars, leadership roles, and cultural background, i applied to scholarships over the past year and was awarded $6600.
basically: for now, you'll be fine! start looking at colleges in your area as some offer majors that are (or aren't) available at other schools. see if they have a page that says what jobs are typically available through that major. you may be able to apply to a job through your school that is related to your ideal career.
my last piece that helped me a lot was having an idea of what i wanted to do by grade 11/12. ive never been math or science-oriented so i put my focus into english, psychology, etc. i also looked at colleges/universities with certain high school requirements that i could satisfy during gr11/12 so i wouldnt have to do any extra courses over the summer.
its great that you're wanting to be prepared! dont feel pressured to make a decision right now, though. you can always talk to an academic advisor if needed.
similar to Paul's answer, i would decide based on the main faculties:
- Humanities (including the arts, cultural studies, and ethnic or gender studies)
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Math
• English and Writing
• Various Elective Courses
ultimately, you are still a young high school student, so don't feel pressured to make a decision now especially if you're good in english/art-related courses and STEM-related courses. i am going to university for my first year in a few days for Sociology then Social Work, but i didn't know that's what i wanted to do until about the beginning of grade 12.
about scholarships; not all of them have to be academically based (though apply if you think you're eligible!). i had roughly an 80% overall within my last few years of high school, so i wasnt really eligible for academic-based scholarships. however, because of extracurriculars, leadership roles, and cultural background, i applied to scholarships over the past year and was awarded $6600.
basically: for now, you'll be fine! start looking at colleges in your area as some offer majors that are (or aren't) available at other schools. see if they have a page that says what jobs are typically available through that major. you may be able to apply to a job through your school that is related to your ideal career.
my last piece that helped me a lot was having an idea of what i wanted to do by grade 11/12. ive never been math or science-oriented so i put my focus into english, psychology, etc. i also looked at colleges/universities with certain high school requirements that i could satisfy during gr11/12 so i wouldnt have to do any extra courses over the summer.
its great that you're wanting to be prepared! dont feel pressured to make a decision right now, though. you can always talk to an academic advisor if needed.
Ari Langer
Manager, Technical Documentation
6
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Ari’s Answer
Generally follow an educational route that aligns with your interests, and you'll be more successful at those.