How do I overcome the fear that I won't be good at any major that I pick in college?

Hi Emily,

Being a senior in high school can be a scary time. There is a lot of change happening and it's easy to doubt yourself. I remember applying to colleges far away from my home and being unsure I could make it by myself. But I did make it, and I'm sure you can as well.

To help give yourself a little confidence pick me up, try taking breaks at time to do the things you're already good at or simply relax and spend time with friends. I've also include a couple resources below that may help. Amy Cuddy's TED Talk has been hugely helpful in helping people feel more confident and be present instead of worrying so much. And if you're in for a little reading, Carol Dweck's book Mindset can help you focus on the fact that their is always room to grow and be better at something (you can probably find a copy at your local library).

And I think it's important to keep in mind that the vast majority of success comes from preparation. If you're willing to put in the work in college, you allow plenty of time to complete your assignments, and you go to a professor's office hours for help if you're struggling, you will do well. Just make sure to invest in a good planner to keep track of your assignments and schedule out when you'll work on them, and I'm confident you'll succeed at whatever major you choose.

I wish you luck on your college adventure!

Hi, Emily,

I echo the points Abby made. I'd also like to point out that, while picking a major/field of study might seem intimidating, selecting one does not lock you into that field for the rest of your life. You'll find more about yourself as you get older and experience new things. Take a long term approach to selecting what you study. Try to pick something that is broadly applicable to a variety of fields if you are struggling to make a decision. For example, if you enjoy problem solving, interacting with people, and math/science, majoring in economics (or something similar) might be a good solution since the skills that field provides are broadly applicable to careers in finance, mathematics, research, and consulting. Also, use the tools you have to ask question to professionals who have real-world experience in the disciplines you have interest. CareerVillage and your college's career services office are a great starting point.

Take a deep breath and try not to get too wrapped up in this choice. You will figure it out if you take the time for introspection, doing research, and asking questions. I linked a helpful career guide below if you're interested.

I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to reach out.

Hi Emily,

I know you have a couple of responses, but I wanted to share a personal story to hopefully put your mind at ease. I went into college thinking I was going to follow in my dad's footsteps and work in the finance industry. Throughout several introductory business courses, I found that I had a knack for accounting, and ended up majoring in accounting rather than finance. You won't have all the answers as a senior in high school and that's more than okay! You can always switch your major, change your mind! I know I did, and I've been employed doing tax accounting for PwC for 3 years now and love it! Best of luck!