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How do you find your own unique major or passion to study in college?

I’ve always wanted to study something that would spark my interests, but I don’t know how to do that. Would taking more electives or different classes help? What would you suggest?

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Megan’s Answer

Hi,
Please do not fret. You will find what sparks your interest. If you don't until, that's what college in about! I feel finding out who you are and what you like is such a huge part of college. Why do you think there are so many have an undecided major? Heck, I changed my major 3 times in college, and am so happy I did! For now find clubs and events that strike your interest. Attend new things, shadow someone in a field you think you may like, and have some fun! You will make the right choice!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! KiranAdele
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david’s Answer

I respect your question. At your age, I had the same concern. What I discovered, both in college and in life itself, is that you just keep moving forward, and the answers will come. No, I am not trivializing your concern, but it is with continuing on that you see new avenues, look through new windows in your normal passage, and the ideas will blossom. Yes, spend time in areas of possible interest, but you may find your eventual career is in none of those areas. This happens because what brings you satisfaction may not depend on the mechanics of a particular profession, but on the interactions you experience. For example, I ended up in computers, but when I was college-age, there were no computer courses anywhere. And what brought me satisfaction, was not computers themselves, but the problem-solving and human interaction that it requires. Have faith. Just by having your curiosity, you will be drawn to what you wish. All the best to you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! KiranAdele
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Kali’s Answer

Most colleges and universities have requirements and resources that are designed to help you find a major you’re excited about. You can start before then by thinking about what kind of things or subjects already interest you- what do you like to talk about? Read about? Watch videos about? Think about why you like those things. Are there subjects in school that you particularly enjoy already?

Colleges and universities have academic catalogs on their websites that list out all of their majors, the courses students can take in that major, and descriptions of what the courses focus on. When I was choosing my major, I read through that and took notes on what courses I thought I’d be most excited to take. You can also talk to people (family, older friends, teachers) about what they majored in and why they liked that major (or didn’t like that major!). You’ll be able to do this once you get to college, too, as you meet higher-level students, professors, and staff.

Starting college with some ideas about what you’re interested in is helpful, but a lot of people don’t figure out what they want to major in until after they’ve started taking classes. Most colleges/universities have a core curriculum- students are required to take a course within a certain theme (example: natural science, math, humanities, social science), and you get to pick a course to take that falls within that theme, which is a great way to start exploring some majors you’re interested in or have maybe never heard of. If you’re having trouble deciding, most colleges/universities in the US will assign you an academic advisor who can help you structure your exploration by talking to people and trying out different classes.

It is true that there are a few majors (engineering, for example), that can be harder to jump into after freshman year. But many majors are flexible and a lot of students don’t choose their majors until they’re sophomores. And as someone else mentioned, a lot of people change their majors a bunch of times before they decide what the best fit is. So do your best to start noting what interests you and exploring your options, but also know it’s totally okay to not know or change your mind.
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Fernando’s Answer

Picking a major is all about asking yourself what drives you? What is your passion? Take the time and make a list of the various subject matters or hobbies that you always find yourself being passionate about. Once you've made a list try to narrow it down to a top 5 and from there see what careers are available. Regardless of what you choose there's most likely going to be a college or university that has a curriculum for it. Upon narrowing it down you then start the process of researching colleges and universities. The quality of curriculum, pricing, scholarships, campus life, remote study options and post graduate aid. This process will take time and you shouldn't feel pressured to rush through it. Above all else remember to major in what you want, not what others think is best for them.
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John’s Answer

I would recommend trying to start to decide the different qualities you want in a job rather than any specific major that you're choosing now. For example, I wanted a job where I could work remotely, so even though I might like to do a job like managing construction because I get to be outside, that job wouldn't be compatible with working remotely. Other people decide they want to work with children, so anything from a teacher to a doctor. Another factor may be schooling. I was interested in being a scientist, but that often requires graduate schooling; so I decided to study business where I could compete for most jobs with my bachelor's degree. Using this strategy will be helpful to narrow down all of the major options and give you a short list of jobs to explore further. Then, you could meet with professionals who already work in that job to get more insight. An experience like shadowing would give you even more information into what the day-to-day is like.
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Aaron’s Answer

I think it starts with research in terms of things you're interested to explore or learn. I would imagine lots of information and content surfaces concerning ideas that drive your curiosity. Next – analyze your research and narrow down to those ideas that you feel (not think) excited to discover or experience. Identify schools that have majors or programs related to your research. Once you choose a school, get started with General Elective type classes so can continue to learn and ask questions. I suspect you'll eventually identify what most resonates pertaining a passion.

Aaron recommends the following next steps:

Research for ideas and get yourself going.
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Joseph’s Answer

Simple, you can take liberal arts which has electives. Define your own interests and move on from there. College is flexible enough you can always change your subject based on your likes and dislikes.
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Adrian’s Answer

Finding a unique path to study requires some self-reflection and exploration. Here are some steps you can take to help you find your unique path:

Identify your interests: Think about what subjects and activities you enjoy the most. What are your hobbies? What topics do you enjoy reading about or learning more about? Identifying your interests can help you narrow down your options and find a path that aligns with your passions.

Research different fields: Take the time to research different fields and career paths. Look into the job outlook, required education or training, and potential earnings for each field. Consider speaking with professionals who work in those fields to get a better understanding of what their work entails.

Consider your strengths and weaknesses: Think about your strengths and weaknesses. What are you good at? What challenges you? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you find a path that plays to your strengths while also challenging you to grow and develop.

Seek guidance from mentors: Reach out to mentors, professors, or advisors who can provide guidance and support. They can help you explore different options and provide valuable insights into their own career paths.

Take risks and try new things: Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. Consider taking classes outside of your comfort zone or pursuing internships in different fields. Trying new things can help you discover new interests and passions.
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