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How do I pick my college major?
I am a freshman in high school. I am good at math but it's not my favorite class. I like chemistry, English and biology. I am also very good at science and enjoy it.
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4 answers
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Daniel’s Answer
Hello there!
Choosing a college major is an important decision that can shape your academic and professional future. Here are some steps to help you in the process of picking your college major:
Self-reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider the subjects or activities that genuinely excite you and that you can envision yourself studying or working in for an extended period.
Explore your options: Research various academic disciplines and majors offered by different colleges. Look into course catalogs, talk to professors, and attend information sessions or career fairs to learn about the different fields of study available to you.
Assess your skills: Assess your academic abilities and skills in different subjects. Consider the subjects in which you excel or enjoy the most. Reflecting on your skills can help guide you towards areas where you are more likely to succeed and find fulfillment.
Consider your goals: Think about your long-term career goals. While it's not necessary to have your entire future planned out, having a general idea of the career path you may want to pursue can influence your choice of major. Research the majors that align with your career interests and determine if they require specific academic backgrounds.
Seek advice: Talk to academic advisors, career counselors, professors, and professionals working in fields that interest you. They can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and offer guidance on which majors may fit your interests and goals.
Try different courses: Take advantage of the flexibility most colleges offer during the first year or two to explore different subjects. Enroll in a variety of courses across disciplines to get a taste of different fields and see what resonates with you.
Consider your values: Reflect on your personal values and how they align with different fields of study. Think about the impact you want to make in the world, whether it's through creativity, problem-solving, social justice, scientific research, or any other aspect that resonates with you.
Job market considerations: While it's essential to pursue a major you are passionate about, it's also worth considering the job market and future career prospects. Research the demand for professionals in different fields, salary expectations, and potential career growth opportunities.
Stay flexible: Remember that your choice of major is not necessarily a lifelong commitment. Many people change their majors or careers multiple times throughout their lives. Be open to new opportunities, explore interdisciplinary programs, and don't be afraid to adjust your path if you discover new interests along the way.
Ultimately, choosing a college major should be a balance between your interests, abilities, goals, and practical considerations. Take the time to thoroughly explore your options, seek guidance, and trust yourself in making a decision that feels right for you.
Choosing a college major is an important decision that can shape your academic and professional future. Here are some steps to help you in the process of picking your college major:
Self-reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider the subjects or activities that genuinely excite you and that you can envision yourself studying or working in for an extended period.
Explore your options: Research various academic disciplines and majors offered by different colleges. Look into course catalogs, talk to professors, and attend information sessions or career fairs to learn about the different fields of study available to you.
Assess your skills: Assess your academic abilities and skills in different subjects. Consider the subjects in which you excel or enjoy the most. Reflecting on your skills can help guide you towards areas where you are more likely to succeed and find fulfillment.
Consider your goals: Think about your long-term career goals. While it's not necessary to have your entire future planned out, having a general idea of the career path you may want to pursue can influence your choice of major. Research the majors that align with your career interests and determine if they require specific academic backgrounds.
Seek advice: Talk to academic advisors, career counselors, professors, and professionals working in fields that interest you. They can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and offer guidance on which majors may fit your interests and goals.
Try different courses: Take advantage of the flexibility most colleges offer during the first year or two to explore different subjects. Enroll in a variety of courses across disciplines to get a taste of different fields and see what resonates with you.
Consider your values: Reflect on your personal values and how they align with different fields of study. Think about the impact you want to make in the world, whether it's through creativity, problem-solving, social justice, scientific research, or any other aspect that resonates with you.
Job market considerations: While it's essential to pursue a major you are passionate about, it's also worth considering the job market and future career prospects. Research the demand for professionals in different fields, salary expectations, and potential career growth opportunities.
Stay flexible: Remember that your choice of major is not necessarily a lifelong commitment. Many people change their majors or careers multiple times throughout their lives. Be open to new opportunities, explore interdisciplinary programs, and don't be afraid to adjust your path if you discover new interests along the way.
Ultimately, choosing a college major should be a balance between your interests, abilities, goals, and practical considerations. Take the time to thoroughly explore your options, seek guidance, and trust yourself in making a decision that feels right for you.
Daniel, thank you!
Julia
Updated
Becky’s Answer
Julia,
Picking a college major can be a challenge for many students. The good news is that you are good at applied and social sciences. There are many degrees that an individual can pursue: medicine, engineering, nursing, anthropology, accounting, or any of the sciences. Another option is to start with a liberal art degree, which allows one to take courses from different disciplines and get exposed to various disciplines. However, another strategy is to do an internship, voluntary or paid work, to see what best matches your skills and strengths. Some students may even consider taking a gap year between high school and college to develop real-life experiences before deciding on their major.
Continue working with your high school guidance counselor
Picking a college major can be a challenge for many students. The good news is that you are good at applied and social sciences. There are many degrees that an individual can pursue: medicine, engineering, nursing, anthropology, accounting, or any of the sciences. Another option is to start with a liberal art degree, which allows one to take courses from different disciplines and get exposed to various disciplines. However, another strategy is to do an internship, voluntary or paid work, to see what best matches your skills and strengths. Some students may even consider taking a gap year between high school and college to develop real-life experiences before deciding on their major.
Becky recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Julia
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions. I am glad to hear that you have interest in chemistry, biology, English, science, etc
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to be work as biochemistry engineer, chemist, biologist, pharmacist, chemistry teacher, science teacher, etc
2. You can explore more on related careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects of the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to be work as biochemistry engineer, chemist, biologist, pharmacist, chemistry teacher, science teacher, etc
2. You can explore more on related careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects of the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Those ideas sound great. Thanks for the help!
Julia
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Julia!
You could choose a major in science! If you enjoy learning about science subjects and are good at it, you could go for it. Science does involve math, but the math helps you understand the science better.
When you start college, choose any general education courses in natural science that appeal to you!
After you finish your classes, you'll have a better idea if you enjoy learning about a field or not!
Science fields to consider are:
- Biomedicine ~ could specialize in genetics or geriatrics, prosthetics, nutrition, or even engineering
- Chemistry ~ lab technicians
- Physics ~ could enter a wide variety of fields related to tech, business, or engineering, since you'll gain a strong foundation in math and analysis
- Environmental science ~ could enter a wide variety of areas as well!
Science industries you can work for are
- Pharmaceuticals and Drug creation
- Neuro-Imaging services
- Policy and research
- Science communication
- Contract research
- Health services research
- Manufacturing
~ these fields that combine science + english: Neuroscience or Speech and Pathology might interest you as well!
Once you have a field in mind, you can narrow down some career(s). The career(s) you choose could, ideally, contain daily tasks that you wouldn't mind doing every day.
Sending you good luck as you explore majors :)
You could choose a major in science! If you enjoy learning about science subjects and are good at it, you could go for it. Science does involve math, but the math helps you understand the science better.
When you start college, choose any general education courses in natural science that appeal to you!
After you finish your classes, you'll have a better idea if you enjoy learning about a field or not!
Science fields to consider are:
- Biomedicine ~ could specialize in genetics or geriatrics, prosthetics, nutrition, or even engineering
- Chemistry ~ lab technicians
- Physics ~ could enter a wide variety of fields related to tech, business, or engineering, since you'll gain a strong foundation in math and analysis
- Environmental science ~ could enter a wide variety of areas as well!
Science industries you can work for are
- Pharmaceuticals and Drug creation
- Neuro-Imaging services
- Policy and research
- Science communication
- Contract research
- Health services research
- Manufacturing
~ these fields that combine science + english: Neuroscience or Speech and Pathology might interest you as well!
Once you have a field in mind, you can narrow down some career(s). The career(s) you choose could, ideally, contain daily tasks that you wouldn't mind doing every day.
Sending you good luck as you explore majors :)
Thank you so much! I think I would be interested in something in the medical field as well! I’m definitely leaning towards something in science so this information was great!!
Julia
You're welcome! I'm glad I helped you think about interesting fields! :)
T.J. Worthy