How to Choose Your College Major
Asking Yourself These 5Questions Can Help Make the Decision Easier
When you were inhigh school, everyone wanted to know where you were going to go tocollege. Now that you're there, everyone wants to know what you'regoing to major in. If you're having problems deciding, try askingyourself these five questions.
What do I love?
Knowingwhat really engages you is critically important when picking a major.If you think you want to be a doctor but can't wait until chemistryends because it means you can head straight to your Shakespeareclass, pay attention to that. No matter what major you choose, ifyou're like everyone else, you'll end up changing careers severaltimes during your lifetime. So pick something that speaks to the firein your belly and that will get you excited, regardless of thecontext in which it's presented.
What am I good at?
Dostudents in your residence hall always come to you for help withtheir biology homework? Do you always earn rave reviews for yourperformances or art work? Majoring in something that you have anatural inclination toward can speak to where your interests andskills are, and, if you're particularly skilled in a specificsubject, can possibly lead to further study (abroad, in graduateschool, or with a fellowship after graduation).
What do I wantto do?
Have you always wanted to be a doctor? A teacher? Alawyer? Don't limit yourself to only doing what is traditional forthose fields. If you want to be a doctor but have a love of Spanishliterature, make sure you take your pre-med requirements...and lookinto majoring in Spanish. Pursuing a long-term professional goalwhile exploring your interests along the way can be a bonus on yourgraduate school applications. Similarly, if you know you've alwayswanted to work on Wall Street, make sure you're adequately preparedwith the coursework you'll need to get your foot in the door. Yourmajor and your preparation for a professional field don't always haveto be the exact same thing.
What skills do I want tolearn?
If you love theater and are hoping to pursue itfull-time after you graduate, remember to keep in mind the additionalskills you'll need to do so. If you want to run your own theatercompany someday, you'll need to know about all kinds things aboutbusiness rules, ethics, marketing, writing, public relations, andcustomer service. Pick a major that is intellectually interesting andthat also provides you with the practical training you may needlater.
What life factors do I need to consider?
Manystudents have additional factors influencing their college choices:family, financial obligations, cultural expectations. While exploringyour own path is highly important, it's also important to keep inmind that these external forces will have an influence on yourpost-college life in one way or another. Finding a major that canprovide balance for your internal dreams and desires with externalexpectations can make an overwhelming situation sometimes feel moremanageable
