Going to college?

Question

Why is it so hard to pick a major? This question is directed towards high school seniors and college students.

I really appreciate all the great responses, but I should be more specific about myself: I just completed my Associates in Social Sciences and I am a paraprofessional for special education. it took me a while to figure what I want my bachelo'r in.I am thinking about earning my bachelors in humanities and technology(since I love them both equally), I was just curious about what other people think. Thanks guys!

Excuse my grammar in "previous additional detail" folks (sad isn't it-college graduate??)

Answer 1

There is a lot of pressure in making this decision because in a way you are feeling this will determine your entire life. It will not, though surely can influence a lot of what your college years and life after may become, but ask many adults what they majored in college and you will be surprised! Many if not most people end up in careers very different from their college majors! So choose a program that appeals to you and gives you the best value for your time and efforts!

Consider also taking electives in different areas that you might no ordinarily pursue. If you are an art major, take a business class. If you're a history major, take a science class. If you're an engineering major take a literature class. So these are just examples but it will expand your mind even more than if you feel you have to completely specialize. In fact! I would encourage you to generalize more in undergrad, as you can then choose later your grad school programs (if you wish) to become an expert in your field of study!

Your college degree will be useful pretty much whatever you study, as long as you take it seriously and explore all that your curriculum has to offer. I can say more but I think I've made my point!

Answer 2

I think a better question would be why would anyone think in today's world that it would be easy? Statistics show that today's worker will change careers 3-4 times in the course of their lives. It is ridiculous to ask an 18 year old to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. My daughter started in pre-med, ended up with an art degree and is now a lawyer. There is no way at 18 she had that route in life planned. My advice would be to take the largest variety of classes you can squeeze in your first semester - or first year if you can.. After experiencing a variety of areas - I would choose the subject area I found the most interesting and look into job opportunities in that field. You will always do better in a major that reflects your true interests. Don't let parents and others push you in a direction that you do not love and cannot see yourself doing many years in the future.

Answer 3

Don't listen to anyone who tells you to pick your major NOW.

Why is it so hard to pick a major? You are just starting to figure out who you are, and at the ripe age of 18 you're told to pick a career that will carry you until you retire? No pressure at all! Of course not!

It's a joke to ask an 18 year old to pick and stay with a major.

Look at your likes and dislikes, shadow professionals, and just talk to other students. Dont' be afraid to try anything new. Your first year you take a lot of general classes, and you don't even have to declare a major for a few years.

The more stress you put on picking a major, the more you will worry and doubt yourself. Don't be afraid to try new things. Ever. Join clubs, get involved, and focus on being a college student as well.

Answer 4

for me picking a major is difficult because entering college youre not entirely sure (most of the time) what you want to do, and there is no guarantee that if you spent 4 if not more years studying in your major, what if the job market no longer exists, or has greatly decreased. The average college student changes their major i think it;s 5 times. So if you're just going into colege or have bene in college for a while, don't worry about picking a major right away. I'm a liberal arts major right now just so i can take a little bit of everything to find out what i want to graduate in later on

Answer 5

Simple. So many options available. Because you are asking this says that you are open to many possibilities. Maybe you have many attributes that allow you to do many things. No matter your age, you can always go back to school for more education and training. A handful of majors require a commitment from your first full-time year in college. Most allow time to take care of the core courses that aren't specific to the major. This may allow you more time to get a feel for a career. Remember, the average person will have 5 or more "careers" in their lifetime, so don't think that you have to plan the rest of your life now!

Answer 6

Well for me it isn't hard. I live in the UK, ad over here, unless you want to do something like Science at Uni or MAths, you don't have to have a specific 'major' or A Level. For example, if I want to be a Psychogist in University, I can do Travel and Tourism and Media and still get in. Universities actually say that it's better if you don't do that subject at A Level because it will confuse you.

But this is my 3rd year at college because I totally failed my first year, but this is my last year and I've ALWAYS found it easy picking a subject

Answer 7

Because you're basically deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life...its not an easy decision. I mean there is a ton of jobs out there, some of which you've never even heard of. And some are totally awesome, and others not so much but you cant just always go with an awesome job because you have to look at pay, and number of jobs available, locations, and etc. Its hard because its a big decision!

Answer 8

dont stress over it. the average student changes there major 3-5 times before they graduate. pick soemthing braod that you are interested in and take lots of different intro courses when you start so you'll be exposed to new topics and themes that arent addressed in high school. I went in as an English Major, switched to Geo, added Anthro and a minor, switch anthro to my major and geo to my minor and thats just in the past 2 years. dont stress too much over it.

Answer 9

because people think they know what they want to do and may take a few classes, and realize it is harder than anticipated, or not what they expected at all. be prepared to change you major. Also what seems like a great idea at 18 seems insane at 25

Answer 10

Is it SO HARD for you ???? y r u confused ???

First judge urself and find in which field you are talented and check for the job requirement in that respective field ... If you find it to be the best , without any hesitation select that course ...