How were you able to decide what to major in college?

Question

I feel like it's impossible for me. I have so many choices yet I don't know what I want. There's so much pressure to choose and I'm only a senior in high school. Any advice?

Answer 1

I would talk to my high school advisor and see if there are any apptitude or personality surveys you can take to see what you would be good at and what you would enjoy.

Unfortunately, no one guided me when I chose my major. When I was in high school I worked at a dept. store, so I got a bright idea that I wanted to major in fashion merchandising, I wasted a whole year in that major before I figured out it was too artsy/craftsy for me. Then I felt pressure after that to pick a new major, so using the advice of my parents I chose accounting because they thought I was good in math so I would be good at it. Well after 8yrs in the accounting field, I hate it! I don't enjoy it like others do. The thought of spending the next 30 years sitting behind a desk stareing at a computer makes me ill...lol.

I guess my suggestion is to think very carefully about it and really think about what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. Also consider whether you want/need to make a really good living, or you would rather not make alot of money if you could enjoy your work, I'm not saying you have to sacrafice money to enjoy your work, but sometimes that is the case. I had some friends that majored in things that didn't translate into good paying jobs. Also decide what kind of job you want, do you want to deal with people all day, be on the move all day, or sit behind a desk all day. Hopefully this didn't confuse you even more.....Good Luck!

Answer 2

Don't give into the pressure. Take some time and think about what you would like to be in 10 years. What do you want to do? Do you want to work in an office setting (Human Resources, Business, Finance, Marketing,Management, etc), a clinical setting (nurse, medical doctor, pharmacist, healthcare administration, etc), or educational (teacher, school counselor, advisor, adult education), or in the human or social services (psychology, sociology, social work, professional counselor, therapist, etc.).

Yes it is true, college has a list of so many things to choose. But only u can choose your future. Not mama, daddy, or grandparents, YOU. I graduated with a BA in Psychology, worked as a case worker for the mentally ill, and now I'm back in school for nursing. So the sky's the limit. Talk to your counselor and tell her your worries and concerns. Pick something that you will be happy with. Not becuz of the money, or what your friends are doing, or what your mom or dad feels is the best option. Look within yourself, the answer is right there. Best wishes and may God lead you in the right direction

Answer 3

Hi! My name's Amanda...and I too am a senior this year. They put so much pressure on us, huh? Anyway, I thought I had my mind set my freshmen year. I wanted to go to Harvard Law School and become a successful attorney. But that year, I joined the school newspaper and loved it! I had always loved to write but never actually thought I would be capable of doing it for a career. So, look at what you love doing. It might not be practical to other people ie: musician, writer, dancer, actress, etc. But if it's something you love, you should go for it!

Also, don't think it all has to be decided right now. You're right, you're ONLY a senior. You can't be expected to have your whole life planned out in front of you already. So, even if people are pressuring you to make up your mind, don't rush into something you're not completely comfortable with. You can always go into college with an undecided major and make a choice later on.

Good luck!

Answer 4

There is the option of going in as an undeclared major student on your application. There is no need to rush declaring a major until the sophomore year. However, it will mean that course selections will have to be made that will work with any major. An idea is maybe talk to a career coach or go through vocational testing to see which majors or careers fit your personality and interests. Personally, I recommend selecting a major both on your strengths and interests because there is a larger chance of it turning into a career that you love. However, remember that the average American changes careers several times before retirement.

Answer 5

You don't need to chose a major until the end of your freshman or sophmore year of college, depend on the school. I'm a sophmore in college and I know a lot of people in my year who haven't decided what they're majoring in. Don't worry about it. Take whatever classes sound interesting your freshman year, and try to use that to help you decide. If you can narrow it down at least as far as sciences vs. humanities you'll stand a better chance of picking classes that will contribute towards filling your requirements, but if not, just go for a couple of each.

I've known what I wanted to do since elementary school, so I had no trouble picking a major, but I'm kind of the exception rather than the rule. A few people like me decided early on what they wanted to do, but most people leave for college not knowing yet what they want to do, and those that do often change their minds. I have a friend who was planning to major in history and switched to biology his sophomore year (having not taken intro bio until then).

Answer 6

Don't let the pressure to get to you. You're going to go through so many different changes in the next 4 years that it is impossible to narrow it down to ONE major.

1) Don't let your school pressure you. If you have to, go into college with an undeclared major. You're going to be taking general classed that first year anyway. You won't be going to be a specific adviser for your major until you declare it, which is usually around your junior year.

2) Look at what you enjoy doing. Do you hate math--don't go into meteorology or math education. You have to be honest with yourself and don't fool yourself. You know what you enjoy doing. Do you write well? Try journalism or business communications.

3) Get a job at a business that it's the AREA you enjoy. If you stay there for a year, they could even assist you in paying for college. My cousin worked for an aquarium for 9 months, and they ended up paying for 2 years of college for her. PLUS you're going to learn what you enjoy doing.

4) Don't look at the salaries. I thought that since I was getting a degree in general communications that it meant I would be getting a salary larger than $50K. I'm happy with what I do, and I don't make more than $50K. The thing is that I really am happy though.

5) Don't knock it until you try it. Never thought you would like journalism? Try it for a semester and see what you enjoy. Have an interest in astonomy? Ask the head of the department for some insight.

6) Enjoy being a teen. You're never going to be set in stone on a college or major, and that's okay. You can change both without any problems. Listen to yourself, and don't lie to YOURSELF. If you don't like it at a campus after 6 months, transfer.

I went into college thinking I wanted to be a journalist. I went through three different school, with majors ranging from written journalism to meterology with a minor in mathematics. I ended up as a communication specialist in the nonprofit sector. I didn't know until I did an internship with Special Olympics that this is what I want to do. I rock at advertising and marketing, and the fact I have newspaper experiece is exciting to most companies.

You never know where you're going to be led. Don't let your high school or what have you take control of your life. You're not going to mess up anything by going to college, even if you end up with a degree you don't like.

Answer 7

First of all, you don't have to decide on a major right away. Second, there are tons of personality & career assessment tests to help you see what your strengths and weaknesses are. Also, think about what you love to do: read, sing, study medicine. What are your favorite classes? Where do you see youself in 5 years? These are questions that may help you in the future. Good luck on your journey. God Bless!!!

Answer 8

Here's what you might want to consider. Find out the most common levels of Math / English and Science needed for most degrees. Work on them.....in the mean time, find out what you really love to do. Having a job you love to do is far more important than any financial rewards. That being said, loving what you do / working hard at it and doing the best you can and being persistant, may lead to the finacial rewards you seek.

Answer 9

I've known what I wanted to do since I was a kid. Brainstorm some of the careers that interest you and do some research on them.

Answer 10

It all depends on what you want to do with your life. Your major prepares you for your career and remeber you can always change it if you change your mind.