How do you choose a major for college? I need serious help.?

Question

Should I make a list of things I'm interested in and point out my strengths and weaknesses.

And also make a list of the things I "may" be considering, and the careers and jobs that can occur afterwards?

And maybe make YES or NO questions like:
~Would I be willing to take courses in this major?
~Would I be happy with this major?
~Is it worth studying for in college?

What did you do to choose your major? I'm applying to colleges today or tomorrow...or this coming week and I need help on choosing a major.

Do you have things you sked yourself or took a test of some sort?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Well, my freshman year of college I was an insturmental perfromance major in a music conservatory because they gave me a good scholarship. It was the wrong reason to go school, and I hated it. I ended up transferring (which is a horrible process) and I'm now a history major, which I love. When I decided to choose my major, I decided on something I was very interested in (history) and that required skills I have... reading, writing, research, etc. Making lists might help you- but chances are you know what you're good at.

If you are really undecided about what to major in, as in you don't even know what interests you, take curriculum made of up of general education credits- all liberal arts schools require a certain amount of "gen-ed" credit, and it allows you to take a wide variety of classes on different topics. You might find something that really interests you, and then you can look into futher pursuing it. Don't feel pressured to choose a major right away. Most people end up changing theirs at least once during college, if not more.

If you DO have an idea of what you might like to do, take a few entry level classes in that topic and see if it's still something you're into. Ask yourself "Can I handle the level of math/english/science I will need for this major? Am I interested in devoting the amount of time necessary in these areas to be successful, or would I rather spend my time on other interests?"

It is also useful to have a plan of what you might like to do after school. Do you want to go to grad school and continue your education? Do you want a job right out of school? This plan doesn't have to be hugely detailed, but it is good to have an ultimate goal as to what you want to do with your education.

I hope that was helpful. I remember what a stressful time it was applying to schools as senior. It sounds like you already have a good start by listing things, but don't feel like you have to be locked into one major for the entire duration of college.

Answer 2

I did all the tests, personality and aptitude and interest tests. The answers I got were kind of weird. Maybe going to college right now would be premature. Going just because that is what everyone else is doing or because it's what someone else expects of you or because you are afraid of being left behind or lacking skills is maybe not the reason to go if it isn't clear to you why you are there. Otherwise you may waste a lot of time and be in debt for a long time after. Why don't you think about if you could do anything right now, what would it be. Then go do it. Then, when you are done doing that, ask yourself what you want to major in. If you have an answer then, enroll. I spent 4.5 years in school, ended up with a double major I never used and was miserable most of the time I was there. I think back and can't believe I actually did it. Hope you won't have to go down that road, if you can avoid it.

Answer 3

The major you choose in college doesn't set the course for the rest of your life; it's merely a starting point. What's important is following your interests and discovering what you love to do.
Practical Aspects
Instructions
STEP 1: Consider which courses you've done well in previously and decide which major they have prepared you for. STEP 2: Investigate the quality of the professors and courses. Ask your academic adviser which departments are well-regarded in their fields. Get a list of these departments' courses to see if they interest you. Also ask students who are majoring in these subjects if they are satisfied with their respective programs and professors. STEP 3: Do internships to get a feel for the kinds of jobs you could get with different majors. STEP 4: Consider the requirements for any potential majors. Find out whether they can be completed in four years or if they require graduate studies, and consider whether you would be willing to spend the necessary time and money. STEP 5: Look at the different fields to which your major can be applied. Try to find a major that will offer flexibility when you are looking for a job. STEP 6: Think about the growth of the field that interests you. Is the field expanding? Are graduates with your major being hired right out of college, or do they need additional training? STEP 7: Contemplate the earning potential and base salary of jobs that are related to certain majors. Think of the lifestyle you would like to maintain and how certain salaries may affect it. Personal Aspects
Instructions
STEP 1: Figure out what it is you love to do. Are there fields of study that spark your interest, or have you taken courses that you particularly enjoyed? STEP 2: Ask yourself whether you have what it takes to succeed in your major. STEP 3: Think about whether you would be happier having a job you love with little pay or having a job you can tolerate with substantial pay. Choose a career course accordingly. STEP 4: Be flexible; you have time to change your major if you are unhappy with it.

Answer 4

Best thing to do is to talk to college grads and see if they are finding jobs once you narrow it down. There are some majors to stay away from however because they have really bad post graduation employment oppertunitys.
1. psychology 2. sociology 3. Mathematics 4. physics 5. biology

When in doubt take a major that is very field specific. Let's say for instance you are interested in physics... Be an Engineer. Graduate with an engineering degree. WAY more oppertunitys.
Don't talk to advisors, teachers, college profs.. generally they are out of touch with the current job market. Best people to talk to are recent college grads and graduate students.
Also, my number one thing i can say is if your school offers minors then minor in a buisness or managment area. This really helps on your resume.
Of all the majors If i were to redo everything now i wouldn't have majored in mathematics and would have majored in Buisness Managment or Human Resources.

Answer 5

Some students change their major several times. You will have at least 2 years of gen ed course before you really have to pick a major...In that time you can decide. Decide what job you want to do EVERYDAY for the rest of your life...if that excites you then go for it. I would look at every degree you are in interested in and ask yourself "why do I want this"...to help people? because I like science, math, etc. You will have strengths and weaknesses in any major. I finally decided on social work because I want to do counseling or work with drug addicted people (I have been there). I love all the social work classes..except the research papers and some of the gen ed courses..I can make A's in social work classes and C's or D's in history, science, etc. They do have test you can take thru the college that will tell you what field you would be good in.

Answer 6

It took me three years to finally choose a major. I tried a few things, took the classes, but realized it wasn't what I wanted to do. Ideally, I would want to major in a lot of things (I still want to change my mind sometimes!) but I am happy with what I chose. Talk to people in different fields -see if you can shadow them for a day. Don't forget, though, that a lot of the time people don't go into a job that they got thier major in!

Answer 7

Where do you want to go in life?
What kind of work do you want to do?
Are you skilled in that area?
Are you willing to devote your life to that?


Don't forget - college is EXPENSIVE and it is a means to an end. If you're not sure where you want to be in life or what kind of work you want to do, my personal advice is to wait and see. This is a very personal desicion that only you can make. If you want to be a doctor/lawyer/architect/mechanic - then can you handle the work load required? Would you love to do this for the rest of your life? Then by all means - do it. But don't go to college because your friends are going/your parents want you to go/you're smart. Figure out what you want out of life, then figure out how to get it. Best of luck to you.