Choosing your major in university can be tricky and overwhelming, even more so when you have multiple interests and passions or don’t know what kind of career you want yet. There are a lot of factors you should consider before you settle on the major you want to pursue in university.
How important is your college major?
Choosing the right major is one of the most important a college student makes since this choice has a lasting effect on the student’s life, work experience, earnings, and professional skills.
When choosing the major, you should take advice from teachers, counselors, and family members who know your interests and have been on the college admission journey with you. However, the final decision should be yours to make.
Steps to Choosing a Major
Step 1: Self Assessment
Before you choose a major, it is essential to do a self-assessment to understand where your passion lies. The more you know yourself, the clearer your future goals will be. Identify your strengths and key abilities since figuring out your unique skill set can help you realize your areas of interest.
The major you choose will influence your activities and clubs. Assess what activities capture your interest, why you enjoy doing them, and how your major can affect them.
Ask yourself the following questions to assess your fields of interest:
What do you like doing? Consider the classes, subjects, and activities you have liked the most. Why did you enjoy them?
What is important to you? What do you consider valuable?
What are you good at? Identify your skills and abilities. What types of things are you talented in? Are they technical, intellectual, adventurous, etc?
What extracurricular activities do you enjoy the most?
What are your strengths and key abilities?
Is creativity more important to you than security?
What are your motivations? Are external factors shaping your decisions?
Step 2: Collecting Information
Once you’re through with the self-assessment, focus on finding the right fit universities and courses. Again, it is crucial to be thorough with your research regarding which universities offer the subjects/majors you want to pursue, whether they have a track record of success with graduates from those majors, etc.
Shortlist universities that align with your interests. Research thoroughly and weigh the pros and cons of each university separately.
Review and research majors offered at different universities.
Pick the majors that capture your interest, match your abilities, and align with your values.
Conduct research and informational interviews with faculties, counselors, college coaches, alums, etc., regarding the majors and the possible career paths.
Attend information sessions and events to learn from employers and faculties about different career possibilities.
Step 3: Consider Options and Decide
Once you have all the information and research, consider each option, and evaluate them thoroughly before settling for one.
Weigh the pros and cons of each option and narrow your choices to two or three
Consult your academic advisor or career coach to help you evaluate the information you’ve collected, if you’re facing difficulty in making a decision
How do US universities help if you have multiple Majors of Interest?
It can be overwhelming to decide on a major when you have multiple majors of interest. However, you do not need to narrow your selection to a single major immediately. Instead, there can be several pathways for students to follow and explore different fields of interest.
One possible pathway could be a double major or a major with a minor. However, this pathway could mean an increased workload for you but pursuing a double major can also expand your future opportunities and possible career paths. A major with a minor could also be an excellent option to pursue. A minor is a secondary concentration of study that requires less coursework and typically complements the major.
Students can also join campus groups related to their other interests to see if they would like to major later. Universities present various opportunities to discover new ideas and meet diverse groups, allowing you to feel out a department or major without committing to a semester-long course. The best way is to attend different department-related campus groups and open houses to explore your interests before settling for one.
Remember, you’re not the only one who enters college with an undecided major. Most students take a few intro classes during their first two years at the campus to finally land on the major of their choice! So don't worry, you still have plenty of time.
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