One of your most important tasks at the beginning of
college is to choose a subject that you will major in. This decision is not as difficult as it may seem, especially if you take a careful look at your interests, aptitude and future career goals. If you are still undecided about your college major then consider using my step-by-step guide that is described below.
The first step is to consider your strong points. What do you do well? It makes sense to concentrate on fields where you have already demonstrated some ability, rather than to branch out into subjects where you may not do very well. For example, if you had good grades in high school science courses, then why not continue with a major in a scientific subject in college? Or on the other hand, if your best high school subjects were in languages and social studies, then it might be wise to major in one of the social sciences. So, take a look back on your high school career, and consider majoring in one of your strong subjects.
Do you know what you want to do when you finish
college? If so then this career objective or future plan of action can guide you in choosing a major. For example, if you want to be a kindergarten teacher, then an education major makes the most sense. Or if you want to go to law school then a major in any of a number of social sciences would be useful.
In case you are not really sure about what you want to do after college, then it makes sense to choose a major that will give you some flexibility. For example, if you major in economics you will be well placed for careers in the broad sphere of business. A major in English or a foreign language could also prove useful in several careers or as a way to enter post-graduate studies. So if you haven't figured out what you want to do next, select a major that will give you maximum flexibility.
Perhaps the best indicator of what your major should be is simply to look at where your greatest interests lie. What are you passionate about? If you are crazy about science, then continue in that direction and choose a scientific major. If you dream of living abroad, then major in a language of the country of your dreams.
Finally, make a test of the various subjects. You probably will not have to declare your major until the end of the second year, so in the first year and half take a few courses in the subjects that you are considering as a possible major. You may be surprised and find out that courses in some subjects are not as interesting as you had expected. Based on your experience with a few elective courses, then you will be in a better position to choose your major.
The best way to choose your major is the break down the task by carefully assessing your academic strengths, career objectives and basic interests. Then choose some electives and see how well you do. Based on this, you will be in a good position to choose a major that is just right for you.
More Information:
Jean Scott writes for the American Educational Guidance Center. Among the subjects on which she has produced multiple articles are accelerated
online college programs, programs for students with special needs, and inexpensive
online degree programs.
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