By the time you’re 18 years old, you are faced with big decisions that will affect the rest of your life – one of which is choosing a college major. You’ve probably mulled it over at length and have had many internal debates. You want to take everything into consideration so you end up doing something that will keep you fulfilled.
Of course, it’s important that you study something you enjoy. If you can see yourself doing it in your free time, it’s probably the right major for you. For example, animal lovers who are curious about the physiology, structure and development of animals might consider zoology. An outgoing and image-conscious person who idolizes Samantha from Sex and the City could pursue a degree in public relations. Be sure to consider majors that fit your strengths. Accounting is perfect for people who are great with numbers, while computer engineering is best for technical-types. If you made an A in each of your math classes and performed averagely in other subjects, you should consider sticking with that discipline. Know what you want to do after you graduate and how the major will prepare you for the field. If students have little trouble landing a job after graduation, chances are, the college is effectively preparing them. Not every major is practical – most liberal arts majors are generalist and don’t steer you towards a specific job. However, if you know of professions beforehand that require writing, research, and analytical and critical thinking skills, you can still make good use of your degree.
Be sure to do your homework. Go to your prospective colleges’ websites and view the major requirements. Be familiar with the expected workload and types of classes you’d be taking. If it looks like something that would make you pull your hair out, avoid the major. But know that no matter what you decide to study, there will inevitably be classes that are less than pleasant. Consider taking trips to campuses and speaking with professors in the department. Do they seem like effective teachers who are concerned about their students’ learning, or are they just there to research? Talk to students and ask them about their progress and if they have any regrets. Get facts about the department and what kind of resources it offers. A major with lots of funding to back it up can provide state-of-the-art technology and facilities to enhance your learning experience. Becoming familiar with majors firsthand will help you make a more informed decision.