4 Top Tips for Choosing Your College Major
Are you certain of the fact that you want to further your education at university but are torn between at least two possible majors? You aren’t alone. In fact, most students surveyed claimed that their decision regarding their major wasn’t clear-cut. Studies show that a large portion of students, as many as 80%, will also change their major at least once throughout the course of their studies.
So, how can you go about making the right decision right from the start? Here are some tips.
Follow Your Heart
Usually, you will be fighting a battle between your head and your heart when you are torn between two possibilities. Choosing your major is no exception. You will likely be choosing between studying something that you are passionate about and studying something that you are good at or that pays well.
If this is the case for you, it is almost always best to follow your heart. Doing what you love will make all the hardships and challenges worth it in the long run. If you go with your head instead and find yourself unhappy, you will likely always wonder what life would have looked like if you had followed the path that you were originally drawn to.
Do Your Research
Your research on CampusReel should extend far beyond reading up on the college requirements, the different course options, and the University of Oregon acceptance rate, for example. You will also need to delve deeper into the specific careers that you are considering.
Perhaps you believe that you are destined to go into the world of business? In this instance, speak to someone who has already achieved success in that realm and ask if you can ‘shadow’ them for a day or two. They will show you the ropes and you will have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a business professional. All of this will work towards either reassuring you that you are making the right choice or demonstrating that the business world isn’t quite what you expected.
Think About What You Want to Achieve
When you imagine yourself kickstarting your career, what can you see yourself doing? But more than that, where are you? What are you earning? What are you focusing on? What are your goals? Having a better understanding of your ambitions will equip you to choose a major that will help you to realize them.
Consider Length of Study Time
Some degrees take longer to complete than others, and this is a factor to consider if you want to be qualified and working as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to think about specialization. Most undergraduate degrees are the basis of your education and many students will go on to study for a further two to four years in order to be able to specialize. This is true for engineers, doctors, nurses, etc.
If you remain unsure about which major is right for you, it is always worthwhile to consult with a career counsellor. This is an important decision, so be certain to do everything in your power to feel 100% confident in the path that you choose.
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