Is it hard to change majors?
I know many people who have changed their major multiple times and I have a strong feeling I might be the same when I go to college. My only concern is that if it is too hard to switch majors, it will affect me in a big way. I don't know too much about college but I do know you have to declare it at some point. Does that mean your set for life? Is it hard to change majors? #college #college-major #major #major #career
4 answers
Jono Anzalone
Jono’s Answer
Hi there Lauren,
A great question! Changing majors is quite common with one report stating that 33% of student do so (http://www.thecollegesolution.com/changing-college-majors-really-common/). I know when I was a freshman I thought I wanted to study medicine and then quickly knew after my first political science class that I wanted to study political science. The good news is that it can be as easy as talking with your advisor.
Typically, it is easier to switch before hitting your junior or senior year, as most colleges will have you focus your energy on general ed courses that are required regardless of your stated major.
Make sense?
Reach out if you need further info/advice! You are going to love the adventure and it pays off!
Jono
Kanan’s Answer
No at all! I changed majors and what made me not want to do it at first was setting me back and having to get my credits in time. That should not be the reason to not do it though, because I am very happy with the path I ended up choosing
Kristin’s Answer
Hi Lauren -
As others mentioned, changing majors can be challenging - however it can be worth it too. My best advice would be to use college as a time to explore different topics to try and figure out which career you'd like to pursue (especially early on). If you don't know what you want to do (aka "what you want to be when you grow up"), see if you can start off as "undeclared" and take a variety of courses your first semester - if you like some of those, it may point you towards a major you'd enjoy. If you end up needing to change majors down the road, it can be done - it just may be more challenging based on how many of the courses related to that major you need to take to catch up. But in all honestly - I would rather spend my time in college exploring courses to find a career I'm interested in and passionate about, than remain committed to a major that I know just isn't right for me. Upon entering college, you should be assigned to a faculty adviser that can help you talk through the different options as well.
Good luck to you!
Jyoti’s Answer
Changing Major is not easy but not very hard. If you are in early weeks/month of your academic year it will be easier compared to latter part of the year.
What you should be prepared for when changing Major -
- Ready to cope up with topics /projects that are already covered
- It is important to understand the basics of the subjects, so when you start with change you may have to spend some extra hours to looks at basics
- Change is a challenge :-) , be prepared!