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What should one major in if they are completely unsure of what they want to do??
I am a junior in highschool, and Im reaching that point where I have to start applying. Ive taken a bunch of AP's, etc, but still don't know what I want to do.
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RAVI’s Answer
Hello Myles, it is good time to think about majors. But you do not have to decide right now during application processing. You can if you want to and know where you are leaning towards, but not required.
First 4 semesters of most colleges make you go through "Core Courses" to get an undergrad degree. Most of them are common for all majors, at 80%+ of them. This allows you to change the majors, but sometime (smaller % of the time) might be difficult due to admin hurdles or limits on the department.
Many students join colleges without declaring a major. They learn about all the majors possible through fellow students, friends, professors and dept activities and see if they like one over the other and then pursue the major. Usually, it is done any time during the first 3 sems. Things might get a little more involved or difficult as you push along later into 4th semester.
You can do the same. You are still a Junior. As you follow through next few months and start learning about all the majors and fields that interest you, you might decide sooner. Or you can do that during the first few semesters. Do not stress yourself out. Relax, learn about possibilities. Wish you the very best.
First 4 semesters of most colleges make you go through "Core Courses" to get an undergrad degree. Most of them are common for all majors, at 80%+ of them. This allows you to change the majors, but sometime (smaller % of the time) might be difficult due to admin hurdles or limits on the department.
Many students join colleges without declaring a major. They learn about all the majors possible through fellow students, friends, professors and dept activities and see if they like one over the other and then pursue the major. Usually, it is done any time during the first 3 sems. Things might get a little more involved or difficult as you push along later into 4th semester.
You can do the same. You are still a Junior. As you follow through next few months and start learning about all the majors and fields that interest you, you might decide sooner. Or you can do that during the first few semesters. Do not stress yourself out. Relax, learn about possibilities. Wish you the very best.
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
I began my college career with a business administration degree until I decided what direction I wanted to go. The baseline courses are mostly transferrable to most other degrees.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Myles
Updated
Bruce B.’s Answer
Hey Myles,
It's ok to not know right now what you want to major in. Many students have changed their major in college. The first 2 years, you are typically taking your Basic Education Requirements, and typically your Junior year is when a student starts taking classes in their major. The first thing is to find a college/university that you want to attend. It could be as simple as family tradition, or perhaps you are fan of their sports teams, or maybe you like their academic reputation. Narrow down your major by figuring out what are your strengths/ classes you like. For instance, you are good at writing papers, then maybe be an English or Journalism major. If you have an aptitude for math and science, then perhaps you might lean towards some science and engineering majors. The same for computers.....every company needs people in their IT department, vs becoming a computer programmer. Can you see yourself teaching in a classroom? Then perhaps go into teaching. Law school and Med school can have various majors as an undergrad.
Keep searching until you figure it out.....and you eventually will. I wish you well.
It's ok to not know right now what you want to major in. Many students have changed their major in college. The first 2 years, you are typically taking your Basic Education Requirements, and typically your Junior year is when a student starts taking classes in their major. The first thing is to find a college/university that you want to attend. It could be as simple as family tradition, or perhaps you are fan of their sports teams, or maybe you like their academic reputation. Narrow down your major by figuring out what are your strengths/ classes you like. For instance, you are good at writing papers, then maybe be an English or Journalism major. If you have an aptitude for math and science, then perhaps you might lean towards some science and engineering majors. The same for computers.....every company needs people in their IT department, vs becoming a computer programmer. Can you see yourself teaching in a classroom? Then perhaps go into teaching. Law school and Med school can have various majors as an undergrad.
Keep searching until you figure it out.....and you eventually will. I wish you well.
Thanks for the advice.
Myles
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Myles,
You could opt for a Political Science degree or even a Business degree as some of the choices. For the long haul I did a Law degree. I was always sure I wanted to work in law as either a paralegal or a lawyer. Now I am a lot older and I have the legal experience, I now want to branch out into other careers. As this was the perfect degree for me (because its very challenging) I am happy with what I chose for myself. With law comes a bunch of other subjects that you have to study such as a language (an elective) and business and accounting. I have worked in business and accounting too and I liked it a great deal. So choosing a degree major should be a culmination of things such "what can I do?" "what am I interested in?" and "why do I want to chose this major?"
You could opt for a Political Science degree or even a Business degree as some of the choices. For the long haul I did a Law degree. I was always sure I wanted to work in law as either a paralegal or a lawyer. Now I am a lot older and I have the legal experience, I now want to branch out into other careers. As this was the perfect degree for me (because its very challenging) I am happy with what I chose for myself. With law comes a bunch of other subjects that you have to study such as a language (an elective) and business and accounting. I have worked in business and accounting too and I liked it a great deal. So choosing a degree major should be a culmination of things such "what can I do?" "what am I interested in?" and "why do I want to chose this major?"
Thanks for your encouragement!
Myles