7 answers
Sierra
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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Majors and College Classes?
What is one thing you wish knew before you picked your college classes and major?
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7 answers
Alayna Brandolini
Student
9
Answers
College Park, Maryland
Updated
Alayna’s Answer
I regret going into college with a major already declared. I ended up not liking my chosen major and am now going through the process to change it. If I could go back, I would apply as undecided so that I could try things out and figure out what I was passionate about before declaring a major.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
454
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Sierra,
To be honest, I went to college for my parents, I wanted to be the first person on my mother's side to graduate from college and I was determined to get " The Title". I say that to say, I didn't go for myself, don't get me wrong the experience was amazing, but I found myself graduating with the most basic major; Business Administration. I wish I would've pursued my on interest and got a degree in something I was truly passionate about. Though with my Business degree it was opened doors for many blessings and great opportunities.
If you're are undecided, I would suggest to talk to people in fields that interest you. Take advantage of volunteer opportunities in those specific fields and do your research. Speak with counselors and college advisors before picking your major, allow them to help design your course structure.
In a nutshell, identify your interests, values, passions and abilities, consider the future, choose the right school, give yourself time, get help , spot any disadvantages before choosing a major and know that its ok to change your mind.
Good Luck
To be honest, I went to college for my parents, I wanted to be the first person on my mother's side to graduate from college and I was determined to get " The Title". I say that to say, I didn't go for myself, don't get me wrong the experience was amazing, but I found myself graduating with the most basic major; Business Administration. I wish I would've pursued my on interest and got a degree in something I was truly passionate about. Though with my Business degree it was opened doors for many blessings and great opportunities.
If you're are undecided, I would suggest to talk to people in fields that interest you. Take advantage of volunteer opportunities in those specific fields and do your research. Speak with counselors and college advisors before picking your major, allow them to help design your course structure.
In a nutshell, identify your interests, values, passions and abilities, consider the future, choose the right school, give yourself time, get help , spot any disadvantages before choosing a major and know that its ok to change your mind.
Good Luck
Matt Hartman
Manager
6
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Matt’s Answer
One thing I would wish I knew - I wish I knew exactly what job I was going to have in the future to ensure that my courses and major matches exactly with what I chose!
However, that isn't that likely for anyone - so that would take me back into what do I want to study, what major / courses will enhance my knowledge of that subject.
Or if I don't know what major to pick, start to think about what area of study is important into the field you are interested in. Then find all majors that fit that area of study. That may help reduce the overwhelming choices that are out there.
Then how do those classes align. For example, if I know I want to have a major of Information Systems Management, what courses do I need to take now to align with that goal. Perhaps there is a course that is difficult to get into, knowing that may get you looking for that course early.
Talk to people in the field you may be interested in.
Talk to people in the major you may be interested in, or a college admin who may have spoken with many people in your situation.
As long as you are working towards your goals, you will be fine! I honestly can't remember a class that I took in college that I still think about as a mistake. There are some classes I do remember as thinking at the time, "Why do I need this?" only to now use that information all these years later!
Good luck to you!
However, that isn't that likely for anyone - so that would take me back into what do I want to study, what major / courses will enhance my knowledge of that subject.
Or if I don't know what major to pick, start to think about what area of study is important into the field you are interested in. Then find all majors that fit that area of study. That may help reduce the overwhelming choices that are out there.
Then how do those classes align. For example, if I know I want to have a major of Information Systems Management, what courses do I need to take now to align with that goal. Perhaps there is a course that is difficult to get into, knowing that may get you looking for that course early.
Talk to people in the field you may be interested in.
Talk to people in the major you may be interested in, or a college admin who may have spoken with many people in your situation.
As long as you are working towards your goals, you will be fine! I honestly can't remember a class that I took in college that I still think about as a mistake. There are some classes I do remember as thinking at the time, "Why do I need this?" only to now use that information all these years later!
Good luck to you!
Jessica Leveque
Learning Consultant
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Great question!!
What I wish knew before I picked my college classes and major is research. That would look like shadowing or questioning someone in that profession. This would give me a great idea on the day in the life and allow me to see if this is something I want to do. Seeing how we have social media; you can also do a Youtube search for the "Day in the life of " fill in the profession. This can also give different perspectives as well as this site. In addition, I would make sure the class I am looking to take is part of my degree study to not spend extra time in school then needed.
What I wish knew before I picked my college classes and major is research. That would look like shadowing or questioning someone in that profession. This would give me a great idea on the day in the life and allow me to see if this is something I want to do. Seeing how we have social media; you can also do a Youtube search for the "Day in the life of " fill in the profession. This can also give different perspectives as well as this site. In addition, I would make sure the class I am looking to take is part of my degree study to not spend extra time in school then needed.
Courtney Jenkins
Closing Specialist
17
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Sierra,
One of major things I wish I had known before college is what my true passion was. I wish I had been more in touch with my interests and the direction I wanted to take in the future once I graduated college. Looking back on my childhood years, I really don't remember what I wanted to be when I grew up and going into college I was still very undecided. Due to this, I think I changed my major every year I was there. I kept choosing things that seemed interesting to me and that I knew would make good money but I didn't really focus on what would really keep me tuned in and wanting to continue on throughout life. I did take a few career interest surveys here and there but nothing seemed to help.
My advice would be if you are undecided, talk to people in fields that interest you. Volunteer in these fields and definitely do your research in these fields. When you are choosing your classes, add some diversity to your schedule so you don't knock out all of the core classes at once and are then left struggling to choose classes towards a major that you haven't decided on yet. Spread out the core classes so you are able to take intro classes for any given area until you are sure on your major. Set goals along the way and try your best to stick to them.
Good Luck!
One of major things I wish I had known before college is what my true passion was. I wish I had been more in touch with my interests and the direction I wanted to take in the future once I graduated college. Looking back on my childhood years, I really don't remember what I wanted to be when I grew up and going into college I was still very undecided. Due to this, I think I changed my major every year I was there. I kept choosing things that seemed interesting to me and that I knew would make good money but I didn't really focus on what would really keep me tuned in and wanting to continue on throughout life. I did take a few career interest surveys here and there but nothing seemed to help.
My advice would be if you are undecided, talk to people in fields that interest you. Volunteer in these fields and definitely do your research in these fields. When you are choosing your classes, add some diversity to your schedule so you don't knock out all of the core classes at once and are then left struggling to choose classes towards a major that you haven't decided on yet. Spread out the core classes so you are able to take intro classes for any given area until you are sure on your major. Set goals along the way and try your best to stick to them.
Good Luck!
Nancy Vondrak
Career Specialist
1
Answer
Richfield, Ohio
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
An important thing I have learned about colleges is that where you go is not so important, but that it's what you do when you get there that counts. Most public colleges aren't really that different when you get right down to it, except perhaps for the school's student population size and its location. They all have many of the same features. but it's up to you to decide whether that feature is a school's strength or a weakness. The same thing can be said about private schools, although they may differ a lot in cost. But what are you going to do when you get to college? Study? Socialize? Join clubs, sports or organizations? Get an internship? Party? Relax your standards because now you have some independence? Wherever you go, you will take yourself with you so make sure you've got a positive mindset in order to set yourself up for success.
As far as major is concerned, don't choose one based on how much money you'll make in the future. Money will never bring you lasting happiness. What career will help you to use your talents, make a difference and contribute in some way to society, and also allow you to grow as years go by.
As far as major is concerned, don't choose one based on how much money you'll make in the future. Money will never bring you lasting happiness. What career will help you to use your talents, make a difference and contribute in some way to society, and also allow you to grow as years go by.
Sree Padma Holt
retired professor in history
22
Answers
Albany, California
Updated
Sree Padma’s Answer
I would say about the professor's style of teaching. You can find this out by asking a few students who took courses from the professor. But do not just rely on one or two opinions, as these might be biased.