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How do I know what I should go to college for?
I want to go to college but I don't know what to major in.
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8 answers
Vilash Reddy MD
Adult/Child/Addiction Psychiatrist - Onelifepsychiatry.com. Holistic model to mental illness including meds, therapy, and alternatives.
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Updated
Vilash’s Answer
If I were in your shoes, I'd seriously consider completing your prerequisite courses at a community college. Make sure to discuss this plan with your school counselor. After that, you can transfer to a college that aligns best with your interests. If I had the chance to start over, this is the path I would take. You might feel like you're missing out on the quintessential "college experience", but in my opinion, it's not all it's cracked up to be. I've seen many individuals lose their way at large universities, lacking direction and squandering both time and money.
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Esther’s Answer
Here’s two pieces of advice:
The first was originally from my dad. Start with an associates degree. If you get an Associate of General Studies, you can explore different fields while also earning a degree quicker and for a lower cost. Then you have a college degree for your resume to get a job sooner. You can also apply credits from your associates towards your bachelor degree.
The second is more of a story. I had a hard time choosing a specific major at first because I like so many different topics—novel writing, math, natural science, painting, and engineering, just to name a few. I finally narrowed my choices down with two questions:
1. Which of my interests would pay off the best financially?
2. What is something that I always wanted to learn but know that I can’t teach myself?
For me, the answer was engineering. So I picked the engineering degree that sounded the most fun (mechanical engineering with aerospace emphasis), and got started.
Part way through my degree, I discovered computer science through my required coursework. I fell in love with coding, but didn’t want to restart my entire degree, so I added it as a CS minor instead. With the way my credits worked out, it was just one extra semester worth of work.
Now I have job utilizing my minor as a software engineer. I also do technical writing, even though I never got a degree in it, because my interest in creative writing plus my technical education makes documentation easy for me.
Ultimately, a college degree is an investment in you. Pick a major that you enjoy, yes, but also something that will give you the financial means to take care of yourself and your family.
The first was originally from my dad. Start with an associates degree. If you get an Associate of General Studies, you can explore different fields while also earning a degree quicker and for a lower cost. Then you have a college degree for your resume to get a job sooner. You can also apply credits from your associates towards your bachelor degree.
The second is more of a story. I had a hard time choosing a specific major at first because I like so many different topics—novel writing, math, natural science, painting, and engineering, just to name a few. I finally narrowed my choices down with two questions:
1. Which of my interests would pay off the best financially?
2. What is something that I always wanted to learn but know that I can’t teach myself?
For me, the answer was engineering. So I picked the engineering degree that sounded the most fun (mechanical engineering with aerospace emphasis), and got started.
Part way through my degree, I discovered computer science through my required coursework. I fell in love with coding, but didn’t want to restart my entire degree, so I added it as a CS minor instead. With the way my credits worked out, it was just one extra semester worth of work.
Now I have job utilizing my minor as a software engineer. I also do technical writing, even though I never got a degree in it, because my interest in creative writing plus my technical education makes documentation easy for me.
Ultimately, a college degree is an investment in you. Pick a major that you enjoy, yes, but also something that will give you the financial means to take care of yourself and your family.
Updated
Jiani’s Answer
Hi, I think you should choose a major that you are interested in, if you don't choose what you are interested in, it is easy to give up when you learn it. First you can start by thinking about what job you want to pick in the future, then search online to find your suitable major based on the job or field you want to pick. Be sure to find out what classes you need to take for the major you want to study and do an in-depth research. You can also ask your counselor and teachers or parents for more advice. Because they have more work experience, they can give you more helpful and meaningful suggestions. I think when you persist with a major, the knowledge and skills you learn will help you in your future path when it comes to employment.
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Eleanor’s Answer
The first year or two of college most students are completing academic requirements and developing good study habits. It’s a time for exploration. Taking courses and electives in areas that you find interesting. Joining clubs that help you network with other students. Take advantage of work study to pay for school and studying abroad to open your horizons. Look for volunteer and internship opportunities that may lead you to focus your studies on a major that will help you in the future. Now is the time to experiment and explore. Enjoy the journey !
Lehman College offers tutoring and study prep courses that ensure academic success while you search for your major. Preparation is the key to success.
College is an investment in yourself. An opportunity to grow and try on different hats and see what fits best. I recommend choosing a cuny or suny college that is affordable and gives you the most opportunities to explore any possible major you can think of and it makes it easier to apply your credits if you decide to change majors. Good Luck, I hope this was helpful.
Lehman College offers tutoring and study prep courses that ensure academic success while you search for your major. Preparation is the key to success.
College is an investment in yourself. An opportunity to grow and try on different hats and see what fits best. I recommend choosing a cuny or suny college that is affordable and gives you the most opportunities to explore any possible major you can think of and it makes it easier to apply your credits if you decide to change majors. Good Luck, I hope this was helpful.
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Carol’s Answer
If you know you want to go to college but aren't sure where to start, you may want to consider attending a community college. You would get the experience of the classroom settings and be able to get your core classes done at a lower cost. Then once you get into the classes and meet with a counselor you can explore your personal interest for related college majors.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what your have interest, your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg.if you are interested in Music. would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Explore more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your parents, school career counsellor, mentor, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what your have interest, your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg.if you are interested in Music. would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Explore more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your parents, school career counsellor, mentor, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth!
This is a great question! Simply answered, I would recommend to step your foot into multiple areas. If you find that what you are currently in or studying does not satisfy and appeal to what you want to do in the future, then you can easily shift away from that one area and focus in another. In college, I knew that I wanted to focus my studies in general business. However, that is all I knew. After focusing my studies in multiple areas of business, I found my way into Human Resources where I currently am working in today. I received my MBA focusing specifically in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, and currently have a position as an Human Resources Administrator for a Sam's Club distribution and fulfillment center. You will never know what you like until you dip your foot in the water and tread through several areas!
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank You!
Molly H.
This is a great question! Simply answered, I would recommend to step your foot into multiple areas. If you find that what you are currently in or studying does not satisfy and appeal to what you want to do in the future, then you can easily shift away from that one area and focus in another. In college, I knew that I wanted to focus my studies in general business. However, that is all I knew. After focusing my studies in multiple areas of business, I found my way into Human Resources where I currently am working in today. I received my MBA focusing specifically in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, and currently have a position as an Human Resources Administrator for a Sam's Club distribution and fulfillment center. You will never know what you like until you dip your foot in the water and tread through several areas!
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank You!
Molly H.
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gregory’s Answer
Hello Elizebeth! You're definitely not alone in feeling uncertain about what to major in - it's a common concern for many people globally. A good starting point is to focus on your general education classes and aim for a basic associate's degree. Now, here's a little tip: think about what you truly enjoy doing or what hobbies you're passionate about. For instance, I've always been fascinated by computer science and technology, so naturally, I gravitated towards that field. Remember, it's okay to explore and if you ever feel like you've chosen the wrong field, don't worry! You can always change your major. I hope you find this advice helpful! :)