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How long before college did you know what you were going to major in? How many times did you switch your major before you picked one?

I want to know when I should pick my major or how long before college starts to pick one. I want to know if it is okay to switch my major and pick the right one for me, if I didn't the first time.

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Bridget’s Answer

Hi Cassidy! It's perfectly normal to feel anxious or a little overwhelmed when it comes to picking a major. It can feel like a huge, life-defining decision. The reality is that most people end up in a career that isn't directly related to what they majored in during school. With that being said, I personally had no idea what I wanted to major in when I started college, so I went in on an "exploratory track" that my school offered. I spent my entire freshman year trying a variety of classes of things I thought sounded interesting. Some of those classes really sparked curiosity and some were total duds for me. By the end of my freshman year I had a much clearer picture of what I wanted to study; in fact I don't think that the person I was at the beginning of the year would've been able to make that decision without the exploration I did! I also ended up declaring a secondary major mid-way through my second year and still managed to graduate on time in 4 years.

I think the key here is allowing yourself time and space to explore, even if your school doesn't offer a specific track or undecided option. If you go in with one major and then realize it's not for you, try not to panic. This is also why it's important to get to know your academic advisor. Their job is to help you stay on track to graduate and they can go over any requirements you may need to be able to finish on time. They can also help you learn more about the majors, minors, and certificates your school offers which can also help you have a better understanding of what's available to you.

All this to say, keep an open mind and don't feel like you have to know what you want to major in right away. If you're worried about how easy/hard it is to switch majors, talk to your advisor about it. It's all about setting yourself up for success, and one way to do that is to get all the facts. The more you know about the process the less daunting it will be, and you'll be able to choose a major with more confidence.

I hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your reply, this really helped me out! Cassidy
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Pat’s Answer

Choosing a college major can feel like answering the timeless question, "what do I want to be when I grow up?" My own journey through college wasn't the typical one. I made a significant change halfway through, switching from Nursing to International Business. Why? Simply because I discovered that nursing wasn't as appealing to me as I initially thought. I chose International Business because of my bilingual skills and my passion for travel.

During my studies, I took an elective course in supply chain management on a whim, and it was an absolute game-changer! I fell head over heels for it. Now, I work in the warehousing industry, and I genuinely love what I do. My International Business degree still comes in handy, as I operate in a global environment.

College is a journey of self-discovery, a time to understand your interests and then carve a career path around them. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to college. You might choose to start with an Associate degree at a community college and then transfer to a 4-year institution. Or perhaps attending a trade school before college is the best fit for you.

If you're brimming with passion and have a clear vision of your future, go ahead and declare your major. If you're still exploring, consider pursuing an Associate degree and sampling various elective classes to discover what truly ignites your interest.
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Sydney’s Answer

Don't sweat it if you're unsure about your major before starting college. It's completely normal! Colleges typically give you the first year to explore and find what suits you best. You're not alone in this journey - many of your peers are in the same boat, not sure of their major or considering a switch. If you already have a clear idea of what you want to study, that's fantastic! You can use resources like US News and World Reports or the Wall Street Journal to check out rankings and narrow down your options. On the other hand, if you're still undecided, that's perfectly okay too! You might want to think about attending a Liberal Arts college where you'll gain a wealth of knowledge and hone your writing and critical thinking skills. These skills will serve you well in any field you choose to pursue after college.

Hope this advice is helpful to you!
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