2 answers
Gabriel
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
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How many times did you switch your major before you chose one?
Student loan
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2 answers
Olivia McDonnell
Consulting
23
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
I switched three times. I applied to college as an undecided major. Usually universities allow this since they understand incoming freshmen are overwhelmed with seemingly endless possibilities. Undecided majors will usually be assigned general education classes and given a timeframe for when they need to decide a major by. During orientation I decided I wanted to be a fashion merchandising major. I realized pretty quickly that I was confusing my love of shopping as a love of design. I'm not a creative person by any means. However, I'm very analytical and was interested in hearing what other students in my dorm were learning in the business classes. As a result, I switched to business two weeks after starting school. If student loans are a concern for you, try taking the general education classes first while you talk to your friends in other majors about what they are learning. Usually these classes are required regardless of major (Math 101, English 101, etc.), so you reduce the risk of having to retake a semester worth of classes which can't be transferred for credit to another major.
i am thinking st thomas in st paul mn
Gabriel
Sasha Zuberi
Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
Hi!
Deciding on a major is definitely a huge step and once you settle on it, you should be confident it is the right choice. There are a few things i would recommend before making the decision:
- Explore the course catalog page at the college you're involved in to see how many majors catch your eye and make a list of them
- See the options of majors and minors as well. Sometimes you have a large interest and a relatively smaller one. You can explore both through adding on a minor as well!
- Set up a meeting with your academic advisor. They are very good about recommending majors and classes according to your needs.
- Explore classes within the major! Take one semester where you take classes from all the majors you're considering to see which one you find yourself leaning towards the most.
- Speak to upperclassmen doing the majors you're interested in - these people are students, just a few years older than you, who have experienced exactly what you will. Getting to talk to them and bounce off specific ideas about classes, majors, professors and opportunities within each department.
- Explore the opportunities of the major departments you're considering - some may have better suited research opportunities, or professors you'd like to work with, or internships you could get access to.
Its completely normal to switch majors around but you could follow these tips to see which one's right for you.
Deciding on a major is definitely a huge step and once you settle on it, you should be confident it is the right choice. There are a few things i would recommend before making the decision:
- Explore the course catalog page at the college you're involved in to see how many majors catch your eye and make a list of them
- See the options of majors and minors as well. Sometimes you have a large interest and a relatively smaller one. You can explore both through adding on a minor as well!
- Set up a meeting with your academic advisor. They are very good about recommending majors and classes according to your needs.
- Explore classes within the major! Take one semester where you take classes from all the majors you're considering to see which one you find yourself leaning towards the most.
- Speak to upperclassmen doing the majors you're interested in - these people are students, just a few years older than you, who have experienced exactly what you will. Getting to talk to them and bounce off specific ideas about classes, majors, professors and opportunities within each department.
- Explore the opportunities of the major departments you're considering - some may have better suited research opportunities, or professors you'd like to work with, or internships you could get access to.
Its completely normal to switch majors around but you could follow these tips to see which one's right for you.