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Pria
Student
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How many times did you switch between majors before you finally settled on one?
I'm in high school and there are a few things that I could see as my potential future careers, but how many times is it acceptable to switch a major before you choose one?
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Pria!
Deciding on a major is a big deal, and it can really shape your academic and professional journey. It's pretty normal for students to change majors during their college years as they dive into different fields and find out what really lights their fire. How many times you can switch majors really depends on the individual, and there's no hard and fast rule.
Just remember, changing majors should be a well-thought-out decision, based on a good look at your interests, skills, and long-term dreams. It's okay to have a few career paths in mind during high school, but it's a good idea to explore these options more before you commit to a specific major.
Here are some things to think about if you're deciding whether to switch majors:
Self-reflection: Spend some time thinking about what you're interested in, what you're good at, and what's important to you. Think about what subjects or activities really get you going and line up with your long-term dreams. Consider how each possible major fits with your personal and professional goals.
Research: Do your homework on the majors you're thinking about. Check out the curriculum, course requirements, career prospects, and potential job opportunities for each major. This can help you get a better idea of what each field involves and whether it meets your expectations.
Seek guidance: Chat with academic advisors, professors, professionals in the fields you're interested in, and current students who are studying those majors. They can give you some real-world insights into the practical aspects of different majors and share advice from their own experiences.
Keep in mind that changing majors isn't a decision to take lightly, as it could mean more time and money. It's important to weigh up the pros and cons of each possible major before you make a decision. Also, remember that many careers don't necessarily need a specific major, and skills and experiences you gain outside the classroom can also be really valuable for your future career.
To sum it up, there's no set number of times you can switch majors. It's a personal decision that should be based on a good think about your interests, goals, and research. Take your time to explore different fields, get advice from professionals, and think about your own dreams before you decide on a major.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Websites:
The College Board - https://www.collegeboard.org/
U.S. News & World Report - https://www.usnews.com/
The Princeton Review - https://www.princetonreview.com/
Just once from physics / mathematics to biological chemistry then nutrition and dietetics Pria.
Take care,
James.
Deciding on a major is a big deal, and it can really shape your academic and professional journey. It's pretty normal for students to change majors during their college years as they dive into different fields and find out what really lights their fire. How many times you can switch majors really depends on the individual, and there's no hard and fast rule.
Just remember, changing majors should be a well-thought-out decision, based on a good look at your interests, skills, and long-term dreams. It's okay to have a few career paths in mind during high school, but it's a good idea to explore these options more before you commit to a specific major.
Here are some things to think about if you're deciding whether to switch majors:
Self-reflection: Spend some time thinking about what you're interested in, what you're good at, and what's important to you. Think about what subjects or activities really get you going and line up with your long-term dreams. Consider how each possible major fits with your personal and professional goals.
Research: Do your homework on the majors you're thinking about. Check out the curriculum, course requirements, career prospects, and potential job opportunities for each major. This can help you get a better idea of what each field involves and whether it meets your expectations.
Seek guidance: Chat with academic advisors, professors, professionals in the fields you're interested in, and current students who are studying those majors. They can give you some real-world insights into the practical aspects of different majors and share advice from their own experiences.
Keep in mind that changing majors isn't a decision to take lightly, as it could mean more time and money. It's important to weigh up the pros and cons of each possible major before you make a decision. Also, remember that many careers don't necessarily need a specific major, and skills and experiences you gain outside the classroom can also be really valuable for your future career.
To sum it up, there's no set number of times you can switch majors. It's a personal decision that should be based on a good think about your interests, goals, and research. Take your time to explore different fields, get advice from professionals, and think about your own dreams before you decide on a major.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Websites:
The College Board - https://www.collegeboard.org/
U.S. News & World Report - https://www.usnews.com/
The Princeton Review - https://www.princetonreview.com/
Just once from physics / mathematics to biological chemistry then nutrition and dietetics Pria.
Take care,
James.
Axel Flores
Technical Specialist
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Axel’s Answer
Hi! I personally switched majors one time in my freshman year and I have no regrets from it. I think for the people that do switch majors, the average is once or twice but I have met people that have switched 3-5 times. What you have to keep in mind is the credits that can transfer, the time it takes to finish the degree, and how much money you have to stay in school. For example, if you are 2 years into biology and you then switch to Biological or Biomedical Engineering , some of the classes will transfer but if you switch to something like English, a lot of the biology class credit do not transfer and you have to start from scratch and this can delay your graduation date. The other thing to keep in mind is that some scholarships have end dates so if you go over the allotted time, you don't have that financial support for the extra time.
With that in mind, it is completely normal to change major. You are exploring yourself and your interests. There are other ways to explore what you like with things like internships, clubs/organizations/, research, and simply talking to the faculty/people in certain tracks.
With that in mind, it is completely normal to change major. You are exploring yourself and your interests. There are other ways to explore what you like with things like internships, clubs/organizations/, research, and simply talking to the faculty/people in certain tracks.
Samia Sifat
IT Consultant
1
Answer
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Updated
Samia’s Answer
Hello Pria, you've posed an excellent question - one that many students grapple with. Selecting a major can indeed be a perplexing task, but remember, it's perfectly normal. The key is to pursue what genuinely captivates and excites you.
I, too, experienced this quandary during my college years, changing my major thrice. Initially, I ventured into the realm of telecommunication engineering, only to realize it wasn't my cup of tea. I then switched to Computer Science and Engineering, but soon discovered that the engineering aspect didn't quite resonate with me. Eventually, I found my true calling in software engineering.
The crux of the matter is to follow your heart and choose a career that brings you joy. Regardless of the subject, if you're committed to what you love, success is inevitable.
I, too, experienced this quandary during my college years, changing my major thrice. Initially, I ventured into the realm of telecommunication engineering, only to realize it wasn't my cup of tea. I then switched to Computer Science and Engineering, but soon discovered that the engineering aspect didn't quite resonate with me. Eventually, I found my true calling in software engineering.
The crux of the matter is to follow your heart and choose a career that brings you joy. Regardless of the subject, if you're committed to what you love, success is inevitable.
Sarah Saboorian
Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hello Pria! Initially, I started my college journey thinking I'd major in Political Science. However, as I explored further, I found myself more drawn towards International Relations. Eventually, I ended up declaring Economics as my major. The good news was, all these subjects fell under the umbrella of humanities and social sciences, which meant the classes and credits I'd taken were applicable across these different majors. When it came to choosing a major, I spent my freshman year sampling classes in areas I was potentially interested in, which helped me make my final decision. Just like the advice you've probably heard before, it's important to assess the flexibility you have in exploring different subjects while still staying on track to graduate on time and managing a reasonable course load. This approach gives you the opportunity to try out your top choices and discover which major truly resonates with you.
Sophia Song
Talent Sourcing Lead
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Sophia’s Answer
Hello! The frequency of major changes varies widely, depending on individual circumstances and interests. I initially pursued English Language and Literature at university but developed a strong passion for business management, especially in forging connections with people. To align with this passion, I completed relevant courses and earned a Master's degree in Human Resources. My career journey led me from corporate recruiting to an HR Business Partner role. After relocating to Canada, I returned to the talent sourcing and recruitment sector. In my perspective, changing majors is entirely normal when it aligns with your passion and career objectives.