10 answers
Yaritzi
Student
1
Question
Asked
609 views
how do you know that youve chosen the right thing to major in what if i change my mind on what i want to study?
im a senior applying to colleges and filing out scholarship apps and was wondering what would happen if i decided i dont like my major.? im a senior applying to colleges and filing out scholarship apps and was wondering what would happen if i decided i dont like my major.
Login to comment
10 answers
Aileen Lu
Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Aileen’s Answer
Hello Yaritzi, remember it's perfectly alright to consider altering your major after attending a few classes. Every university you apply to will have their unique procedure for switching majors, with some being more challenging than others. Here are some proactive steps you can take to gather more information about this process:
1. Seek out someone who is currently attending the university you're interested in (LinkedIn is a fantastic resource for this). Arrange a call or send them an email inquiring about the process and its difficulty level. If they're unsure, ask them to connect you with someone who does know.
2. Send an email to the admissions officer, asking about the procedure for changing majors and how competitive different majors are.
3. Check the university's website for any information on how to change majors.
4. During the application process, try to obtain a sample of the university's four-year curriculum. Universities that offer more general classes in the first year might be a better fit for you, as they allow you to explore a wider range of topics and discover what truly piques your interest.
1. Seek out someone who is currently attending the university you're interested in (LinkedIn is a fantastic resource for this). Arrange a call or send them an email inquiring about the process and its difficulty level. If they're unsure, ask them to connect you with someone who does know.
2. Send an email to the admissions officer, asking about the procedure for changing majors and how competitive different majors are.
3. Check the university's website for any information on how to change majors.
4. During the application process, try to obtain a sample of the university's four-year curriculum. Universities that offer more general classes in the first year might be a better fit for you, as they allow you to explore a wider range of topics and discover what truly piques your interest.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
472
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Yartizi,
Start by thoroughly investigating both the career you've always dreamed of and the one you're currently contemplating. Engage in conversations with individuals who are already working in these fields. Don't just focus on the salary aspect, delve deeper. Understand what a typical day in these jobs looks like and identify the skills and abilities that could be beneficial for these roles.
Start by thoroughly investigating both the career you've always dreamed of and the one you're currently contemplating. Engage in conversations with individuals who are already working in these fields. Don't just focus on the salary aspect, delve deeper. Understand what a typical day in these jobs looks like and identify the skills and abilities that could be beneficial for these roles.
Lauren Carter
Engineer/Real Estate
5
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Besides the excellent advice given earlier, remember that certain scholarships are tied to specific majors. So, altering your major might affect the financial aid you've received or might receive. However, the crucial point is to select a major you're truly excited about and envision as your long-term pursuit. Stay positive and keep going, your path will become clear. Good luck, your journey to success is just beginning!
I like to suggest it is OK to start out with elective career classes that you know you will really love and enjoy! Another way is to take military tests for what you would be accepted for as certain jobs and that too could give you an idea of career path and maybe you would even want to do the reserves
Anthony
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Yaritzi, there's no reason at this point why you should be absolutely sure of what you want to do with the rest of your life, and no guarantees that changes in yourself or circumstances might not lead you to change your mind. And that's all fine. A lot of students go into their first year of college unsure of their major, and take an elective or two to help clarify things for them. And yes, you can always switch majors. Just realize that while basic classes like English or Math or a Social Science will usually transfer from one major to another, classes that are more specific to a particular field of study very likely won't, so you may "lose" some credits that you'd have to make up for with classes in your replacement major. If you have the time and the money, that's not really a waste, because you made the best decisions you could and no knowledge is really a waste. Many students change majors. I did. It's the rest of your life we're talking about. You don't want to be stuck in something that doesn't fulfill and inspire you when you discover that there's something that would suit you better. Don't worry. You'll figure it out.
Patrick Gallagher
Business Transformation
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hello Yaritzi,
Remember, it's perfectly okay to change your major in college. Ideally, you should choose a field that already sparks your interest. If you've always found Math fascinating, perhaps a degree in statistics could be your path. Or if sports captivate you, consider Athletic Training or Sports Administration.
If you're feeling uncertain, there's a whole world of Introductory Classes (like Intro to Business, Intro to Mass Communication, and more) that you can delve into. These classes can help you discover a field you're passionate about.
And remember, earning a degree in one field doesn't confine you to that field forever. I've known individuals who studied Teaching, only to find fulfilling careers in completely different areas when they realized teaching wasn't their true calling. It's all about finding what makes you happy and fulfilled.
Remember, it's perfectly okay to change your major in college. Ideally, you should choose a field that already sparks your interest. If you've always found Math fascinating, perhaps a degree in statistics could be your path. Or if sports captivate you, consider Athletic Training or Sports Administration.
If you're feeling uncertain, there's a whole world of Introductory Classes (like Intro to Business, Intro to Mass Communication, and more) that you can delve into. These classes can help you discover a field you're passionate about.
And remember, earning a degree in one field doesn't confine you to that field forever. I've known individuals who studied Teaching, only to find fulfilling careers in completely different areas when they realized teaching wasn't their true calling. It's all about finding what makes you happy and fulfilled.
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Yaritzi,
I switched my major once in college. I did it because I realized I was gonna be more happy pursuing something else, than I was in my previous major. It's not uncommon to switch your major multiple times so don't feel pressured to make the absolute correct decision your first time.
Best of luck to you!
I switched my major once in college. I did it because I realized I was gonna be more happy pursuing something else, than I was in my previous major. It's not uncommon to switch your major multiple times so don't feel pressured to make the absolute correct decision your first time.
Best of luck to you!
Brandon Olson
Tax Manager
52
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Feeling unsure about your major selection, particularly as a high school senior, is totally normal. It's a common occurrence for students to switch majors throughout their college years, and that's perfectly fine. Here are some strategies to assist you in making this choice:
Discover Your Passions:
Think about your passions, pastimes, and the subjects you loved in high school. Search for majors that match these interests. Feel free to explore various fields.
Enroll in Basic Education Classes:
Most colleges mandate students to enroll in basic education classes before choosing a major. Use this opportunity to discover various subjects and find out what you like.
Ask for Advice:
Consult with your high school counselor, teachers, and professionals in the fields you're contemplating. They can offer valuable advice and direction.
Investigate Potential Careers:
Research the career options that come with potential majors. Knowing the job opportunities can assist you in making an informed choice.
Reflect on Your Principles:
Consider what principles matter to you. What type of work setting do you see yourself in? Does the major match your personal and career aspirations?
Keep an Open Mind:
It's alright if you haven't figured everything out yet. College is a period for exploration and self-discovery.
If you find yourself disliking your major:
Consider Other Alternatives:
Look into other majors that pique your interest and think about consulting with academic advisors to consider your choices.
Enroll in Introductory Classes:
Take beginner's courses in potential majors to understand the subject better.
Utilize Available Resources:
Many colleges offer career counseling services to assist students in exploring different majors and career paths. Make use of these resources.
Think About Minors or Double Majors:
If you have varied interests, you might be able to pursue a minor or double major to include different study areas.
Ponder Over Your Objectives:
Think about your long-term objectives and how your major aligns with them. It's crucial to choose a path that you find satisfying and rewarding.
Remember, it's typical for students to switch majors, and colleges are generally supportive of this. Maintain an open mind, be active in exploring your options, and don't hesitate to make changes as you learn more about yourself and your interests throughout your college journey.
Discover Your Passions:
Think about your passions, pastimes, and the subjects you loved in high school. Search for majors that match these interests. Feel free to explore various fields.
Enroll in Basic Education Classes:
Most colleges mandate students to enroll in basic education classes before choosing a major. Use this opportunity to discover various subjects and find out what you like.
Ask for Advice:
Consult with your high school counselor, teachers, and professionals in the fields you're contemplating. They can offer valuable advice and direction.
Investigate Potential Careers:
Research the career options that come with potential majors. Knowing the job opportunities can assist you in making an informed choice.
Reflect on Your Principles:
Consider what principles matter to you. What type of work setting do you see yourself in? Does the major match your personal and career aspirations?
Keep an Open Mind:
It's alright if you haven't figured everything out yet. College is a period for exploration and self-discovery.
If you find yourself disliking your major:
Consider Other Alternatives:
Look into other majors that pique your interest and think about consulting with academic advisors to consider your choices.
Enroll in Introductory Classes:
Take beginner's courses in potential majors to understand the subject better.
Utilize Available Resources:
Many colleges offer career counseling services to assist students in exploring different majors and career paths. Make use of these resources.
Think About Minors or Double Majors:
If you have varied interests, you might be able to pursue a minor or double major to include different study areas.
Ponder Over Your Objectives:
Think about your long-term objectives and how your major aligns with them. It's crucial to choose a path that you find satisfying and rewarding.
Remember, it's typical for students to switch majors, and colleges are generally supportive of this. Maintain an open mind, be active in exploring your options, and don't hesitate to make changes as you learn more about yourself and your interests throughout your college journey.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you may find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your favourite subjects, you hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, financial analyst, banker, engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects is the major and minor you can target
5. Explore the college reviews on these subjects and the entry criteria
You can decide the change the major and minor after entering the college indeed. However, you better check with the scholarship in case you change your major.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your favourite subjects, you hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, financial analyst, banker, engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects is the major and minor you can target
5. Explore the college reviews on these subjects and the entry criteria
You can decide the change the major and minor after entering the college indeed. However, you better check with the scholarship in case you change your major.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Ask yourself if it aligns with your future career goals, will you be making enough income that you want, are you happy?
Taryn Maister
Corporate Communications
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Taryn’s Answer
College is a time to explore, broaden your horizons, and learn about a topic that interests you and can become a career. For your first (and sometimes two) year, you typically take general education requirements that are not specific to a major so it would be your time to explore topics and try new things. My recommendation is to research the majors at the different universities and see which one resonates most with you. Most of the time you will be able to see the classes you would take for that major as well. If along the way you find another major interests you more, you can always change. Choosing a major isn't permanent and there is always a way to make a change. Your guidance counselors at the school you attend would be able to help as well.