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What should I consider when deciding on a major and picking a college?

I'm currently a junior in high school and I'm still working on choosing what I want to go to college for. I might be interested in psychology, law, or finance, but I also really enjoy art and design. What kinds of things should I consider before making my final choice?

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Grace’s Answer

The best advice I heard on choosing a career was: "Find something that you like, are good at, and will feed you." One of your interests you can make into your career. The rest of your interests will be your hobbies.

If there are still many careers/majors that match that, here is some more detailed advice below that I wrote to another student with a similar question. Hope it helps!

It is important to know yourself:
- What do you enjoy?
- What are you also good at?
- What are some things you absolutely don't want in a job?
- What lifestyle do you want to have in the future?
- What matches your beliefs?

Every career will have something you like and something you dislike. A good match would be something that you are passionate about so that you are able to overcome the day to day difficulties.

It's also important that you're decently good at that field. For example, being a surgeon requires a significant amount of scientific knowledge, good hand eye-coordination, top grades, and working under pressure. I love science and studying but I don’t have the best coordination and stress really stresses me out! Doctors in general are also really busy and in the future I want to have a family and spend a lot of my time with my kids. So even though surgery was cool I knew I wouldn’t pursue it.

I always wanted to be a family doctor growing up but after shadowing I knew it wasn't for me! I wanted to work in a lower stress environment where I would be able to talk to people and help them without continually prescribing medications for them. There are also times when doctors may have to compromise their beliefs and I didn’t want to do that. Also, what mattered more than prestige and salary is my family and making a positive difference in other people's lives.

All the career tests I took always put therapy as the best fit for my personality. So, I messaged some Occupational Therapists on LinkedIn and two got back to me. I did informational interviews and one of them said I could shadow her! Then shadowing turned into volunteering... and then working at the clinic. I really enjoyed the time I had to interact one on one with patients and watch them improve and be able to do daily tasks again. It's so much fun and so rewarding. That’s how I knew OT was the field for me.

Grace recommends the following next steps:

Take a free career personality test. Answer the questions honestly and then choose 1-3 that you are interested in.
Find shadowing/volunteer/internship opportunities to learn more.
Talk to your parents, relatives, close friends, teachers, and people who know you well.
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Rachael’s Answer

Great answers above already. Ideally, you'll find the thing you're interested in, good at, and that has a need/value in the marketplace. You don't have to define a major before you choose your college, but some additional things to think about and consider:
- Look up average income and salaries on Glassdoor for jobs and careers you're considering. Some careers might be harder to make a living at than you'd think, and some might pay more.
- Look up most stressful and least stressful careers and consider how much stress you're willing to put up with.
- Consider the amount of debt or cost associated with getting your education and how quickly you'd be able to pay it off with the career you're going into.
- Some careers such as design and art don't require degrees. You can learn on your own, build a portfolio, and be successfully self-employed. However, taking some business and marketing classes would be useful if you want to work for yourself.
- Ask to job shadow or do informational interviews with people in jobs you find interesting. Find out what an average day/week is like and how much they interact with people.
- Consider where you're at on the introvert/extrovert scale (if you're not sure, take a quiz or ask your school counselor for help). Some careers are better suited for introverts, some for extroverts.
- Do you want to work in person with people, or to be able to work from home or while traveling?
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Victor’s Answer

Reflecting on my past, I would have made a different choice for my major, opting for something that not only piqued my interest but also had a wide range of job prospects. Given a second chance, I would possibly have selected math or economics as my major, rather than finance.
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Alison’s Answer

I'd consider:
1. What would you do everyday? Would you enjoy that? Be good at it? Find meaning from it?
2. How much education would you need and do you have the resources to fund that and/or access to scholarships?

You could also:
1. try to talk to at least one person working in each profession (psychology, law, finance, art and design) to ask them how they got into the field, what they like and don't like, what they do every day, how they chose that career, etc.
2. look at the courses for each degree to see if those are classes you'd be interested in taking
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Praveen’s Answer

Hello Jessica,

The path to choosing a career can vary greatly from person to person. Here's a strategy that might help: start by identifying your top 10 interests. Then, think about 10 occupations that align with these interests. Your task is to find the perfect match or matches for you. Once you've done that, you can start researching colleges that excel in providing education in those specific fields.

A useful tool for your research could be the Occupational Outlook Handbook available on this website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. It's a great resource for discovering trending careers that offer good pay. Additionally, the internet is a treasure trove of similar resources that you can utilize.

Best of luck on your journey!
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Megan’s Answer

This is an exhilarating period in your life! The previous comments have offered some fantastic suggestions. Being open to a less popular major could significantly boost your chances of getting into your dream school, so it's worth exploring this avenue. Remember, you can always make a more solid choice once you've settled into the school, networked, and met new people. Your future is bright and full of possibilities!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Adilay !

When having many interests and starting to wonder about a career, it is good that you have reached out for advice. I can't tell you what you should major in (especially when I don't know you), however you have come to the right place for further things to consider when deciding upon a future career. The operative word here is - future. You do not have to choose a career right now or before you are sure and ready to do so.

Many people are like you. They have many interests and that shows that you are a person that has a zest for life and that you have an adventurous streak in you. Careers can stem from interests or hobbies, but many times they do not. You can have a specific interest in something that you see yourself doing in the future, your work, maybe one of your hobbies or the interests you've mentioned, but even maybe something different all together. It's perfectly fine to be undecided and keep exploring.

You can enroll in college as an undecided major and take your general education electives in your first semester if you haven't decided upon a major. It is always advised that you choose a major at the beginning of your junior year in college because you may have to remain in college longer if undecided. With all the interests that you do have, I think you'll be inspired by something, but no one can foretell when that would be. It is you alone who will need to make that decision.

Explore all of the possibilities you've mentioned by reading about careers in those fields as well as watching videos on You Tube of people speaking about those careers. Now would be a great time to do this. Try not to rush a decision based on what other people have decided or are doing. Psychology, Law or Finance would be focused studies that require a degree. Art can be done on your own for your whole life and independently. You can also go for a degree in Art. You have many options but you need to make a personal discovery as to which one is the absolute most important one to you.

Since you already know the fields of work you like, I won't suggest any tests that help people choose a career. It will just take some time getting to learn the study paths and job skills needed for the interests you currently have. Always reach out for advice about the process but not for anyone to choose a career for you. The most important thing right now is to know it's okay to be undecided and explore your interests as careers. As for the Art and Design, continue to create as you explore the other subjects.

I hope that this is useful in what to consider and easing any worry about being undecided. I wish you all the best !
Thank you comment icon This was really helpful, thank you for the advice! Adilay
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Adilay ! Michelle M.
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Angela’s Answer

Hi there! I'm happy to give my opinion here. I think its fantastic that you're interested in several different fields and subjects. I think that's wonderful in that it helps you keep an open mind in college. One of the best things I got out of my college experience was taking classes in subjects unrelated to my major like Theater, Dance, Linguistics, etc. This helped me learn about the plethora of academic and non-academic subjects out there, and the breadth of what one can do with their college degree. I'd also recommend using your first year in college to take foundational courses in the disciplines you're interested in - law, psychology, design, etc. While the foundational courses may come off as a bit boring initially, they are truly the best barometer of whether you enjoy that discipline, and would be happy to pursue a career in it.
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Sonal’s Answer

Hello Adilay,

As you embark on the exciting journey of selecting a college and major, remember to keep your passions, talents, and principles at the forefront of your decision-making process. Consider what truly ignites your enthusiasm and where your natural abilities shine. Take some time to delve into the employment landscape and potential career trajectories in fields like psychology, law, finance, and art/design to gain a clear picture of the opportunities and prerequisites they offer.

Take into account the educational prerequisites of each profession. For instance, a career in law typically necessitates a higher degree, while many finance roles might only require a bachelor's degree. Examine the curriculum associated with each field and see if it resonates with your interests.

In the process of choosing a college, make sure it boasts robust programs in the subjects you're passionate about. Reflect on the campus atmosphere and surroundings, your preference for a large university versus a smaller college, and the resources on offer, such as internships and extracurricular activities.

Don't forget, you also have the option to double major or minor, allowing you to merge your diverse interests. Remember, there's no need to rush - take your time, explore all possibilities, and let your intuition guide you.

Here's wishing you all the very best for a bright and successful future!
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Lisa’s Answer

When choosing your field of study, it's beneficial to consider your hobbies and interests. Passion and enthusiasm are key elements in excelling in any career, so it's advantageous to choose a field that resonates with you personally. It's perfectly fine not to have a specific job or career in mind when you start college.

Studying subjects like liberal arts can open up a world of possibilities and may guide you to a career you hadn't previously considered. Many educational institutions don't require you to select a major immediately, instead, they offer a wide range of subjects to explore and discover what truly captivates you.

Ideally, you should aim to align your personal interests with your academic pursuits. There are also numerous online career quizzes available that can suggest potential careers based on your personal interests.
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Alexandra’s Answer

Hello Adilay,

Let's tackle this crucial question. If you're fortunate enough to have identified your passion, I encourage you to pursue it wholeheartedly. You have a multitude of interests, which is a wonderful thing. Consider the initial two years of your college or university journey as a time to complete the fundamental courses. This approach will afford you extra time to truly determine your path.

For instance, if art and design pique your interest, there could be more suitable institutions for you, such as Parsons in NYC. This might even necessitate a transfer. If you're finding it challenging to pinpoint your true passion, don't hesitate to seek advice from university counselors, find mentors, engage with your professors, and keep an open mind. Above all, remember to savor the journey.
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Jessica’s Answer

Hi Adilay,

Kudos to you for considering potential career opportunities for your future! You've gotten some great advice about finding the intersection of what you're good and what you like to do.

Another thing to remember, as a junior in high school, your ideals may change. It can be understandable to go to college without having declared a major and then finding one as you go! I was unsure, then had a very charismatic and engaging teacher which helped me see my talents in Sociology, which I later declared as my major.

It's great to do the research and consider your likes and dislikes but don't get discouraged if you don't have it all figured out! Sometimes life surprises you as you're working towards your goals.
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Eve’s Answer

When deciding on a major and picking a college, consider the following key factors:

Interests and Passions: Choose a major that aligns with your personal interests, strengths, and passions. This ensures you stay motivated and engaged throughout your academic journey.

Career Goals: Consider your long-term career aspirations. Research which majors are in demand in your desired field and how different programs can set you up for success.

Program Quality: Look for colleges that offer strong programs in your chosen major. Research faculty expertise, available resources, internships, and alumni success stories to assess the program's quality.

Location: Think about where you want to live during your college years. Urban campuses may provide more networking and internship opportunities, while rural or suburban settings might offer a quieter, focused environment.

Campus Culture: The social environment of a college is crucial for your personal growth. Visit campuses or attend virtual tours to get a feel for the student life, clubs, and extracurricular activities.

Cost and Financial Aid: College can be a significant financial investment. Compare tuition fees, financial aid packages, scholarships, and the cost of living in different locations to make an informed decision.

Class Size and Learning Style: Some students thrive in smaller classes with personalized attention, while others prefer larger lecture halls. Consider the learning environment that best suits your style.

Internship and Networking Opportunities: Investigate whether the college offers strong career services, internships, and networking opportunities in industries related to your major.

Accreditation and Reputation: Ensure that both the college and the program are accredited and have a solid reputation in your field of interest. This can impact job prospects after graduation.

Flexibility: Some colleges offer interdisciplinary programs or allow flexibility in changing majors. If you're undecided, choose a college that gives you room to explore different fields before committing.
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Kevin P’s Answer

Adilay, very fun question. So many fun things to consider. Cost is always a factor and sometimes the biggest factor. Do you want to stay close to where you are right now or see a different city or state?

I would say because you don’t know exactly yet, going to a local community college is a cost effective way to figure this out while still working towards a degree. Most degrees have the same first year requirements. Take an elective or two in the subjects that interest you. Art, law, psychology, you have options. I’d try one, no more than two, electives. If you love it, those apply to your degree. If you hate it, you can say you tried it. You learned something. You can move on. This might mean it takes 4.5-5 years to finish your degree but will save you so much later in life.

Once you know what you want, look into school that are great at it. Most schools are known for a few subjects. Then way the cost option to something local that is good versus something great and expensive. Always pros and cons…

What I would not do is simply follow friends. Whatever road they take is their path. It may not be best for you. You will make new friends and simply not being in the same school doesn’t mean you can’t still be friends. Force your own path.

Now, it’s very possible a friend or two might not know either and joins you at a local school. That’s great. But make sure you love what you do. And you smile when you go to school. Best of luck.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have a wide range of interest. Different colleges have strength in different subjects. You better find out the career you have interest. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc, and identify related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can explore further.
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is helpful. Adilay
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Adilay!

Factors to Consider When Deciding on a Major and Picking a College

Choosing a major and selecting a college are significant decisions that can shape your future career and personal development. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors you should consider:

1. Interests and Passions

Start by reflecting on your interests. You mentioned potential majors in psychology, law, finance, and art/design. Consider what subjects excite you the most. Engage in self-assessment activities such as personality tests (e.g., Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) or interest inventories (e.g., Holland Code) to gain insight into your preferences.

2. Career Goals

Think about your long-term career aspirations. Research the fields associated with each major:

Psychology: Careers can range from clinical psychology to organizational psychology.
Law: A law degree can lead to various legal careers, including becoming an attorney or working in corporate law.
Finance: This field offers roles in financial analysis, investment banking, or financial planning.
Art and Design: Opportunities may include graphic design, fine arts, or art therapy.

Understanding the job market for these fields is crucial; look into job growth projections and salary expectations through resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

3. Educational Requirements

Different majors have varying educational paths:

Psychology often requires advanced degrees for clinical roles (master’s or doctorate).
Law requires attending law school after completing an undergraduate degree.
Finance typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree but may benefit from certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).
Art and design may require portfolios for admission into specialized programs.

Consider how much time and money you are willing to invest in education for each path.

4. College Selection Criteria

When choosing a college, evaluate several factors:

Accreditation: Ensure that the institution is accredited by recognized bodies.
Programs Offered: Look for colleges that offer strong programs in your areas of interest.
Location: Consider whether you prefer an urban or rural setting, proximity to home, or specific cultural environments.
Campus Culture: Visit campuses if possible to get a feel for student life and community.
Cost and Financial Aid: Assess tuition costs versus potential financial aid options available at each institution.

5. Skills Development

Identify which skills are essential for success in your chosen fields:

Psychology requires strong analytical skills and empathy.
Law demands excellent communication skills and critical thinking.
Finance emphasizes quantitative skills and attention to detail.
Art/design focuses on creativity and technical proficiency.

Consider how well your current skill set aligns with these requirements and what additional training you might need.

6. Networking Opportunities

Evaluate how colleges facilitate networking within your desired field:

Look for internship opportunities offered through the college’s career services.
Investigate alumni networks that could help you connect with professionals in your area of interest.

Networking can significantly impact job placement after graduation.

7. Flexibility of Major

Some colleges allow students to explore multiple disciplines before declaring a major. This flexibility can be beneficial if you’re still undecided or want to combine interests (e.g., psychology with art therapy).

In conclusion, take time to reflect on these factors carefully before making your decision about both your major and college choice. Engaging with academic advisors, teachers, family members, or professionals in fields of interest can also provide valuable insights as you navigate this important decision-making process.

Probability that the answer is correct: 95%

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics This source provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary information, and educational requirements across various professions.

National Center for Education Statistics This organization offers statistics related to education in the U.S., including information on college accreditation, enrollment trends, and program offerings.

American Psychological Association The APA provides resources related to psychology careers including educational pathways, specializations within psychology, and professional development opportunities.

God Bless You!
JC.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you for the help. Adilay
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Jeff’s Answer

I would try to set up informational interviews with people in the areas of interest. We're having our son do it as a college student and really wished he did it sooner. You'll find people are more than happy to share their experiences and it will be enlightening. My son was thinking one thing and after talking with a couple people he realized that area really didn't fit him.

The other thing I would do is I'd sit and think about what I like to do. What is it you enjoy? If you like writing and analyzing what has been written (even if it's a novel), law could be good. If you have had experience dealing with customers day to day, then you might like a job where you have to interact with people all the time. Just my thoughts.
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Christine’s Answer

I would suggest taking the first and/or second year as an undecided major. Make sure to take a lot of good core liberal arts classes during that time. See which ones are of most interest to you. Were you successful, happy, excited to learn more? What Careers could come out of those areas? Use your experiences in class to narrow down a major based on what interests you most and makes you excited to be there. You will be working for many years to come, as a Junior in high school I would be more concerned with picking a good liberal arts school that has options for many different majors. You are not supposed to know about the rest of your life yet, it's ok.
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Yaa’s Answer

When considering a career choice, think about what interests you, then search for schools that have good ratings in that specific major
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Owen’s Answer

As a high school junior, you're at an exciting stage of life where your interests and career aspirations might evolve. It's advisable to choose a college program that's flexible and aligns with your current needs and desires. A program that's broad enough to accommodate changes in your interests can guide you towards success. When it comes to choosing a career path, follow your heart. If you're passionate about a subject or find it intriguing, you'll naturally gravitate towards it. This way, your growth will feel enjoyable and less like a chore. If you find something that feels easy or natural, you'll find even more joy in pursuing a career in that field.

Owen recommends the following next steps:

Draft a list of subject matters that you like and don't like.
Choose a career path and then network within that industry to learn all there is to know.
Speak to others in your desired career focus.
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IBM’s Answer

With a lot of interest in different topics, it is good to take some classes in those subjects. Most colleges require you to take a variety of classes that have nothing to do with your major, this is mostly for grad students to work on their Masters but it gives undergrads the chance to explore. So when picking classes, look for ones of interest that fall into those categories you have an interest in. Then you can experience it some as well as have a credit that works toward your degree. Don't feel bad if you change majors several times. Most people do.

It also doesn't matter as much what college you go to as much as what you did there. Be involved (which also makes college more fun) and keep the grades up.
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Chris’s Answer

Don't fret about settling on a major unless you're already set on a specific career path, which is quite rare for a high school junior and could definitely change over time. I can share from my own journey that flexibility and exploration can lead to exciting outcomes. I'm a lawyer now, but my academic journey took me through music, economics, and computer science. After a year at music school, I transferred to MIT, and I still enjoy playing music three decades later.

When I entered law school, my initial plan was to focus on international tax matters. However, I found myself drawn towards federal criminal law and eventually pivoted again to specialize in intellectual property. My journey underscores the importance of exploring a variety of rigorous courses that pique your interest, and allowing your passions to evolve and grow.

I encourage you to delve into both hard sciences and math, as well as the humanities. After about a year of this exploration, you'll likely have a clearer picture of where your talents and interests align. This understanding will then naturally guide you towards choosing your major. So, dive in, explore, and let your curiosity lead the way!
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IBM’s Answer

This is an excellent question, one that many students ponder while choosing a major. College courses and majors are designed to fulfill societal needs and cater to everyone's unique interests and requirements. Hence, there's no such thing as a "right" or "wrong" major. It all boils down to pursuing what you're passionate about, what sparks your interest, and striving to better ourselves for the sake of a brighter future.
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David’s Answer

When picking a major its important to reassess your personal strengths, goals and interests in life.

If you have a track record of being proficient in a particular area (ex: Math), it'd be helpful to leverage that into a career path that can benefit from that skillset (ex: STEM degree).

If you are naturally a people-person and interested on "real-world" dynamics, then maybe social sciences would be a path for you (ex: Communications, Psychology, Political Science).

Good luck!
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