by John Chang
As you know, I usually focus on how to get admitted to an Ivy League college in these posts. However, once in a while, I address other issues regarding college life. Judging from the feedback I received on my articles about how to choose your college, I thought it would be a good idea to expand on these extra topics even further.
Choice of major is a topic that confuses many college freshmen. Many students don’t really grasp the fact that when you choose your major, you are choosing your life.
Choosing the wrong major can severely impact your life.
First of all, if you choose the wrong major, it will limit your college career. Your choice of major restricts your choice of classes. Once you have finished college, your choice of major can limit your career choice. If you have chosen unwisely, you may find yourself an English major searching for a career in finance. This is not a good combination.
Most of all, IT CAN BE BORING! You may not like the classes, the professors, the studentsand then spend the next 10 years of your life regretting not choosing that really cool-sounding major back in freshman year.
Now on to picking the right major. Here’s what you should seriously think about.
Be sure to discuss these thoughts with your parents. The insight they bring to the discussion may surprise you.
The first thing to think about is the type of work you actually want to do when you have finished college.
If you are fascinated with business, be sure to choose a social sciences major like economics. If you are interested in engineering, look into things like computer sciences.
If you want a career in engineeringchoose an engineering major (duh)
For example, an interest in writing and journalism would lead you to choose a major in one of the liberal arts.
You may be wondering why I am pointing out the apparently obvious, but you would be surprised to know how many students choose their major without thinking of these things. Just keep in mind that you choice of major determines the course of your life. It will not just affect your college experience, it will affect your life experience, too.
How will you find happiness in life? What work will bring you fulfillment? What do you really love doing? How can your turn your passions into income?
click here for more on Stanford University admissions.
2. Think about what type of personality you have
A person who has an outgoing and sociable personality may be quite unhappy pursuing a degree in computer science.
If you are creative and artistic, you may be up for the challenge of creating your own major or pursuing an interdisciplinary major.
Another thing to keep in mind is your work style and what you enjoy doing most. If you are analytical and like numbers, your major should be analytical. If you are creative and enjoy writing, you may enjoy a social sciences or humanities based major.
Train to your talents. Choose a major that supports what you do well. If you end up stuck with a major that you are not good at, it will only cause you unhappiness.
3. Plan out the next 4 years and create a LIST OF GOALS
Map out your goals and create a set of objectives to achieve them. This will help you move surely through your college career. Goal setting will get you through from start to finish.
Do you want to study in Italy/France/China? Pick a major that gives you flexibility to do thatThree Steps To Choosing Your Major With No Regrets
So, once again, define your goals. There are a number of things that you will want to accomplish while you are in college. Once you have a clear picture of your direction, choose a major that will support it. Your major should provide you with the tools you need to attain your dreams.
Click here for more advice on choosing an Ivy League degree.