How to Choose a College Major

By Jean Scott

Choosing a college major is an important decision but it doesn't have to be so difficult if you make a careful assessment of your career goals and also your innate ability and interests. In case you have been wondering what to choose as your major then take a look at my step-by-step guide in the paragraphs below.

The first step is to consider your strong points. What do you do well? It makes sense to concentrate on fields where you have already demonstrated some ability, rather than to branch out into subjects where you may not do very well. For example, if you had good grades in high school science courses, then why not continue with a major in a scientific subject in college? Or on the other hand, if your best high school subjects were in languages and social studies, then it might be wise to major in one of the social sciences. So, take a look back on your high school career, and consider majoring in one of your strong subjects.

Do you know what you want to do when you finish college? If so then this career objective or future plan of action can guide you in choosing a major. For example if you want to be a kindergarten teacher, then an education major makes the most sense. Or if you want to go to law school then a major in any of a number of social sciences would be useful.

However, even if you are not sure what you want to do after college, it is still important to select your major carefully. In case you have not yet decided on a future career or field, then it is good to major in a subject that gives you a lot of flexibility. If you major in economics, for example, you will be well equipped for a wide range of careers in the broad field of business.

Another approach to take is to ask yourself "what's your passion?" What do you really enjoy doing? If you are an avid reader of history then go for it and major in history. If you have a fascination with any particular part of the world, then consider majoring in languages of that area. Are you crazy about technology, then keep it up and choose a major in a field that will let your pursue that interest.

After considering the steps mentioned above, the next thing to do is to sign-up for some elective courses the fields that you have identified as possible majors. If a course in political science, for example, does not turn out to be what you expected, then you might have to consider whether you want to really major in this field. So, test out some of your possible majors and then reconsider after you have taken the first courses in those areas.

Break down the task of choosing your major by asking yourself the questions about your interests, abilities and goals, and most importantly test out your inclinations in your elective courses during the first year and one half of college. You will surely find the major that is best for you.

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