Monday, July 8, 2013

Choosing a College Major


(Photo credit: blog.peertransfer.com)

     High school graduation seems like the end, but it’s really only the beginning. It’s the first day of the rest of your life, and from here, the possibilities are endless. What’s most exciting about college is that the future—the career path you choose to take, the activities you’re a part of, and the lifelong friends you’ll make—is in your hands.  

     One of the most important decisions, you’ll find, is choosing your college major, and it also tends to be one of the most difficult. Where do you start? How do you narrow down your selections? Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science? Don’t get overwhelmed; ToGetHerThere is here to help!


  1. Explore your options. What majors are available to you? Take a look at what your university specializes in (Business? Nursing? Engineering?).
  2. Think about your interests and passions. What you study prepares you for the career path you’ll take, and you want to study something you’re passionate about and interested in. 
  3. Decide on a desired career path. Have you dreamt of becoming a biologist? An English teacher? Taking a job in Public Relations? Perhaps majoring in Biology, English, or Communications, respectively, is the path you’d want to take. Carefully think about what path you’d like to embark on, and choose a major that supports that.
  4. Talk to your academic advisor. As college students, we know a lot, but not nearly as much as we think we do. Take advantage of the academic advisor your university or college has put in place for you; he or she has the experience, knowledge, and wisdom you aren’t privy to yet, and offers excellent perspective as you set out to map out your collegiate career.
  5. Don’t rush into anything. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision during your first semester. Being “Undeclared” is common amongst college freshman—this is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your lifetime, and you want to be fully confident that the next four, five, or six years are spent working towards a degree(s) that you believe in.

     If you need time to find that path, take it. Take the time to make the right decision, and knock out those prerequisite courses in the meantime!


1 comment:

  1. I especially agree with number 5! I went into college undeclared, but was sure to take all of my general requirements during this time. When I finally decided to go into business school, I was right on track. I'm glad I spent time reflecting on what I truly wanted to do before I made any huge decisions.

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