How to find the right college major

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It’s true that many students struggle with picking the right major for them. It’s also very true that a great number of students will switch their major at least once. However, deciding on what the right major is for college can be a hurdle for many prospective collegiate minds.

Even if one switches, they may find themselves unsatisfied or bothered by something. At the end of the day, however, deciding on the right major to pursue in college is not something easy, but it’s not impossible either.

1. Start with What You’re Passionate About

The first place to start when trying to find the right college major is to begin with your passions. All of us are passionate about something in life, be it science, English, etc…

You should look at what motivates you or stimulates your creativity and excitement. If you enjoy programming, then you should look into degrees relevant to that.

If you really have a strong drive towards a particular subject, it’s probably best to take a look at that degree first.

2. Find a College you Like

If you want a specific major, then you should tailor your college search around that major. If you’re still not sure what major you want to pursue, then you should take a look at different colleges first and then start looking for your major.

Some colleges have specific majors and some don’t have all the majors out there. You need to be sure and aware of what your selected institution offers for you.

If you like a certain city, then look for colleges there.

3. Stop Looking at Average Salary Reports

One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when searching for a major is looking up the salary report. I’m not saying that the money is unimportant or worthless, but the average salary is not necessarily what you’ll be making.

Firstly, you need to understand that there are starting salaries and those are not the same as an average salary. So, chances are, you’ll be making less starting out. Additionally, you may not even work in the degree you studied or you may need extra qualifications to get a decent salary, like a masters degree.

The salary is important, but what’s equally important is what type of job prospects are available to you.

4. Look at the Courses in the Program

Gather a few programs and start looking at the course offerings, the descriptions, and read about student experiences on forums. Chances are, the courses may not be what you were hoping for. That’s why it’s really important to do your research first.

5. Ask for Advice

If you still haven’t found a major that suits you, ask a trusted adult for advice. If this person has been to college, they can probably help give you some pointers to get started.

Your parents are the best primary source, but if they haven’t been to college or are not really sure how to help you, go to a teacher or someone else you think might be able to help you. You’ll most certainly find at least one person who has a good idea that may help you find your college path.

Conclusions

Searching for a college major has never been an easy thing. The more choice we have, the more complicated things can get. It’s easy to fall into the pit of indecisveness, but you can’t let yourself stay there for too long.

Remember, be sure to look at the colleges you want, what you’re passionate about, the future job prospects, the course material, and if all else fails, ask someone for help.

Let us know what major you’re planning on studying and how you made the decision to go for it in the comments below!


BONUS: If you’re already in college but you need to make some extra money, here’s a list of some of the best side hustles you can start right away!

Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.