Five Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Major
What is your passion?
Too often this basic question is ignored in the college planning and college application
process. At times, it can seem as though the people around you have a clearer idea
of what major you should choose than you do. The esteem with which your family and
friends regard you likely pushes them to insist that you would make a great lawyer
or a brilliant physician. What they fail to consider, however, is whether or not
the position is right for you, and whether you are working towards your college
goals by pursuing this major. If you are bent on painting for a living, then by
all means obtain a fine arts degree.
What is the earning potential of your interest?
Don't disregard factors like salary potential or job opportunity, as they will affect
your future, but weight them against your desire and commitment to pursue your passion.
Choosing one of the top ten highest paying college majors may seem like a good idea,
but it is not your only option for paying the bills. It is also possible to channel
your passions into paths that might in the end be more successful. If you aren't
so committed to painting or a band that you are willing to regularly bypass your
evening meal, consider finding another outlet for your creativity. Writing or teaching
majors can offer an individual with a natural artistic ability a chance to use his
talents without committing himself to a life littered with unpaid bills and skipped
meals.
What schools offer this major? And, where are they located?
This question is pragmatic, but important. If you have your heart set on a specific
university and a specific major you just might want to ensure that the school of
your choice offers a degree within that area. The availability of your chosen major
in your preferred geographic area can have a profound impact on your college search.
If you have selected a fairly uncommon major and cannot afford to or do not want
to relocate, it is important to verify that local universities offer your selection.
How much will it cost?
If you choose an uncommon major that requires you to relocate, be sure that you
consider all of the expenses involved with this process. If you pursue a degree
that is only offered at a few private colleges or even state colleges in other states,
expect to pay more. Tuition is typically higher out of state, and the living expenses
associated with relocating can be a burden. Keeping in mind the difficulties involved
in balancing work and college, can you afford to move for a major? Additionally,
if you are planning on entering a field that requires an extensive amount of education
beyond the first four years, like medicine or law, pursuing such degrees is considerably
more expensive and requires a greater amount of commitment on behalf of the student,
especially when it comes to funding your education. While financial aid can often
help offset costs, your choice in major can play a big role in minimizing student
loans.
Determine in what areas of your life you are most successful
The areas of your life that you are most successful in may be in stark contrast
with your passions, but usually this is not the case. Look at the courses you have
taken. Did you excel in any? Did you participate in an advanced placement (AP) program?
Teachers can also be good at identifying aptitudes within their students. If you
are uncertain about what area you perform the best in, ask one of your teachers.
It is likely that they can provide you with valuable ideas and point out a direction
that you had not previously considered. Additionally, if you pursue a major that
compliments your strengths you are more likely to distinguish yourself within your
field. If your major doesn't support your strengths, you will probably find that
the curriculum within your area of choice is more difficult than you anticipated,
which could make it more difficult for you to succeed.
Continue to "5 More Things to Consider Before
Choosing Your Major"