Supporting Your Student In Choosing A College Major
Students often struggle with how to choose a major because they're just beginning to discover who they are. It's OK for them to not have an exact plan for a future career. Your student can start by choosing a major based on their current interests. Then, using their college experience to learn more about themselves, your student can change it if they feel the need.The major your student chooses will have an impact on the jobs they’ll qualify for after graduation, so it’s important for your student to use their college experience to determine their long-term career interests. That way, they can pick a major that will help land them a job they love. Here are some key factors to help your student consider so that they can choose the right major for them.How to Choose a College MajorAll students going to college will ultimately have to ask themselves, “What major should I choose?” While it’s a challenging question, the answer will come down to identifying what they're most passionate about. Studies show that students who enjoy what they are learning about will perform better in their program of choice. If your student chooses a major because of the influence of others, they may not be as excited and motivated. Your student should consider the advice of friends and family, but remember that the final decision is theirs.Choosing Their Own MajorChoosing their own major motivates your student to invest time and money into what they want to do with their life. Your student should consider how much money an individual with that major typically makes, what the job outlook currently is, and if they can see themselves being in that field for a long time. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help determine their projected salary and job outlook.Your Student Doesn't Have to Select a Major Right AwayThe good news is that there’s no pressure to quickly choose a major. Most colleges don't require students to declare a major until the end of sophomore year. If your student prefers to set their path sooner, they can select a concentration as a freshman or even before taking their first class. This gives your student the chance to try major-specific classes earlier and change direction if necessary.The Impact of Major Choice on College AcceptanceThe major your student chooses can affect admission if the college only accepts a certain number of applicants into the program. Your student should research the various programs available at each college to better understand their requirements and any restrictions they have on a particular major. If your student chooses a program that allows only a limited number of applicants, it may be helpful for your student to apply for early admission and consider multiple colleges.What Your Student's Major Says About ThemWhen your student selects a major, they're choosing a specialized field of study that will hopefully translate into a fulfilling career. Is it a major they think will benefit them when applying to jobs? Is it in a subject that matches up with the direction they want their life to take? Your student's major doesn’t define everything about them, but it does help define a significant part of their life: their career.Understand the Time Investment for SchoolAs your student advances through their college coursework, they'll experience new challenges that affect their time management. Everything from newfound independence to final exams and extracurricular activities could impact their daily schedule. That's why it's important for your student to understand the required time investment for their chosen major.Study ObligationsMost undergraduate degrees take four years to complete as a full-time student. However, if your student plans to become a doctor or lawyer, for example, they'll need to continue their education past an undergraduate degree. Becoming a doctor typically takes an additional four years of medical school and three or more years of residency. Becoming a lawyer will take about three years of law school past their undergraduate study. Before choosing a major, your student should research which degrees they're required to obtain and how long they'll take to complete.Not all undergraduate majors have the same workload and time commitment requirements. Keep in mind that more schoolwork doesn’t necessarily guarantee more post-graduation success and vice versa. When deciding on a major, your student should determine how much time they want to invest in their education and if that major fits into those expectations.Improving Their Chances of Happiness After GraduationFinding happiness after graduation depends on what your student's values are. If they choose a major that aligns well with their life values, they could improve their chances of enjoying life after college. If the major your student chooses leads them to a career that excites them, then they are probably on the right track. There are other factors that affect happiness, but career choice is an important component of your student's life.College is a time to develop the necessary skills for a successful, rewarding career. Your student should reflect on what they are passionate about and explore new interests as they venture through college life. Your student can always change their mind if they discover a new passion. And if you or your student are wondering why they should go to college at all, try spending more time researching what majors are available that relate to their current interests