How to Decide on your Collage Major

Peter Franklin - It is never too early in the college preparation process to consider what your major will be. While some students don't decide until the end of their sophomore year, it is actually a lot easier to work through college when you already know what you want to study.

How Does a Major Work?

A major in college is the focused course of study in a particular field. You get to select what it is you want to learn, and then follow the guidelines the school has outlined to obtain a degree in that particular subject. The courses in each major are designed to teach you what you need to know in that field and prepare you for a related career.

The Advantage of an Early Decision on a Major

The biggest advantage of deciding on a major early in your college career is that you can start taking care of the course requirements early. This means you won't wind up taking a lot of classes that don't help you graduate, using up valuable time and tuition money. Of course, you can take several elective classes outside your major.

If you don't choose a major prior to the start of your junior year, there is a good chance you will not graduate on time and have to attend school for extra semesters, again wasting both your time and money. If you pick your major early, sometimes you can even graduate early and save yourself a bundle. Make sure you don't get stuck taking extra semesters just to fill up your required classes.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Major

There are two areas of your life you have to consider when picking a major: your past and your future. In your past, what subjects in school interested you the most? What were you good at doing and want to continue to do? What course work were you bad at and never want to do again?

Now think about where you wish to be in the future. If money is very important to you, then you might select a major that sets you up for a lucrative career. If you are more concerned with being happy with what you do, then pursue something about which you are passionate. Most importantly, however, go with a path in which you will do well.

Making College Work for You

College is largely about figuring out who you are and developing your skills to excel in your chosen field of interest. You are most likely paying a lot of money to go to college, so you should give due consideration to exactly what you wish to get out of it. Weigh all possibilities and be honest with yourself about preferences and skills. Remember, you are determining what you can be for the rest of your life, so don't be pressured into majoring in a specialty that is of little interest to you. Most people only get to go to college once - make the most of your opportunity while you have it.

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