Entering college is nervewracking, especially if you are entering undeclared. The stress on students to "have it all figured out" before stepping foot on campus is overwhelming. What's funny is that college is supposed to be overwhelming and stressful. Choosing a major and feeling certain you will graduate with a high GPA and a job waiting is stressful.
The thing is, that's what college is about. So many American students these days have the impression that college is mandatory and that it will be a walk in the park because "Don't you like take like intro courses for two years? And that's, what, like two years to choose a major?" (By the way, this is a direct quote from someone I once overheard.)
If you took AP or IB courses in high school, then chances are you will not have to take many of your introductory courses, and what's more is that if you already have a major in mind, you can immediately start taking courses geared towards your major and still have space in your schedule for all those "fun" classes that you see people taking (aka, wine and food pairing while studying abroad). So, if you're still waltzing through college undecided or you're about to enter college, here are some important factors to think about before selecting your path:
1. You won't be limiting yourself
A lot of students believe that choosing a major right away limits yourself, and that is false. If you are confident in something you like learning about, then pursue it. If you like science and declare Biology but change to Environmental Science, it's no big deal because a lot of your courses the first two years will be similar.
It's also worth it to take the intro courses in subjects that are appealing, for example, intro to communication or intro to the fashion industry. If you're unsure between two focus areas, then take classes in both and declare based on what sparked your interest more. If you're pursuing a degree in a field you are genuinely interested in, then you will never be limiting yourself.
2. Actually follow your passions
I had this debate all semester long in the fall with my peers who were all finance majors (see a correlation?). "Life is good" didn't term their mission statement "Do what you love, love what you do" for no reason. The ultimate goal in life is to do what you love and make money doing so, and it all begins with college. Don't choose a major just because it promises to make you rich, it has the easiest course load or because it's what your parents always wanted you to pursue. Choose a path that makes you happy and that makes you want to learn. If you work hard in any major you choose and, most importantly, network, then you will be successful after graduation.
3. Don't listen to what others say
Everyone has an opinion on what you should be studying. Grandma is probably calling you up with recent unemployment statistics while your teachers tell you to become a writer and your parents say writers make no money. Well, if you're a damn good writer you will make money. You can do whatever you want in college (but someone's paying for it), just make sure it counts.
4. Don't choose classes because they're easy
I use Rate My Professor to see what teachers I will actually learn something from while others aim to see what a professor's attendance policy is like. See, the major difference between high school and college is that in college you are paying to learn. Every absence is money thrown out the window, and whether it's a boring lecture or not, your grade is still at stake. If you're paying to attend a lecture, wouldn't you want to at least take away some new piece of information? Look at degree program outlines and the sort of classes you would be taking for each major you're interested because you may not actually know what it entails. For example, art conservation may sound really cool, but did you know it requires almost a year of science classes including organic chemistry?
5. Think long-term as well
The goal of college is to come out with a degree and land a job (or a scholarship, internship, etc.). So, make sure you keep your long-term goal in mind when you have the opportunity to go to special events, interview preparations or network with alumni. Every resource you utilize in college will only help you in the long run. If you're considering fashion but aren't sure what you could do with it in the future, then use your school's alumni network to reach out to grads in the industry and see how they made their way after graduating.
6. Consider internships
Like I mentioned above, thinking in terms of the long-term and future jobs in your field is extremely important when choosing a major. If you love history but don't want to exactly become a historian or a professor, then maybe consider another field. Looking at all the options in front of you will help you reach a decision that is feasible in the future.
7. Reach out to people
Utilize your school's alumni network! Reach out to friends of your parents or your older friends from high school. While your opinion is the most important, it's also helpful to hear about and learn from the experiences of others who went to college before you.
8. Be interested
Always keep an eye out for events on campus that might interest you and formulate your decision. Choose classes that spark your interest and talk to people. Think about where you might want to live and what you want to do in the future. Think about grad school. No dream is too little or insignificant in college; in fact, it's where most great ideas and people that change the world come from. Have a voice and never be afraid to pursue your passion.
