It’s no secret that choosing a major can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll make in your college career. You’ll need to think about what jobs are available, what types of classes you want to take, and if it’s something that will align with your passions. But before you get too deep into this process, there are some mistakes students often make that can set them back.
In this blog post, we’ll go over seven of the dumbest mistakes students make when choosing a major. But first, let’s start with some basics.
What Is a College Major?
A major is simply the focus of your studies in college. It’s the area you’ll specialize in and receive the majority of your training for future occupations. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a doctor, you would major in pre-med or biology. Once you’ve declared a major, you’ll take most of your classes within that area of study.
What’s the Difference Between a Major and a Minor?
While a major is your main focus, a minor is a secondary concentration. You’re not required to declare one, but it can supplement your education and give you an edge when applying for jobs. For example, if you’re majoring in history, you might minor in anthropology.
Minors typically consist of 18-21 credit hours, which is about half the coursework required for a major. So while they are not as time-consuming, they can still add value to your degree.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics let’s get into the mistakes students make when choosing a major.
Seven Dumb Mistakes Students Make When Choosing A Major
1. Not Researching Career Opportunities
One of the most common mistakes students make is not researching career opportunities before choosing a major. They assume that any degree will lead to a good job, but that’s not always the case.
For example, let’s say you want to be a teacher. You might think that any major will do, but that’s not true. If you want to teach elementary school, you’ll need to major in education and get your teaching certification. But if you want to teach at the college level, you’ll need to major in the subject you want to teach.
Do your research before you declare a major. Find out what types of jobs are available, what the job market looks like, and how your degree can help you get there.
2. Not Considering the Cost
Another mistake students make is not considering the cost of their education. College is expensive, and you’ll want to make sure you can afford it.
Before you choose a major, research the most affordable colleges for that area of study. Find out how much tuition will cost and whether you’ll be able to get scholarships or financial aid. You don’t want to end up with a degree you can’t afford.
3. Not Taking the Time to Explore
Many students rush into a major without taking the time to explore their options. They pick a major because it’s what their friends are doing or because it’s what their parents want them to do. But this is a big mistake.
It would be best if you took the time to explore all of your options before you choose a major. Talk to your friends, family, and professors. Take classes in different subject areas. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to change your mind. It’s better to explore now than to regret your decision later.
4. Not Knowing Your Learning Style
Everyone learns differently. Some students are visual learners, while others learn best by listening or doing. It’s important to know your learning style before you choose a major.
For example, if you’re a visual learner, you might want to major in graphic design or photography. If you’re a hands-on learner, you might want to major in engineering or architecture. Choose a major that matches your learning style, and you’ll be more successful in your studies.
5. Not Considering Your Personality Type
Your personality type can also affect your choice of major. For example, if you’re an introvert, you might want to avoid majors that require a lot of public speaking. And if you’re a people person, you might want to avoid majors that involve a lot of solitary work.
Consider your personality type before you choose a major. It can help you find a career that’s a good fit for you.
6. Not Thinking About the Future
Many students choose a major without thinking about their future plans. They pick a major because they like the subject, but they don’t consider what they want to do with their degree after graduation.
Before you choose a major, think about your long-term goals. What do you want to do after you graduate? Do you want to go to grad school? Do you want to start your own business? Once you know your goals, you can choose a major that will help you get there.
7. Not Asking for Help
Choosing a major is a big decision, and it’s one you should not make alone. Talk to your family, friends, and professors. They can offer advice and support as you make this important decision.
The Bottom Line
With all of the information you gathered from our in-depth article, we hope that you are able to make an informed decision about your major. If not, don’t worry! You can always change it later on down the line and still be successful. Remember: college is a time for exploration and experimentation. The best way to find out what you’re passionate about is to try new things. So, go out there and explore!
