06.22.09 | 5 Reasons NOT to choose a major
Selecting a major right out of high school may not be the smartest move for your longterm future. Lets examine five reasons why holding off on declaring a major is wise indeed
1. Uncertainty: Most students have no idea what they really want to be for the rest of their life when they’re 18 (neither do many adults for that matter). Why put undue pressure on yourself to enter a program you’re not confident is right for you? Allow the journey of self discovery to happen naturally. You’ll gravitate toward the classes, and thus, major that interest you.
2. Save Money: It will cost you more money in the long run if you switch majors midstream. The classes you completed under your major will be wasted, although you may be able to apply some of them toward your core or general elective requirements. Still, you will be at square one with respect to your new major.
3. Save Time: You can kiss the four year plan goodbye. Many students find themselves on the five or six year plan after changing majors. While your friends will be entering the workforce, buying their first new car, and starting life you’ll still be sitting in a classroom.
4. Don’t limit yourself: Sampling as many things as possible while in school is important – both inside and outside the classroom. By remaining undeclared or in a generic liberal arts major that will allow you the freedom to take classes in many different arenas and find the career path that is right for you.
5. Follow your heart: Don’t go into business management because Dad wants you to, or take up computer science because your friends are. You’ll just be miserable. Make your own path. Be your own man. Follow your gut instinct.
Remember, school is what you make of it. Make it the best time of your life.
Code for scholarshippoints members: MAJORPAIN
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When college students select a major and adhere to it, the provide themselves with a sense of focus and direction.
June 22nd, 2009 | #
Everyone should listen to this. It’s so right. I’m on my third (and final) major and along the way I learned a lot about myself. Taking a variety of classes that you think sound interesting helps you find a major that is perfect for you. And don’t worry about what your parents or family wants–it’s YOUR life and YOU have to life with that major, not them. Do what is right for you.
June 23rd, 2009 | #
I disagree, if your are thinking on going into the science field, it is better to at least have some what of a decision, I went in undecided and now that decision has put me a year behind on taking classes.
June 23rd, 2009 | #
I have changed majors 3 times so far and I’m 48 years old! I am seeking major in Human Services.
June 23rd, 2009 | #
This may be true, but I know what I enjoy doing and how I can incorporate that into schooling and a future job.
June 23rd, 2009 | #
That would be a great idea! Get the major you want when it is in the right time.
June 24th, 2009 | #
I definitely agree to have a major in mind from the beginning of your freshman year. It can cost so much trying to make up for classes in your junior year.
June 24th, 2009 | #
#4 >>> cannot agree with more! don’t limit yourself and go for everything you desire
June 24th, 2009 | #
oh yess
June 24th, 2009 | #
Everyone is different, if you know yourself true enough stick to your dreams but if don’t test the waters and learn of yourself more, explore remember its your dream and life not anyone elses. You have to live with your decisions for the rest of your life.
June 24th, 2009 | #
this is great advice. Some people aren’t sure of there future plans.
June 24th, 2009 | #
I do agree with this advise. But I think it’s still very important to choose one’s major in a timely fashion.
June 25th, 2009 | #
Okay, I agree and disagree at the same time. If you are undecided on a major, you can always work the first two years on getting your AGEC degree, which you will need for every single major out there. That gives you 2 years into your college life, without having to declare a major. If you don’t know in two more years, pick something general that you could be interested in. Make sure to pick a major that you could actually see yourself doing. If you don’t choose a major, you will never know what you want to do. Also, just study the possibilities. Look into what each major has to offer, rather then just choosing “science” or “math”.
June 25th, 2009 | #
So so true for me. My professors have discouraged me to not follow my dreams because I was not “cut out” for them, and because of this I have decided to “change” my major. Don’t allow anyone to hinder you from pursuing what you truly love.
June 25th, 2009 | #
I feel that this is true only for some people. Some people know exactly what they want to do beyond a shadow of doubt. Some people are very indecisive people. It’s hard for them to make up their mind and when they do it’s easy for them to change it. I understand what’s being said. At the same time it’s still up to you. Everybody isn’t the same.
June 26th, 2009 | #
I believe that if you know what you’re going to be majoring in, then you have more time to take the necessary classes to meet those requirements. If you don’t decide your major until the end of sophomore year, you’ll only have two years to meet those requirements. If you go in knowing what you’re going to major in, then you have four years.
June 27th, 2009 | #
In my opinion, point #4 says it all. I know that a science degree is much more different thatn an arts degree, but some of the required classes might overlap. When entering college, you should look up for these things and always have a back up plan just in case your first choice doesn”t go through. TAKE AS MANY DIFFERENT CLASSES (in terms of subjects) AS YOU CAN. This will help you to narrow down the classes that best work for you. Do not go on and study something because you have to…do it because you are PASSIONATE ABOUT IT!
June 29th, 2009 | #
I picked my major first thing and did a lot of experimenting with minors (journalism, business, et cetera), and I probably could have graduated in 3.5 years instead of 4. I think to say that you should go in undecided may hurt some more than it helps. Taking the gen. ed. versions of majors isn’t a very good example of what the actual major has to offer. I think that you shouldn’t be afraid to be undeclared, but you also shouldn’t expect your life to fall into your lap.
July 1st, 2009 | #
This is very applicable considered the move and adjustments in today’s economy
July 3rd, 2009 | #
I have clearly understood.
July 6th, 2009 | #
I think sometimes it is hard to major in a specifce major because somethings you look at the future and really try to see what will benefit you in the long run.
July 8th, 2009 | #
I currently attend a school at which there are NO majors. We have “concentrations.” I believe this has positives and negatives. On the plus side, students are free to explore a wealth of interests and possible futures without the constraints of requirements. On the negative side, most students tend to end up constraining themselves, regardless. In other words, because there are no required courses nor are there majors, students can opt to go 4 years without ever taking, say, a math course. I think this is extremely detrimental to our generational mental apparatus. While I agree that freedom is wonderful, undergraduates need structure before they can fly on their own. A little nudge in one directio nor another never hurts.
Suffice it to say that I think majors should be declared, and that the time frame of doing so is usually appropriate. I don’t agree with the lack of structure that accompanies being undeclared.
July 8th, 2009 | #
When college student choose the major. Thats mean what u going to be ur future and wha u goning to do when u done with study and when u dont know the the major u gone do then u not make sure what u going to do thats realy important to make ur mind in one thing. Thats the time frame of doing so is usually appropriats.
July 8th, 2009 | #
For me choosing was the best idea because I knew what I wanted. Right out of high school and I can say I made the right decision but for people who aren’t grounded such as some of my friends it would not be the best idea I really feel it depends on the person.
July 8th, 2009 | #
Useful, thanks a lot.
July 8th, 2009 | #
that makes a lot of sense
July 8th, 2009 | #
Im an upcoming senior at Kirkwood high school and im terrified because i don’t know what I want to major in n college. Im really shaken up. But i guess it will come to me when I’m ready
July 9th, 2009 | #
Unfortunately, following your heart is only good if you can do the work. If you’ve always dreamed of being a doctor, but you struggle in math or chemistry, guess what? You might have to choose something else. Just because you were able to breeze by in high school doesn’t mean the same for college. Do what you like, and what comes naturally. You might discover that you’re actually a fantastic writer or performer, or have a way of understanding people.
July 9th, 2009 | #
I chose my major right away and I think that has been beneficial for me. I have been able to focus on what I wanted to do and get the classes I needed under my belt.
July 9th, 2009 | #
this is so helpful to me. thank you, because i’m going to follow these guidelines.
July 9th, 2009 | #
College students’ ideals and opinions are constantly evolving as they move through their education. In my opinion, declaring a major too early can be harmful later on, but staying undeclared and indecisive is more like procrastinating than planning ahead.
July 9th, 2009 | #
ugh…give me my diploma already!!!
July 9th, 2009 | #
Nice artcle, i would actually reccommend it to some friends.
July 9th, 2009 | #
I agree with all
July 10th, 2009 | #
Choosing a major is more beneficial than not choosing one. If you do not have a major what education are you earning? People my not know exactly what they want to do, but a major can at least provide a more narrow field they can build on. I’ve never heard of anyone saying it is better to not choose a major.
July 13th, 2009 | #
This IS Vry Good Knowledge To Have… And Something everybody should Keep In Mind
July 13th, 2009 | #
I been having a hard time picking my career but i believe business will be good for me. It took me two year to real lies what I wanted to do.
July 14th, 2009 | #
When college students select a major and adhere to it, the provide themselves with a sense of direction.
July 15th, 2009 | #
This depends. I switched majors only once. If you do it early enough, you can use the credits from original major as a minor and not have wasted any money at all.
July 15th, 2009 | #
I started off going to school for an apprenticeship in mold making because it was offered at my job. I came to find out that it was not for me. I dont want to say i wasted time and money but it wasnt till years later with the economy and limited upward mobility i needed a change. I wanted stability and a chance to continiously gain knowledge by finding a carreer that would give me that option. I ended up choosing nursing and got acceptted to a local college and start this fall. It seems this is what i needed all along.
July 15th, 2009 | #
WOW!
July 15th, 2009 | #
I think you should take your general Ed classes first if you are unsure of a major, but you do need some direction on what you want to do after the first year.
July 15th, 2009 | #
I think choosing a major early on wastes time and energy. It doesn’t allow you to evolve into who you should become. Most people end up switching majors anyway. It is better to keep options open and then see where you fall. I started in Liberal Studies, and I still may end up there, but at least I know I don’t want to major in English or History.
July 16th, 2009 | #
This is really good advice, I’m starting my first year and I”m going to try avoiding switching majors
July 17th, 2009 | #
I Just Need Motive
July 17th, 2009 | #
i believe that everyone should go for what they wish to be, whether or not it really happens is in their own hands.
July 18th, 2009 | #
when i was in high school (jamaica) I chose architecture as my major and when i got into college the first year i wanted to change. i endured to second year and thankfully i migrated to the u.s. Now i’m in pursuit of a career in Animation and Music with the credits from jamaica. so at times when you make plans it doesn’t comes out the way you visioned it.
July 19th, 2009 | #
True… You will change your mind a few times but you should be happy with your final decision.
July 19th, 2009 | #
If you think you know for sure what you want to major in right out of high school, you should start to take some classes within that major to see if it works for you….but dont declare it til ur junior year. I knew I wanted to major in psychology, but i started taking the classes and realized it wasn’t for me but had already declared my major so it put me pretty far behind. I had to change advisors and everything
July 20th, 2009 | #
Wow….I’m just lost…this was sort of helpful though..
July 22nd, 2009 | #
I know some that have switch the majors at least three times and it only cost them more time in the end.
July 22nd, 2009 | #
hese are some great words of advice. thanks!
July 23rd, 2009 | #
I agree with this article. Mostly because the reasons are true. It is better and cost effective if you study the different majors out there, rather than just jumping into one irrationally.
July 23rd, 2009 | #
I think that taking it easy and actually sampling is a very good idea. How in the world can you spend all the time and pressure in your 18th year of life to declare a major, when, in reality, you haven’t even seen the world out there? My advice would also be to go out there and explore what is out there. You never know what you can find.
July 25th, 2009 | #
I completely agree. I’m going to give myself a year or two to figure out what I really want to do, instead of jumping into some program that I am most likely not going to stick with. It’s smart planning like that, that will get you far!
July 29th, 2009 | #
i totally agree. It is a great idea to know exactly what you want to do.
July 31st, 2009 | #
Well i agree with these statements. When it comes to college, some students have no idea with what they want to do with their future. Some want to take some time off to figure what they want to do before college. I think that’s good planning and some stick to their goals. Hopefully while they’re thinking, they wont slack off.
August 1st, 2009 | #
This could be very true. Because i wanted to do international business but now im not sure if i want to do that. so i agree.
August 2nd, 2009 | #
I loveeee this. It’s similar to what im kind of going through right now. =)
August 4th, 2009 | #
My major is nursing (RN)
August 7th, 2009 | #
I agree with the article. You should try to pick something you are going to love and that you would see yourself doing for years to come. It’s true u shouldn’t let your parents decide your major because it’s your life not theirs.
August 7th, 2009 | #
i graduated this year and i want to major in dental hygienistry…make alot of money and you get weekends off
August 11th, 2009 | #
I certainl agree with this powerful message. At one time I thought I wanted to work in the Justice Department, then later down the line I found I have a passion for children and I seem to communicate with troubled youths more than their legal parents or guardian. relax and enjoy the college life. Don’t be in such a rush to pick a major.
August 13th, 2009 | #
Thank you for the information. This is very helpful.
August 13th, 2009 | #
yea this can b right but if yu have a choice of wat yu want and yu want 2 b sure
August 14th, 2009 | #
I agree with what the author said. However, it can be faster if you are positive in what you wanna do,which can contridict some of the statements. I guess it’s a gamble in that sense. But if you aren’t sure, definately go in undecided
August 14th, 2009 | #
Couldn’t have said it better.
August 15th, 2009 | #
It’s difficult to see into the future because likes/dislikes and interests change from the adolescent age to the adult age.
August 16th, 2009 | #
When the author said its not wise to choose a major it sounds like he really meant its not wise to choose a major… unless your sure about it.
Or at least I hope that’s what he meant cause it sounds like better advice.
August 18th, 2009 | #
I actually agree with this article. It is important to have goals on what you want out of college but you shouldn’t just limit yourself. Wait a semester or two and you can save a lot trouble in life.
August 19th, 2009 | #
Isn’t knowing what your major is better than NOT knowing what you would want to major in?
August 22nd, 2009 | #
I am 28 and because i did not listen to my gut instinct i am behind on my education because i started off in a field everyone else was doing.Now all my friends who knew what they wanted to do are graduated and have there careers settled.Im still bouncing between schools.
August 24th, 2009 | #
interesting, but i feel as if i already know this information. i have heard people list why to not choose a major, but i do have a major that i want to study in
August 26th, 2009 | #
Great advice!
August 26th, 2009 | #
i agree with what is posted above but some students do know what they want and choosing a major ahead of time can be a good thing
August 28th, 2009 | #
People change their minds rapidly, so I agree that some shouldn’t choose a major, yet those who really know what they want to do should go for it.
August 30th, 2009 | #
i think you should have a major decided upon going into college. i have a friend who has no clue of what she wants to become. i feel that not knowing your major is kinda like not going to college prepared.
August 31st, 2009 | #
in a way, that’s kind of true. see, the only thing is: people may have already made up their minds. i mean, i know i want to do Business Management because i hate being ordered around. i’d rather be the one calling the shots. also, i’m considering Creative Writing as a double major in case it doesn’t work out.
September 1st, 2009 | #
I think it is Wise to have an Idea of what your goals are for school. You can always change your mind but atleast you will have a direction on the way..
September 2nd, 2009 | #
Like most others I agree. Once you begin school, you become exposed to many things good and bad. Sometimes people go in total different career paths.
September 8th, 2009 | #
I would have to greatly agree with this advice. I’m going into my second year and have already switched out of a major that has inevitably stuck me in a school i am unhappy with for another year. Be careful and extremely thoughtful before choosing your major.
September 8th, 2009 | #
I agree on this advice! I decided to go back to school at age 41 and get my first degree. Luckily, during these three years of night classes, I have only completing my general core classes because I changed my mind on my major three times before I finally decided what I wanted to do.
Enter the field that you have passion in…if it takes time to figure it out, that’s ok. In less than two years now, I hope to have my associates and license in Veterinary Medicine.
September 14th, 2009 | #
all i hvae to say is that when you choose a major be sure that itsa what you want.
September 14th, 2009 | #
While I agree with much of the advice here, I caution those undecided students to be aware that they are racking up debt while they’re on the road to discovery, and how realistic is that in today’s economy? Buyer beware!
September 15th, 2009 | #
I disagree i think you should have some what idea what you want to pursue in. The future is everything and if you don’t pick now, maybe someone else will get your dream job.
September 16th, 2009 | #
I think it is wise to follow your heart by majoring in a degree that you want to do with your life and not what your parents want you to do.
September 17th, 2009 | #
I think it is a good idea to consider all options and take classes you’re not sure you’ll be good at or like, but do NOT wait too long. I took so long trying to decide a major (4 years!) that now it is going to take me 8 years to get my degree. Now, my school won’t let me get my Pell Grant anymore because I’ve taken over 12 semesters. I’m not sure if that is a general thing or specific to my school, but it has left me in a tight spot.
Still, if I had not messed around and tried an art class even though I thought I was terrible at art, I would not be a Graphic Design major today. I suppose though what I did those first four years was just about the same as changing my major every semester even though I never officially declared one.
My main advice for someone who has no idea like I did is to try a few varieties and go see your school’s counseling center. My school recommended I go there. The person I saw had me take a test about my interests and talked with me about what I could do. My general adviser was helpful too. You don’t need to do what other people think you should do, but you can try to find someone neutral like that to help you realize it yourself. You don’t have to make the decision alone.
September 26th, 2009 | #
4 year plans are almost impossible anyways (even if you do not changer your major) unless of course you do not have to work and/or your parents can pay for your eduction.
October 1st, 2009 | #
I think this is true. Ive never thought about it in this way!
October 7th, 2009 | #
haha, phew!
October 8th, 2009 | #
I know exactly what I want to major in.
October 9th, 2009 | #
My major that I plan on getting is computer science. I hope it goes well for me.
October 13th, 2009 | #
At the right time choose your career wisely.
October 13th, 2009 | #
I’m glad I did not declare a major
October 13th, 2009 | #
Oh God! This article is perfect 4 me.
October 14th, 2009 | #
I can actually say that im only 17 and i know what i want to do… As for people that tend to change their major… Maybe they just really don’t know what they want to do in life… As for me i know what i wan to do.
October 15th, 2009 | #
don’t knock it till you try it
October 17th, 2009 | #
Read this! good advive.
October 18th, 2009 | #
I am a high school senior and I am exploring as much as possible to what I want to become, so I have a clear path once I get into college. Everyone is different and should find something they are going to enjoy doing.
October 20th, 2009 | #
Very true and very wise info
thanks alot
October 22nd, 2009 | #
picking a major goign in to callage is like identity foreclosure because yo havent gotten to explore the different choices. i am a high school student and would like to be a lawyer but declaring my major is a waste of money if i dont try out other things too because if im not happy with my major i would have to start from square one again.
October 22nd, 2009 | #
I agree.
October 23rd, 2009 | #
I LUV THIS!!! IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE..I STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO
October 23rd, 2009 | #
Iknow what my major will be in college
October 27th, 2009 | #
It took me a while to figure out my major, but I’m glad I did.
October 27th, 2009 | #
ditto ditto hehe happy hallowen!
October 28th, 2009 | #
this is also so true. I have been in community college for three years majoring in child development. now that I am almost done with that degree, i switched my major to liberal arts. I am not mad about it thought, I am a great and determined student! I will only be adding one extra year to my graduation day although I just currently changed my majors.
October 29th, 2009 | #
I have no idea what I want to major in and I have a feeling it will take a while. But I appreciate the reasons not to choose a major!
October 29th, 2009 | #
This is true for some……but others(myself)know what they want to do….because they thought long and hard about it for a while….and for sure it what they want to do because they always come back to that major:)
October 30th, 2009 | #
this is true. you just have to figure out what fits you best. i’m in my second year of college and already changed my major 3 times.
October 30th, 2009 | #
I know a guy that has majored in three totally different things because he decided he wanted to do something else with his career. Such a waste of time and money, I believe.
November 3rd, 2009 | #
waiting makes me feel as though in a huge procrastionator, but i know its a better decision i strongly believe better this come with patience
November 3rd, 2009 | #
If you don’t choose a major, it is difficult to get financial aid
November 4th, 2009 | #
I really dont know what i want as a major. so i decided to not get a major right away thanxs to this website.
November 4th, 2009 | #
Sure, one may not know exactly what they want to do right out of high school, or even out of college. But that doesn’t mean DON’T choose a major! You can change you mind at any time, and you get scholarships when you go into college with a declared major. So why not pick one? You’re not chained to it anyway.
November 5th, 2009 | #
thanxx 4 d advice,i always wondered how that works!
November 6th, 2009 | #
Changing our major is never bad, because at this point in our lives, very few of us actually have an idea of what they want to do. Everyone is still searching for that “purpose”
November 6th, 2009 | #
I LOVE THIS. BEST ONE IVE READ SO FAR. I am going into college as undecided. I feel like some one understands me.
November 10th, 2009 | #
this was interesting. I’m going in for a nursing major. i heard that it is really tough. hopefully it is the major for me.
November 11th, 2009 | #
This is a good article.
November 12th, 2009 | #
so true i selected my major and it helps u to pick the right classes, i have two friends who have no idea what they want to go into and they are so stressed. Also they might be taking classes that are not in the field that they will eventually go into.
November 14th, 2009 | #
i like this article
November 14th, 2009 | #
This is very true i have switched my major several times, and have wasted lots of time and money taking classes I didnt need. I wish I had not declared a major and explored my options. I had to take a year break from school to get away and finally choose a major i was happy with, after wasting a extra year of college because i still hadnt decided, and it took me longer to get a general associates degree.
November 15th, 2009 | #
I think that the decision to hold off on your major is a good one. Most people have no idea what they want to do while in high school or immediately after high school.
November 17th, 2009 | #