How to Choose a College Major

The time of choosing a college major is one of the many crossroads that you come into your life, where you need to choose one from many different paths and have to make a decision. At these crossroads, there is one quote from Robert Frost's poem which you should remember. It says,

'Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.'

There is a lot of wisdom in these two lines. You could either take the beaten path which is predictable, defined, safe and secure or create your own path which is more difficult, not secure but more adventurous and satisfying! Should you follow the trail of money or the trail of your heart? That is the question one is confronted with, not just when choosing a college major, but at every major turning point of life.

Think of these Robert Frost's lines, when you are thinking about how to choose a college major? Choosing a college major is indeed a major decision in your education as its the point after which your education becomes more specialized. Up till then, we follow a very broad based education, but with a major, you will narrow down to a field of specialization.

Through my experience, I can tell you that you must listen to your heart when you are choosing a college major. Yes, you should give an ear to what your practical side, the brain says too. However, ultimately what matters is that you enjoy what you are doing. If you choose a subject for your major which you are passionate about, studying for it is not work, its an enjoyable experience. In life, at every moment we make choices and choose a path. Every choice you make selects one out of many possible lives you could have! So choosing a college major is something which you should not be casual about! Do not take these decisions by default and give it adequate thought as choosing a college major is a big step in your career planning.

How to Choose a College Major Wisely?

If you are wondering how to choose a college major, following are some constructive tips about how to go about it.

Introspect, that is Look Within!

Before you choose your area of specialization, its time for some introspection. Take a retrospective look at your educational path up till that point. Introspection is asking simple but straight forward questions to yourself and give honest answers. It is getting to know yourself.

What are the subjects which you always liked studying? Which was the subject whose concepts you got very easily and you worked on them on your own without any compulsion? The subject or area of interest may even be something which is not a part of any curriculum. It could be any kind of creative field.

Which subject did you enjoy studying a lot? Look for things that you did exceptionally well in school. Which subject was the one in which you realized that you were a cut above the rest? That means you have an aptitude for it!

Once you figure out which subject you like, then analyze why exactly do you like it? What is the feature of that subject that makes you like it? Is it the analytical part of it, the descriptive part or the creative part in it? Okay, I understand that these are questions which are not that easy to answer. However, you need to ask these questions to yourself and you must consciously go through this process. I suggest that you jot down these questions and answer each one of them. Answering these questions will give you an idea of your interests and your abilities.

Discuss your evaluation with a parent your father, mother or any one who knows you well and can give you an honest opinion!

Take an Aptitude Test

Next step is to take an aptitude test, which is generally conducted in all schools. The test is a very simple set of questions designed to objectively gauge your abilities and interests. It will consist of a pot potpourri of questions, testing your analytical, verbal and visual skills. The results of the test will tell you your score in different sections and the supposed careers that suit your abilities. If you have evaluated yourself well before this test, the chances are that these tests are only going to confirm your evaluation. This will help you in choosing your college major as well as your future career education.

Talk to a Career Guidance Counselor

Talk to your school career guidance counselor. Take your personal evaluation write up and your test results with you. A guidance counselor can give you a practical insight as to what kind of career you could go for and also tell you about the universities that offer courses relevant to your career! Chalk out a plan with him. Look thoroughly at all the various career opportunities available before you decide! Be realistic about planning your career development, once you decide your field. Make a stepwise plan and follow it like a professional!

Hope these practical tips about how to choose a college major help you out! Life is unpredictable and the only compass that can show you the right direction are your instincts! Instinct is that gut feeling, which you have when you feel something is just right for you! What is needed is instinct tempered with practicality which will surely help in choosing a college major! Before I sign off, I will like to leave you with another quote by Antonio Machado, that is my personal guiding principle.

'O traveler, there are no paths, paths are made by walking!'