DANIELLE HULIGANGA
NEXT STEPS
I've introduced you to the college major and the different types offered today; I've let you take a closer look at the people involved with the process of choosing a major. Now, we can answer the question: what can you do to prepare for this decision?
​
Of course, some argue that you can never truly prepare for something as transformative as college. There is truth in this statement; when so many decisions must be made, it's easy to want to leave them to chance. But you can help yourself! You can help ease the transition into college by doing your research on college majors, which includes gathering information and gaining experience.
​
Listed below are three ways to help you prepare or ease the transition into choosing a major. Scroll down to read.
Learn the "Change of Major" Policy
It's important to know how to prepare for the declaration of your major, but it's just as important to know how to change it as well. In fact, 50-70% of students will change their major at least once. For this reason, you'll want to inform yourself of the university's Change of Major policy.
​
Most policies are available on the college's website (for example, this is my university's Change of Major policy), but you can always inquire over the phone or in person. Better yet, if you're scheduled to tour a college campus, make sure to ask about it then!
​
Other questions you may consider asking:
Is it a simple process or will it be challenging?
What will happen to my existing major credits?
How will this effect my rate of graduation?
​
The point is to be informed. Majors aren't set in stone; if you change your mind, you must know of the consequences.
Talk with a Counselor
Prepping for this decision--let alone college--is complicated, and the pressure can be overwhelming. You can certainly talk things over with your friends, mentors, and family, but sometimes you need a professional opinion, one that comes from an objective perspective. So I encourage you to schedule an appointment with your school counselor. Trust me: they want to help you!
​
I recognize that not all schools provide their students with counseling services, specifically ones catered to college prep and advising. Luckily, websites like Chegg offer online counseling.
​
Chegg's online college admissions counselors can be accessed through video, audio, and text. Interested users will submit their request here, and will receive a message from a counselor to schedule a meeting. Unfortunately, this service is not free (though they offer a 30 minute free trial); they charge 75 cents per minute with the option for additional plans.
​
The point is to get talking. The more conversations you have, the more informed you become.
Shadow or Interview a College Student
Have you ever heard of job shadowing? It's when you "shadow" a worker in a job or field of your interest; in other words, you walk through their day to get a feel for what their job entails. Similarly, you will shadow a college student in your interested major.
​
You can get in touch with someone you know--an older friend, sibling, or other family member--or you can ask them to refer you to someone they know. This is also good networking practice (if you don't know what that is yet, just wait)! If you can't shadow them, set up an interview. It doesn't have to be in person--interviews via the phone or internet will do!
​
Ask questions related to their major and their experience with it:
What's your coursework like?
Can you describe a typical school day?
What opportunities (i.e., clubs, internships, volunteer work, etc.) have come your way?
​
Alternatively, if you aren't able to connect with anyone, try going to a local community college to sit in on a class for your interested major. It's not one-on-one experience, but you'll get a feel for what the class environment may be like.
​
The point is to start gaining experience. As a prospective college student, your exposure to your interested field is most likely limited. However, your connections will help you to further explore and gain relevant second-hand experience.
PARTING WORDS
Advice from a soon-to-be fourth year college student
If there's one thing you walk away from this project remembering, please remember this: your college major does not define your college experience. It does not define your career. It does not define you.
​
While your choice of major can certainly have an impact on the aforementioned areas of your life, it will not define them completely. Still, gather us much information as you can and talk to as many people willing to listen. Your discoveries and their experiences can be valuable to your decision.
​
Finally, think about the first question I asked you: what do you want to study in college? Try asking yourself this instead: what do you want to learn more about? What inspires and challenges you? What do you want to explore?
​
Trust yourself--I wish you all the luck!
