Applying to college is a major milestone in every student’s academic journey. As you begin shaping your future, you’ll face many important decisions—one of the biggest being choosing a major. With so many options available, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. Many students worry that picking the “wrong” major could affect their future career path, or fear losing interest and needing to switch majors later on.

 

Before making a final decision, it’s important to gather information, have open discussions, and reflect on yourself carefully. Below are a few self-assessment questions that can help guide you in choosing the right major and discovering the direction that fits you best.

 

Do I need to decide my major right away?

 

Most U.S. colleges don’t require students to declare a major when they first enter. Usually, students choose their major by their second year. That’s why some students start college as “undecided” or under a “liberal arts” program. However, showing interest in a specific major during the application process can help your chances. Each college has its own distribution needs for different departments, so having a clear direction helps schools see if you’re a good fit for their academic structure.

 

What subjects am I good at or interested in during high school?

 

Before choosing a major or college, the most important thing is whether you feel passionate about that field. Your strengths and interests in high school can give you clues. For example, if you enjoy science and excelled in AP Biology, you might consider a major in the medical field. If you love words and writing, you could explore writing-intensive majors like journalism, political science, or English.

 

What are the requirements for this major?

 

To make a smart decision, it’s important to understand what each major involves and whether it matches your skills and goals.

 

Admission requirements: Different majors may require certain classes, internship experience, or language skills.
 

Scope and depth: Learn about the curriculum, teaching style, graduation requirements, and things like student-to-faculty ratio to get a full picture.

 

How can I learn more about this major?

 

Besides researching online, consider visiting colleges to get a feel for the environment and how the program works. Experiencing the campus and learning style firsthand can help you make a more practical choice. 

 

Does this major align with my future career goals?

 

Look into how this major connects to real-world job opportunities. Check employment rates, starting salaries, and whether the major provides support for things like internships or OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation. 

 

Many majors can lead to different career paths, so don’t worry too much about being “stuck” in one job. College is a time to explore—through internships and elective courses, you can discover your strengths and interests.

 

In addition to all these steps mentioned above, there are also helpful tools and personality assessments that can guide your decision-making process. For example, students can explore resources like the VIA Character Strengths Survey, the Holland Code (RIASEC) model  , or the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to better understand their interests, values, and personality traits. These tools offer valuable insight into what types of majors and careers might align with who you are. To learn more, feel free to check out our related articles that dive deeper into how these assessments can support your major selection journey.

 

We know that some students know exactly what they want to study, while others use their first year or two to try out different subjects and figure it out. Either way, finding what you enjoy and planning your path around that is what matters most.

 

閱讀中文版文章：美國大學科系怎麼選？五個引導你找到適合科系的關鍵

 

High School Counseling & College Application Guidance