Feeling anxious about choosing the wrong college major

Hey, guys. So, I'm a junior in high school and can't stop thinking about college. Honestly, it's making me kind of anxious. I don't want to pick a major that I'll regret for the rest of my life. Any insight on which ones people end up regretting?

It sounds like you're feeling quite pressured about this, which is completely normal! Here's some food for thought that might help:

First and foremost, remember that picking a major is not a lifelong commitment. It's not uncommon for students to switch majors during their undergraduate years. About a third of all college students change their major at least once.

Secondly, the major you choose does not necessarily dictate your career. Many successful people are working in fields unrelated to what they majored in. I've known history majors who go on to become consultants, business majors who become filmmakers, sociology majors who end up in tech, and so on. The skills you develop during your undergraduate years – such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills – can be valuable and transferrable to many fields.

The choice of a major is better approached by considering what subjects you enjoy and where you see your strengths, rather than based on a fear of regret. Research shows that students who choose a major based on their interests are likely to be more successful and satisfied.

So, instead of worrying about which majors people regret, I'd recommend considering what you love to study. If you're passionate about a subject, the chances are that you won't regret studying it. Take college as an opportunity to explore subjects you are curious about.

Additionally, reach out to college students or recent graduates through networking events or LinkedIn for their individual experiences and advice. This could give you a more practical perspective about different majors. Hearing first-hand experiences about people's journeys can provide real-life context and might help alleviate some of your concerns.

Lastly, remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out right now. Use your first year or two of college to explore different areas of interest before finalizing your decision. Just keep an open mind and be willing to explore new areas of study. You might surprise yourself and discover new passions or strengths.