Hey! I'm going through the process of trying to figure out what I want to major in when I get to college. I've heard about 'easy' majors, but what about the opposite? What are considered the hardest majors and why? What makes them so tough? Thanks for any insights!
Hello! That's an excellent question as it's essential to know what your journey in college may entail.
Firstly, it's important to note that the difficulty level of a major can vary significantly depending on an individual's skills, interests, and aptitudes. Someone with a knack for numbers might find a physics or engineering major more manageable than a philosophy or English literature major and vice versa.
That said, certain majors are often cited as being among the "hardest" in terms of their workload, complexity, and the level of depth in which topics are covered. Some of these include:
1. Engineering: Degrees in this field (be it Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, etc.) often require a considerable workload, including labs, projects, and a lot of complex technical theory. You'll engage with advanced principles of mathematics, physics, and design.
2. Physical Sciences: Majors like Physics, Chemistry, and Atmospheric Sciences are often rigorous due to their heavy reliance on advanced mathematics and their focus on complex theories and concepts.
3. Pre-med/Biology: Preparing for medical school involves in-depth study in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, and more. It also requires high grades and extracurriculars like clinical experience, which can make it a challenging route.
4. Mathematics: This goes beyond the math you encounter in high school. College-level math can involve highly abstract concepts and require strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Computer Science: This field, like many STEM fields, includes significant work and understanding of complex topics like algorithms, data structures, and coding languages.
6. Architecture: While it may not be as math-heavy as some, the sheer workload, deadlines, and required creativity can make this a challenging major.
Again, whether or not a major is "hard" can depend greatly on personal interests and skills. It's crucial to choose a major not only based on its perceived difficulty level but also based on what genuinely interests you and aligns with your career goals. This way, even if the major is generally considered hard, your passion and interest in the subject will help you overcome the challenges.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.