How do I figure out if my college major is right for me?

I'm currently undecided on my college major and feel lost. How can I determine if a major is a good fit for me? Are there assessments or advisors who can help me explore my interests and strengths?

It's perfectly fine to not have a specific major decided yet – many students start college undecided. Yes, there are a few ways you can explore your interests and abilities to help you narrow down your options:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your own interests, strengths, and career goals. What subjects do you enjoy most? What sorts of work do you find fulfilling? Consider taking online personality or career assessments to understand where your strengths and interests lie. You can also think about which classes you’ve enjoyed the most in high school, or which topics fascinate you enough to study in-depth.

2. College Resources: Utilize resources at your disposal once you're in college. Academic advisors, or even advisors from the career center, can be an excellent resource to discuss potential majors/fields of interest, and they can offer valuable advice and direction based on your interests and abilities. Colleges also often offer counseling and career centers where you could take assessments to identify your strengths, or even explore potential career opportunities aligned with different majors.

3. Course Exploration: Take general education classes in a wide range of subjects during your freshman year – you might find a new interest or passion. It’s also a good idea to review upper-level classes in potential majors to understand the types of materials you'll be studying as you progress in the major.

4. Internships and Job Shadowing: Another way to explore career paths and therefore potential majors is to gain practical experience through internships, job shadowing, part-time jobs, or volunteering in your potential field of interest. This hands-on experience will provide you with a real-world perspective of what it's like to work in that field, which can help inform your decision about your major.

5. Alumni Network: Consider reaching out to the alumni network of your school. Chatting with former students who have taken the majors you're interested in could give you some insight into what that field could be like.

Ultimately, the decision doesn't need to be rushed. Most schools allow you to declare your major at the end of your sophomore year, giving you ample time to explore your interests and make a confident choice.