Figuring Out What to Do for College

How can I figure out what to do and how to prepare for college? I'm concerned about picking the right major and extracurriculars. Does anyone have tips on how to make these decisions as a high school junior?

Firstly, well done for starting early to sort out your college plans. Your concerns are quite common and understandable. As you make these decisions, the key point is to focus on aligning your major and extracurricular activities with your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals.

When it comes to choosing a major, do some self-reflection. What are your interests, both academic and non-academic? Which subjects do you enjoy the most, and in which do you excel? You can also think about your career goals - what do you envision yourself doing in the future? What fields of study could lead to that career?

However, keep in mind that you don't need to finalize your college major now. Most U.S. colleges allow or even expect students to declare their major by the end of their sophomore year. Thus, don't let this decision stress you out too much - very often your major is only a part of what will define your college experience and future career.

As for extracurriculars, consider the current activities you are passionate about and what new activities you might be interested in pursuing. Colleges appreciate depth and commitment over breadth. As a guideline, think of activities that fall into the “spike” category, or activities that you're highly skilled at and have spent a significant amount of time in. Remember that having a few highly involved activities can make a stronger impression than being lightly involved in many.

Finally, speaking to school counselors, teachers, older students who've been through the same phase, or career professionals can be quite helpful. They can provide you with insights and perspectives that you may not have considered before. Best of luck!