I'm a high school junior and feeling really lost about what I want to study in college. Are there any benefits to starting college without a clear plan, or should I try to figure it out beforehand?
There's certainly no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but I'll try to shed some light on the pros and cons of both approaches.
Starting college without a clear plan allows you the freedom to explore different disciplines and potential interests. You can take a range of courses across various fields and see what resonates with you. Many colleges don't require students to select a major until their second year, providing time for this discovery process.
On the other hand, having a tentative plan can help guide your initial college experience. If you know you're interested in a competitive program like engineering or nursing, it's essential to begin prerequisite courses early on. Similarly, if the plan involves a field with in-demand internships, it helps to know this so you can start building related experiences from the get-go.
That said, plans can, and often do, change. It's also worth noting that your college major does not automatically determine your career. Many professionals are working in fields unrelated to their undergraduate studies.
In the end, college is not just about what you want to study, but how you want to grow as an individual. Being uncertain about your future plans at this stage is completely normal; after all, you still have a lot to learn about yourself and the world. Embrace the journey of exploration — it might surprise you where it can lead.
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