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Choosing a major for my college application?

Hey everyone! I've been thinking about what I want to major in when I apply to colleges, and I'm honestly stuck. I've noticed some colleges require a 'why I chose my major' essay, and I want to make sure I pick something I'm passionate about. Any advice on how to choose a major and how to write a convincing essay about it?

9 months ago

Hi there! Choosing a major can be a big decision, but it's important to remember that it's not set in stone and many students change their majors once they're in college. To start, consider your interests and strengths.

Make a list of subjects you enjoy and topics you'd like to explore further. Reflect on any extracurricular activities, internships, or personal projects that you've been involved in, and see if there's a common thread.

Next, do some research on the majors offered at the colleges you're interested in. Look into the courses, professors, and available resources for those fields. This will not only help you narrow down your choices but will also provide useful information for your essay.

When it comes to writing a convincing essay about your chosen major, focus on your passion and experiences related to the field. Here are a few tips:

1. Tell a story: Share a specific incident or experience that sparked your interest in the subject. This could be a class, a project, or even a personal experience outside of school.

Example: "When I spent a summer working at my local animal shelter, I became fascinated with the complex behaviors and communication of the animals there. This inspired me to research animal behavior and ultimately led me to pursue a major in biology."

2. Explain your journey: Show how your interest in the major has developed over time. Talk about your growth, the challenges you encountered, and the insights you gained.

Example: "Initially, I struggled with the mathematical concepts in my physics class. However, as I began to understand the principles, I became captivated by how mathematics could describe the world around us. This transformation fueled my passion for physics."

3. Discuss the impact you want to make: Explain how studying this major will help you achieve your long-term goals and make a difference in a specific field or community.

Example: "Majoring in public health will equip me with the skills to address health disparities and work toward improving access to healthcare for underserved populations."

For more on writing a "Why This Major?" essay, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/why-this-major-college-essay

Also, if you still have trouble deciding on a major and are faced with the "Why This Major?" prompt, take a look at this article: https://blog.collegevine.com/undecided-major-essay

Make sure your essay is genuine, focused, and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the major. Once you have a solid draft, seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or friends to help you refine your essay. Good luck with your college applications!

9 months ago

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