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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Picking a major in college?

I'm a junior and starting to think about college applications. But I'm struggling to figure out what major I should pick. Any advice on how to narrow down my interests and choose the right major for me?

a year ago

It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when trying to select a major, so don't worry! Here are some strategies that might help you narrow down your interests and choose the right major:

1. Reflect on your strengths, passion, and hobbies: Make a list of subjects, industries (such as tech, health, or finance), and activities that you enjoy and are good at. Then try to see if there are common threads in these areas. This can give you an idea of what majors align with your interests.

2. Research potential majors: Look into different majors you might be interested in and what coursework is involved. Read about career options associated with those majors. You can also find graduates or upperclassmen to ask about their experiences and why they chose their major. This can give you insights into which majors might be a better fit for you.

3. Job market consideration: Think about the job market related to the majors you're considering. Understand the potential career paths and the long-term outlook as this can affect your future job opportunities and overall success.

4. Participate in relevant activities: Engage in extracurriculars, volunteer work, internships, or summer programs related to your interests to gain hands-on experience. This can help you better understand what subjects and industries you're most excited about.

5. Don't feel rushed: Keep in mind that many colleges allow you to enter as undeclared or give you some time to explore different majors before making your final decision. This can give you the opportunity to take classes in various fields and see what resonates with you.

6. Reach out for guidance: Talk to your school counselor, teachers, or college admissions consultants for advice. They can lend their perspective and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Remember that your major doesn't dictate your entire future career. Many graduates do work in fields unrelated to their major, and you can always pursue a double major, minor, or switch majors if you find something more aligned with your passions. Just stay open-minded and follow your interests, and you'll be more likely to find the right fit. Good luck!

a year ago

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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.