Toughest College Majors

Hi there, I'm a junior trying to plan out potential college majors. I want to prepare myself for the intensity, so in your experiences, what have been some of the hardest college majors? Also, what makes them so challenging?

Hello! Great that you're thinking about the rigor of potential majors. While the difficulty of a college major can be subjective depending on a student's strengths and interests, there are a few traditionally considered tough due to their heavy workload, complex content, and demanding exams.

1. Engineering: Whether it's mechanical, electrical, civil, or any other branch, engineering degrees are often considered one of the most challenging. These majors require a strong understanding of advanced math and science concepts. Besides, they typically involve a lot of project-based coursework and often require a senior project or thesis which can be quite time-consuming.

2. Physics: This major involves a deep dive into concepts that define how our world works, from the astronomical to the subatomic level. Similar to engineering, it demands a robust understanding of advanced math, the ability to solve complex problems and the comprehension of highly abstract concepts.

3. Pre-Med/Biology: Pre-med and biology students often face a high volume of content to memorize and understand, from complex biological processes to medical terms and procedures. These majors also require a significant amount of lab work, which can be quite time-consuming and rigorous.

4. Computer Science: This major requires students to learn and understand a variety of programming languages and algorithms. Assignments often include writing code, which can be very time-consuming and requires a high level of precision.

5. Economics: Economics can be a tough major because it involves a mix of quantitative skills (math and statistics) and qualitative reasoning. Many economics courses require rigorous understanding of complex theories and models, mathematical proofs, and extensive problem sets.

Remember, difficulty can be pretty subjective - a major that's tough for one student could be enjoyable for another. Consider your own strengths and interests when choosing a major. Engage in some self-reflection to determine what you truly enjoy and where your skills lie before making a final decision.