What's the Hardest University Major?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school, and I'm starting to think about potential majors. I want to push myself and pursue a challenging path. What, in your opinion, is the hardest major to pursue at university? Would love to hear your thoughts and reasoning!

While the "hardest" major can greatly depend on personal interests and strengths, there's a consensus that some fields of study tend to be more rigorous due to the workload, complexity of the material, the depth of the subjects, and the level of abstraction involved. Typically, some of the most challenging majors fall under STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or pre-professional programs.

1. Engineering: Known for its demanding coursework, engineering often tops lists of toughest majors. Degrees like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Chemical Engineering require a solid understanding of advanced math, physics, and specific industry principles. It's a field with high expectations and this discipline often means many hours spent in both theoretical study and hands-on lab work.

2. Physical Sciences: Degrees in Physics or Chemistry are known to be challenging due to the abstract and complex theories you'll be learning. These subjects require a strong foundation in math, strong analytical thinking skills, and the ability to handle complex laboratory work.

3. Medicine/Pre-med: Preparing for a career in medicine entails in-depth coursework in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, as well as hands-on clinical experience. It can be both academically and emotionally demanding.

4. Mathematics: Many find math-based majors challenging due to the level of abstraction, theoretical focus, and complex problem-solving involved. From pure mathematics to applied mathematics, these majors require a high level of mathematical proficiency and logical reasoning.

5. Law/Pre-law: While not necessarily challenging in terms of academic difficulty, Law requires a vast amount of reading and the ability to understand and interpret complex texts and cases. The major is also often very competitive.

It's worth noting that while these are generally considered challenging majors, the "toughest" major for you personally will depend on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests. For example, if you love math and have a strong ability in it, an engineering or mathematics major might not pose as much of a challenge for you as for others. On the other hand, if your strengths and passion lie elsewhere, you may find other majors just as or even more challenging.

The important thing is to find a balance between a major that challenges you and one that you're genuinely interested and engaged in. Finding what you are passionate about will make overcoming the challenges worth the effort.