I need to know what I want to major in, don’t I?
80% of college students change their major at least once. Yes, that is the statistic. So, when you have your discussion about what major your child should choose at the precipice of their college admissions journey, take note of this. After all, how is a 16 or 17-year-old supposed to know, even though they are asked more times than anyone can count since their age was in the single digits “What do you want to be?”. The pressure is almost too much to bear.
Please know that deciding on what major you are going to select on that college application is not a “life sentence”. How would anyone at that age know about each major and what the intricacies are, what the major/career entails and how they are going to feel about them? You wouldn’t. As you head off to college and begin to experience all that it offers, academically and socially, your major will become clearer. And also keep in mind that it is a distinct and very likely possibility that you will not “be” what you majored in for the rest of your life either. This is a start, the beginning, of a lifelong journey of learning, and I mean lifelong. Enjoy it. When you get to college and as you compile these experiences, you will always have the opportunity to change majors and, after you graduate, change your career direction, many times. Another statistic: A person will have at least 7 careers during their lifetime.
So, when you have your discussion this weekend about what you want to major in, keep in mind that you don’t have the infinite wisdom to get it spot on now, on the contrary. You will grow, learn and make decisions as you go through college and beyond, and, after all, isn’t that what life is all about?
Hoping this helps put things in perspective.
Do you have questions about the college admissions process or the above information? Don’t hesitate to contact me at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946.