Why You Should Choose Your Major Before College Starts

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles September 24, 2020 - 9:08 am 0 807 Views

One of the most important decisions you should make during your college years involves choosing a major. However, many students who are about to enter college are reluctant or hesitant about choosing a major because they fear that this will lock them into one specific career only. They think that choosing a major would leave them having difficulty exploring other fields of career. But, the truth is a major is different from a career. Read further to learn more about the importance of choosing a major before starting college.

To help you better prepare financially.

If you do not decide what to major in before starting your freshman year, then be prepared to take up additional classes during your third or fourth year in college. Remember that depending on your chosen major, you may be asked to enroll in prerequisite classes. So, if you haven’t enrolled in these prerequisite subjects early on then you have to take them up later. If your chosen major happens to be in a rigorous program, then chances are high that you will be compelled to spend another year in college.

Unfortunately, adding another year to your college education would entail spending thousands of dollars. It would mean another term for credit hours, additional expenses on projects, books, and other requirements. Not to mention campus parking fees and dormitory fees. Before you even know it, you are already accumulating much debt. This debt can also turn out to be a real financial problem that may follow you years after graduation.

To make it easier for you to choose where to study.

When you know what major to take up in college it will also become easier for you to shortlist the colleges to enroll in. Choosing the school to enroll in your college degree can be daunting. But, once you know your major before filling out that enrolment form you will have greater chances of landing on the school that you will learn to love. Figuring out what you want to major in college will help you easily choose the school that will most likely suit you both academically and personally.

Note that the school’s accreditation and geographical location are not the only things that need to be considered when deciding where to spend your college years. Most of all, it has to be the one that offers courses relative to your major or field of interest. There is no guarantee that you will be happy in the school that’s geographically near you if it does not have the courses that match your passion and interests.

To maximize your time in college.

Knowing your preferred major early on will spare you from wasting your time trying out different classes. The professionals from My Degree Guide say that choosing your major before college starts to afford you several benefits. One of these would be the ability to maximize your time in college. You become certain as to what subjects to take up and reduce the tendency of paying for subjects that may not be beneficial to the field of specialization that you will choose later on. In other words, when you start your college with your chosen major, no time will be wasted. Each day you spend in school will surely be worth it.

To avoid falling behind your peers.

Graduating after four years in college is something that only happens to 41 percent of students, according to an article from The New York Times. There could be many reasons why this happens to a lot of college students. And, if you fail to decide on your major during your freshman year you run the risk of spending more time in college. It is because there are still some subjects that you need to finish and are not able to take up early on.

To enjoy your college years.

Choosing a major before you start your college is much like telling the school enrollment staff “This is something that I am very much interested in”. If you are studying things that interest you the most, you have greater chances of earning good grades, enjoying your college years more, and becoming better at it.

To eliminate the need to “test the waters”.

During your first year in college, you may find yourself taking a variety of subjects from different majors. You do this thinking that you need to “test the waters” first and see which of these would appeal to you the most. However, there is no such thing as free subjects. For every subject or class, you enroll there will always be a corresponding amount that you need to pay. But, if you know what to major in as soon as you start your first year in college every subject you enroll will all contribute towards your chosen future career.

To spare yourself from anxiety and depression.

In most cases, uncertainty brings about feelings of anxiety. If you are not certain what to major before your college starts then you face a higher risk of experiencing anxiety. You are more likely to find yourself taking up different classes only to find that none of it interests you. You may also find other subjects to be too boring or too difficult and this is something that makes college days less enjoyable and more depressing for some. But, if you were able to choose your major right at the onset, your college years will be much more exciting and meaningful. Your assignment and projects will become less of a headache and you will have fewer things to be worried about.

No matter what major you choose, always remember that you have to strike a good balance between studies and play. Don’t torture yourself every night by studying until you get too tired or too sleepy to do it. Set aside enough time as well to have fun and refresh your senses. Keep in mind that you need to graduate, so keep your sanity by adhering to healthy lifestyle habits even when you’re away from home.