Whether you are a freshman about to start classes or a junior who has switched majors three times already, if you are a college student who has not declared a major, trying to decide on one can feel overwhelming (especially if your roommate has been set on his major since middle school). Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are some tips for making this “major” decision:

You better shop around. Most colleges give you until the end of your sophomore year to decide on and declare a major. You should take advantage of your first two years by taking classes in any subject that even mildly interests you. You may fall in love with graphic design or decide that biology is just not for you—you won’t know until you do some experimenting!

The older, the wiser. I’m not talking about asking your great-grandmother for advice on how to break into computer programming! Ask an upperclassman or a recent grad for the inside scoop on academic departments, professors, and majors. Older and wiser students are a great resource because they know the ropes firsthand and they can afford to be 100 percent honest with you—they have nothing to lose!

Gauge your goals. Do you have specific career goals? Are you hoping to figure them out later in your college career? There is no wrong answer—plenty of college students graduate completely clueless about their next step and that’s perfectly fine! But, if you do have a specific goal, you should decide on a major that will help you achieve your dreams. Consider meeting with an adviser to learn which academic majors match well with specific career paths.

Don’t forget to breathe. I promise–you will get through this. Don’t get me wrong, choosing a major is a big decision. But you’re not giving away your first-born child here. If you have a change of heart and it’s not too late in the game, you can always decide to make a switch!

Helpful College Major Links

Princeton Review

College Board

For those of you who have already been through this process, what other tips would you give?

Tags: Decide on a Major