In the spring, seniors finalize their post-secondary plans. The options for what to do when you graduate are endless. While the decision may be simple for some, for many, the pressure of making such a large decision at just 17 or 18 years old can be immense for students.
Many colleges and universities require students to select their major right after high school before they even set foot on campus. For many students, this decision is a gamble as they fear that they may come to dislike their intended major.
Senior Gavin Barber shared his thoughts on choosing his post- secondary path, “I feel pressured when deciding my major for college because it is a decision that will shape my career and the rest of my life,” he said. “So it’s important to me that I pick the right major the first time.”
Choosing the wrong major can be an expensive and time-consuming mistake and changing majors can lead to heavier course loads or extend a student’s schooling period.
Many students feel this mounting pressure because they do not want to waste their time or money on changing career paths. “I feel a lot of pressure in choosing a major because I don’t want to regret choosing something I’m not interested in,” said senior Gavin Kettmann. Many students share this thought and do not want to waste their time or money on fixing their career path.
The decision is largely fueled by societal expectations and family, causing premature commitment. 52% of high school kids feel pressure to decide their future too soon.
Some prestigious institutions like Harvard and Princeton, however, do not require their students to decide on a major until the end of their sophomore year of college. This gives students two extra years to determine what they want to do with their career and explore different academic options.
To assist in the decision-making process, students can reflect on their interests and apply them to their career aspirations. “I knew I wanted to do something where I was interested and was going to help me be financially stable,” Barber stated.
Students should choose a major that reflects their passions, interests and career aspirations. While making the decision can be difficult, reflection will allow students to find a career they can enjoy and thrive in.
