Choosing what to study can feel like a huge decision, especially when you’re not sure what the future holds. With so many options and so much advice coming from all directions, it’s easy to feel stuck.
The pressure can be overwhelming when you’re an undecided college applicant. Tips and tricks for picking the right pathway can help, though. That’s why Remitly is here with a guide to choosing a college major that works for you and your future goals.
What to know about choosing a college major
Many students feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a college major. And it’s completely normal to be undecided—sometimes even after you’ve started college. In fact, around 80% of students change their major at least once.
While your major can shape your college experience and open doors to certain career paths, it doesn’t determine your entire future. Most majors connect to a wide range of jobs and industries, and employers often care more about your skills, experience, and motivation than your exact field of study.
You’ll also have the chance to explore other interests through your minor. Plus, many schools now allow students to double major or even design their own course of study. The important thing is to stay curious and choose something that aligns with your goals, strengths, and values.
The difference between your major and your minor
Your major is the main area of study you’ll focus on during college. It makes up the bulk of your coursework and plays a big role in shaping the knowledge and skills you’ll graduate with. Think of it as your academic core, whether that’s engineering, psychology, business, or something else entirely.
Your minor, on the other hand, is a secondary area of study. It involves fewer classes and less depth than a major, but it still gives you the chance to explore another subject you’re interested in. Some colleges require students to pick a minor, while others make it optional.
Some of the most popular minors include:
- Psychology
- Business
- Foreign languages
- Computer science
- Communications and journalism
- Political science
Choosing a minor can help you round out your education, dive deeper into a passion, or add a complementary skill set. For example, pairing a marketing major with a data analytics minor, or biology with environmental studies.
Your college major decision guide
Along with deciding between the SAT and ACT and writing your admission essay, choosing a major is an important step in your college application timeline. With the right questions and a bit of structure, you can start narrowing things down and make a decision that feels grounded, flexible, and right for you now and in the future.
Step 1: Reflect on your strengths and interests
The most important question you can ask yourself when choosing what to focus your studies on is: “What major is right for me?” When you answer this question, your focus shouldn’t be on picking the “perfect” major. Rather, it should be on getting to know yourself better.
Start by thinking about which subjects you actually enjoy and which ones come more naturally to you. Are you someone who loves solving puzzles? Writing stories? Building things? Helping others? Pay attention to the types of problems you like working on and the kinds of questions you often find yourself asking—these can be strong clues about what areas might suit you.
If you’re feeling stuck, tools like personality assessments and career quizzes can help you spot patterns in your skills and preferences.
While they won’t give you a final answer about what you should choose, these tools can give you an idea of possible fields to work in and help you start connecting the dots between what you’re good at and what you might want to study.
Step 2: Think about your values and goals
Once you’ve thought about your interests and strengths, the next step is to ask yourself: What kind of life do I want to build?
Your values (the things that matter most to you) can help guide your college major decision in a meaningful way. Do you care deeply about helping others? Are you drawn to creative work, innovation, financial security, or making a social impact? Do you value flexibility, routine, independence, or collaboration?
These aren’t just personality traits, they’re clues to what could make you happy in the long-term. For example, a student who values stability might be drawn to fields like healthcare, accounting, or education. Someone who prioritizes creativity might find energy in design, media, or entrepreneurship.
Aligning your studies with what you care about can make your future work life feel more fulfilling. That will ensure you’re not only successful on paper, but that you feel genuinely rewarded by the day to day of your career.
Step 3: Consider career outcomes and earning potential
As you start narrowing down your options, it’s worth thinking about your employability and potential future income. This is especially important if you’re an international student who will need to support your family back home once you start working after college.
Take some time to research what kinds of careers are linked to each major, how in-demand those jobs are, and what kind of salary you could expect.
Free tools from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET OnLine’s Bright Outlook can help you explore occupations that are set to grow rapidly in the coming years along with typical income ranges and the qualifications you need to get there.
That said, choosing a major isn’t just about chasing the highest paycheck. It’s about finding a balance between what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and what can realistically support the kind of lifestyle you want in the long term.
Step 4: Explore classes and talk to advisors
Before locking in a major, take some time to dig into the actual courses and classes you’d be taking during your degree.
Most colleges publish detailed course prospectuses online. Read through the subjects offered in each major you’re considering, thinking about whether they spark your interest and if you could see yourself doing that kind of work week after week and avoid burnout.
Next, reach out and talk to people who know the program well. Academic advisors, guidance counselors, professors, and even recent graduates can offer insight into what the coursework is really like, how demanding it is, and what students typically go on to do after they graduate.
Think realistically about the workload too. Some majors are writing-heavy, others focus more on labs, group projects, or exams. Ask yourself: Will I enjoy this pace and format? Will I be able to manage it alongside other responsibilities?
Answering these questions can help you to make a choice of major you’ll feel confident you could enjoy and complete.
Step 5: Don’t let the pressure get to you
If you’re followed all of the steps above but are still unsure, that’s okay. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away.
One option is to start with a broader major, like psychology, business, or liberal arts. This can give you time to explore different subjects while still making progress toward your degree. It also offers you some flexibility if you decide to pivot later on.
It’s also worth recognising that cultural expectations can shape how people around you view certain majors. You might feel pressure from family or friends to choose a path that sounds stable or prestigious—like medicine, law, or engineering—even if it doesn’t align with what you want.
Although parents, mentors, and friends might have good intentions, you’re the one who has to show up to class, do the work, and live with the decision. Trust yourself. The best choice is one that makes sense for your goals, your interests, and your future.
Should you take a double major?
Some colleges and universities give students the option to pursue a double major. Students who choose this path need to complete the full set of requirements for two separate fields of study.
This is a great choice if you’re equally passionate about two subjects and have a clear idea of how they connect to your goals.
Double majoring can be especially useful when the fields complement each other, like economics and political science, or computer science and mathematics. It can also open up more job opportunities or give you a competitive edge in certain industries.
But it’s not for everyone. A double major often means a heavier workload, less room for electives, and a more rigid schedule.
If you’re unsure about your main major, or if time and financial flexibility are concerns, it will likely be better to focus your attention on one field and explore other interests through minors or electives.
Tools to make choosing your major easier
Using the right tools can help you make a more informed choice about your major. From personality quizzes to job outlook databases, these resources can give you a clearer sense of what majors might suit your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.
- O*NET Online: Explore how specific majors connect to real-world jobs, required skills, and projected growth.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: See salary estimates, job growth, and what education is needed for thousands of careers.
- 16Personalities: Personality assessments that can offer insights into your strengths, work style, and compatible fields.
- MyNextMove.org: A student-friendly career tool that matches interests with possible career paths and fields of study.
- CollegeBoard’s BigFuture: Helps you compare majors, see typical coursework, and explore where each path can lead.
While no tool can make the decision for you, using a mix of resources can help you make a more confident, well-rounded choice.
How to improve your chances of being accepted for the major you choose
Some college majors—like engineering, business, or nursing—can be competitive, especially at larger universities.
To improve your chances of being accepted, focus on getting great grades in the subjects related to your intended field. For example, good performance in math and science can support an application to a STEM major, while writing and critical thinking skills are important for humanities-based programs.
If you’re still in high school, take relevant courses, join extracurriculars related to your interests, and look for internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs that show initiative.
Don’t be afraid to connect with professors or advisors early, either. They can offer guidance, flag opportunities, and give you good references. The more focused and proactive you are, the stronger your application will be when it comes time to declare your major.
Conclusion
Choosing your college major isn’t a one-and-done decision, it’s a process. Your interests, goals, and ideas about the future may shift as you learn more about yourself and the world around you, and that’s completely normal.
Stay curious. Ask questions. Talk to people, try new classes, and explore the paths that excite you. The more you stay open and engaged, the more likely you are to land on a major that feels like the right fit for now and the future. Then all that’s left to do is get all the essentials for your freshman dorm.
FAQ
What if I’m undecided in my first year?
It’s perfectly normal to be undecided in your first year of college. Around 80% of students change their majors at least once, but the average is actually three times over the course of a college career.
Can I double major or minor later?
Most universities allow you to add a minor or even a double major later. If the fields complement each other, it can boost your job prospects. Keep in mind that both of these options will add to your workload.
Is it okay to major in something I’ve never studied before?
Absolutely. Many students choose majors in fields they’ve never studied before and most curricula don’t assume prior experience. That’s why introductory classes exist. They help you get a feel for the subject before committing.
Do I need to know my career before choosing a major?
You don’t need to have your career nailed down before choosing a major. Many students start college without a specific career in mind and use general education and exploratory tools to guide their path.