Jeremy Kaplan
What do you want to do in life?
This is the question most of us hear since early childhood. However, many kids don’t think much about it. They spend their time having fun instead.
Some are lucky enough to have a talent, a passion, or a hobby that can influence the choice of a future profession, but others may not be keen on any occupation.
Still, most people value the significance of getting a good education. Thus, they enter colleges and universities without knowing what they want to concentrate on.
Undecided, they blindly choose a major, but then things change. Students may finally find a vocation and set career goals. But what if the current major doesn’t fit in? If you’re in such a position, there still is a way out.
Know that you’re not alone! Continue reading to learn more about making the right choice and changing your major to the one that you’ll really love.
Do You Really Need a Change?
Changing a major is a serious step, so you have to be sure this is exactly what you need.
Think of why you’re uncomfortable with where you are now. The most popular reasons are:
You don’t like the field you’ve chosen in the first place; you’re bored and uninterested;
You’ve done some research and understood that another niche would suit your career goals better;
Your interests have changed, and you found something that you want to study more;
Your first choice wasn’t really your own, and you finally decided to pursue your dream.
All these are serious issues, and changing a major may help you solve them.
- However, don’t make a decision in haste. If you’re bored with your current field of study or interested in something new, make sure the feeling lasts. Otherwise, you can make a big mistake.
- Sometimes the problem is not the field itself but certain assignments – most commonly, essays. In this case, services like EssayPro can help you overcome these difficulties. Give yourself some time to adjust first without unnecessary stress caused by the workload.
How to Make the Right Choice
It’s great if you are trading your major for another one that you like more. But if you’re still undecided, take some time to think.
To make a decision, you can:
Take electives if your college/uni offers them;
Talk to other students and find out what they like about their majors;
Look for most popular job offers in your field and find out what are the common requirements;
Consult with your academic advisor.
Taking electives may be an ideal option, but don’t underestimate the value of advice. In many cases, turning to your academic advisor is the best option.
Many colleges and universities also allow exploratory programs or an “undecided” status. It can help students who are unsure about their choices.
Pros and Cons of Changing a Major
It’s also highly important to weigh all the pros and cons of switching your concentration. Here are the main ones.
Pros:
Doing what you really want to;
Not wasting time studying subjects you’re not really interested in;
Better career opportunities.
Cons:
Additional time studying;
Possible higher costs;
Chances of losing a scholarship.
To minimize the risks, do your homework. Keep in mind that you have to meet all the requirements to be admitted to a new department as well.
When Is the Best Time to Change a Major?
Can it be too late to make a change? Theoretically, you can do it anytime. But the further you advance in your studies, the more difficult it becomes. Generally, it’s perfect if you manage to change your major during your first or at least the second year.
The first years are mostly devoted to general subjects, and you will anyway need them covered. Later on, changing majors becomes trickier.
Many students want to know if they can switch mid-year and mid-semester. As for the first option, it’s normal and even preferable. If you’ve completed one semester and found out that you’ve made the wrong choice, there’s no reason to waste more time.
Changing mid-semester is not a good idea. You may lose credits, it may affect your GPA. So it’s better to complete the semester, and then make the change.
Final Words
If you feel confident about changing your major, don’t hesitate, even if you have to do it mid-year. Still, consider all the pros and cons of such a move before you make a final decision.
If your choice is right, you’ll feel more satisfied with your life and have brighter career opportunities. After all, it’s very important to do what you really want.
