The most common question you get asked in college is, “What’s your major?” It’s safe to say that your major becomes part of your identity, whether you like it or not. Don’t believe me? There are so many people whose names I just can’t remember so I simply refer to them as “that one guy majoring in (insert major) – you know, the one that (insert unique characteristic).” Thanks to the importance of majors, it’s no easy feat to choose and here’s why.
1. Narrowing your choices
Please tell me I’m not the only one interested in about 4,387 different subjects. No? Okay, good. Then you understand why it’s so difficult having to narrow your focus down to just one (or two) majors. Fact is, for the sake of time and money you simply can’t major in all of your interests… unless you become James Franco and have about a million different degrees.
2. Having no idea what you want
The complete opposite of the first item on this list: you really have no clue about your major. What am I good at? What do I like? These are all appropriate questions to ask while choosing. However, it’s even worse when everyone else seems to know exactly what he or she wants. Newsflash, it’s okay to be undecided for a while; it’ll come to you in time.
3. Facing pressure from your parents
So your parents want you to be a doctor while you’d much rather be a journalist? Been there, done that. It’s never easy having parents pressure you to major in something you hate. I mean, we all love our parents, but when it comes to choosing a major, it should be a decision you make on your own. Your parents will understand; after all, they want you to be happy.
4. Dealing with judgment from others
“Oh, you’re majoring in journalism? What do you plan on doing with that?” All the pre-med students make sure to ask this with a sneer. How irritating. Sure, I may not save people’s lives but I like my major. Whatever you decide to major in, people will inevitably judge your decision. As unfair as it is, some majors are seen as more “valuable” than others.
5. Thinking about your future
Can I get a job and make a living with my chosen major? These questions haunt me and seem acceptable to wonder about when I wake up at three in the morning. Let’s face it: the future is frightening. It involves bills and taxes and all sorts of other scary adult stuff. No matter what you major in, I guarantee these same worries and anxieties.
6. Second-guessing your choice
As if thinking about the future wasn’t bad enough, it leads to lots of second-guessing. Did I make the right choice? Am I sure this is what I want to do for the rest of my life? Life would be great if we could immediately see the results of our decisions but alas, life isn’t a sci-fi novel. Second-guessing follows every major decision we make but choosing is a necessary risk.
7. Applying to your major
The essays, the letters of recommendation, the hours spent perfecting your application…it can quickly become overwhelming. It’s almost like applying to college all over again. Then comes the waiting period, which is enough to make your heart pound every time you get a new email. Oh wait; it wasn’t an acceptance or a rejection, just a Gap sale.
8. Getting rejected from your major
Possibly the worst feeling ever…it’s like getting left at the altar on your wedding day. Okay, maybe it’s not that bad but it’s pretty close. You were certain you found the perfect major and worked so hard on your application only to have your hopes crushed. Now it’s back to your list of back-up majors…
9. Having to stick with it
As with everything in life, things are bound to get hard. Every major will most likely have that one class you really can’t stand or that professor who makes you want to jump off a cliff. At times you might even feel like dropping your major altogether. These feelings are completely normal. If you’re really passionate about your major, you’ll find a way to work through the ups and downs.
