Five Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Major

What is your passion?

Too often an individual's passions are disregarded by friends and family when he is considering what major to choose. At times, it can seem as though the people around you have a clearer idea of what major they think you should choose, than you do. The esteem with which your family and friends regard you, likely pushes them to insist that you would make a great lawyer or a brilliant physician. What they fail to consider, however, is whether or not the position is right for you. If you are bent on painting for a living, then, by all means obtain a fine arts degree.

What is the earning potential of your interest?

Don't disregard factors like salary potential or job opportunity, as they will affect your future, but weight them against your desire and commitment to pursue your passion. It is also possible to channel your passions into paths that might in the end be more successful. If you aren't so committed to painting or "having a band," that you are willing to regularly bypass your evening meal, consider finding another outlet for your creativity. Writing or teaching majors can offer an individual with a natural artistic ability a chance to use his talents without committing himself to a life littered with unpaid bills and skipped meals.

What schools offer this major? And, where are they located?

This question is pragmatic, but important. If you have your heart set on a specific university and a specific major you just might want to ensure that the school of your choice offers a degree within that area. If have selected a fairly uncommon major and cannot afford to or do not want to relocate, it is important to verify that local universities offer your selection.

How much will it cost?

If you choose an off key major, that requires you to relocate, be sure that you consider all of the expenses involved with this process. Tuition is typically higher out of state, and the living expenses associated with relocating can be a burden. Keeping in mind that you will be enrolled in an academic program and will have less time for work; can you afford to move for a major? Additionally, if you are planning on entering a field that requires an extensive amount of education beyond the first four years, like medicine or law, pursuing such degrees are considerably more expensive and require a greater amount of commitment on behalf of the student.

Determine in what areas in your life you are most successful

The areas of your life that you are most successful in may be in stark contrast with your passions, but usually this is not the case. Teachers are often good at identifying aptitudes within their students. If you are uncertain about what area you perform the best in, ask one of your teachers. It is likely that they can provide you with valuable ideas and point out a direction that you had not previously considered. Additionally, if you pursue a major that compliments your strengths you are more likely to distinguish yourself within your field. If your major doesn't support your strengths, you will probably find that the curriculum within your area of choice is more difficult than you anticipated and more difficult in which for you to succeed.

Continue to "5 More Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Major"