How to Pick an Intended College Major

If you’re a high school senior filling out college applications, you’ve probably come across the question: “What is your intended major?” For some students, this is easy – they’ve known since middle school that they want to be a doctor, an engineer or a journalist.

But, what if you don’t? How are you supposed to know what you want to do with the rest of your life before you’ve even set foot on a college campus? And what happens if you choose the wrong major?

If you feel uncertain, you’re not alone – but here’s why colleges ask this question, why thinking about it now is a good idea and (most importantly) how to choose a major that fits you and your skill set and interests.

Why Do Colleges Ask for Your Intended Major?

Colleges don’t expect you to have your entire life figured out at 17 or 18 years of age. However, they still ask about your intended major for a few key reasons:

• Even if you’re undecided, having a general idea of your interests helps colleges provide better academic advising and class recommendations.
• Some majors have strict sequences of courses (like engineering or nursing), so declaring early ensures you don’t fall behind.
• At some schools, specific majors are more competitive or offer special scholarships. Your intended major can influence your acceptance into certain programs.
• Universities use this data to track trends and ensure they have the right resources and faculty for incoming students.
• You may save time and money, since you will be focused on your goal and not take a bunch of classes that will later prove to be unnecessary for your degree.

Remember, your intended major is not set in stone – you can change it in the future if you decide that your initial choice isn’t right for you.

Tips for Choosing an Intended College Major

If you’re struggling to pick an intended major, here are some practical steps to help you figure it out:

1. Reflect on What You Enjoy

Do you love writing and storytelling? Maybe English, journalism, or communications is a good fit. Are you fascinated by how things work? Engineering or computer science might be worth considering. Passion is a huge factor in choosing a major you’ll actually enjoy.

2. Consider Your Strengths

Play to your strengths. Sometimes, the best major is one that aligns with your natural skills. If you’re great at problem-solving and logic, you might enjoy a major in math, finance, law or computer science. If you’re a “people” person who loves helping others, psychology, social work or education could all be great choices.

3. Research College Programs

Different schools have different strengths. If you’re considering business, check out colleges known for their business programs. If you’re interested in science, look for schools with strong research opportunities.

4. Take Career and Personality Tests

Sometimes, it helps to get a little outside guidance. Tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code Career Test can give insight into what careers and majors might suit your personality and interests.

6. Talk to People in Different Fields

Ask family members, teachers or professionals about their careers and college experiences. What did they major in? Would they choose the same path again? Their insights might help you see what aligns with your interests.

If you truly have no idea what you want to study, that’s okay! Many schools allow students to enter as “undecided” or enroll in a broad major like Liberal Arts or General Studies. These options give you time to explore different fields before committing.

So, as you fill out those college applications, don’t stress too much about picking the “perfect” major. Instead, think about what excites you, what you’re naturally good at – and what kind of future you see for yourself. College is a journey, and it’s okay to figure things out along the way.