“What Should I Major In, College Board? (And Why My Cat Has a Better Plan)”
So, you’re staring down the barrel of college applications, and the big question looms: What should you major in? It’s like choosing your life’s soundtrack, only instead of picking between Taylor Swift or The Beatles, you’re choosing between a future filled with lab coats or spreadsheets.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this existential crisis. The College Board, the folks who brought you the SATs and the AP exams, are basically your guiding light in this whole college major maze. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing a major, let’s face it, the whole process can feel like trying to decipher hieroglyphics while wearing a blindfold.
The College Board’s advice? It’s simple:Think about your interests and strengths. Yeah, that’s great if you happen to be a budding scientist with a passion for quantum physics, but what if your biggest talent is making your cat laugh? (It’s a real talent, trust me).
Let’s break down the College Board’s wisdom, with a little humor and a dash of real-world perspective:
1. Know What You’re Truly Interested In
The College Board tells you to consider what you’re passionate about. Sounds easy, right? But have you ever tried explaining your passion for “binge-watching reality TV” to a college advisor? They might not be as impressed as you are.
Here’s the deal: Your interest doesn’t have to be Nobel Prize-worthy. It just has to be something that gets you excited. Do you love dissecting movies? Are you obsessed with the latest video game trends? Do you have a knack for making friends with literally anyone? These are all potential goldmines for a major.
Think outside the box. Maybe your passion is for environmental activism, and you dream of starting your own sustainable fashion line. Or maybe you’re a whiz at baking sourdough bread (cough, cough, it’s me), and you see yourself opening a bakery that serves the most delicious, handcrafted treats.
The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to explore your interests. They’re the key to discovering a major that actually feels like, you know, something you might actually enjoy studying.
2. Talk to Your Advisor – And Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Dumb Questions
The College Board suggests talking to your advisor. This is your chance to get the inside scoop on majors, career paths, and all the juicy details.
Here’s the catch: Your advisor might not be a mind-reader. They can’t possibly know your deepest desires and aspirations, especially if you’re still figuring them out.
So, be brave. Ask all the questions, even the ones you think are stupid. What are the real-world applications of this major? What kind of jobs can I get with this degree? Are there any internships I should be looking for?
Remember, your advisor is there to help you navigate this crazy world of college majors. They’ve seen it all, from the students who thought they’d be astronauts to the ones who realized they actually prefer knitting to coding. Don’t be afraid to share your doubts, your passions, and your quirky little dreams.
3. Consider the Bottom Line – Money Matters (Sometimes)
The College Board reminds you to consider cost, career possibilities, and salary expectations. Okay, this is where things get a little more real.
Let’s be honest: Choosing a major based purely on salary might be a quick fix, but it’s not always the best long-term strategy. If you’re passionate about environmental science but your heart sinks at the thought of a lifetime spent in a lab, you might end up feeling unfulfilled.
But here’s the thing: You can find a balance between your passions and your bank account. There are plenty of majors that offer both intellectual fulfillment and lucrative career paths.
Think about the “hot” careers: Engineering, computer science, business, health, and even math and science are all in high demand, and they tend to come with pretty good salaries.
But don’t forget the “niche” fields: If you’re a creative soul, consider a major in design, art, or music. You might not be able to afford a penthouse suite right out of college, but you’ll have a career that truly ignites your soul.
4. Explore, Explore, Explore – Even If You’re Lost
The College Board advises you to explore your interests if you’re undecided. This is basically a fancy way of saying, “Don’t be afraid to take some detours on your journey to major-dom.”
Think of it like this: You wouldn’t expect to find your dream job without applying to a few positions, right? The same goes for college majors.
Take some classes outside your comfort zone. Maybe you’ve always been a math whiz, but you’re secretly curious about literature. Or maybe you’re a history buff who secretly dreams of being a graphic designer.
Experiment with different subjects. You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself and your interests. You might even discover a hidden talent you never knew you had (like, say, the ability to make your cat dance).
5. What Did You Dream of Being When You Were Little? (Seriously, Think About It)
The College Board knows that sometimes, the simplest questions lead to the most profound answers. They ask: “What have you wanted to do since you were a little kid?”
This is where the magic happens: When we were kids, we dreamed big. We imagined ourselves as astronauts, superheroes, and even rock stars. We weren’t afraid to be bold, to dream beyond the boundaries of reality.
As we grow older, we tend to lose that sense of wonder. We get bogged down by expectations, societal pressures, and the fear of failure. But what if we could tap back into that childlike curiosity?
Think about your childhood dreams. Did you want to be a doctor, a teacher, a musician, an artist, a writer? These dreams can provide valuable clues about your passions and your strengths.
Beyond the College Board: Finding Your True Calling (and Maybe Finding a Job)
The College Board is a great resource for navigating the college maze, but it’s not the only answer. Here are a few more tips on finding your perfect major, with a little humor and a whole lot of real-world advice:
- Don’t be afraid to change your mind. College is a time of growth and discovery. It’s okay to switch majors, to explore new interests, and to even change your career path altogether.
- Talk to people in the field. Reach out to professionals working in careers you’re interested in. Ask them about their experiences, their challenges, and their advice. You might be surprised by what you learn.
- Don’t be afraid to be a bit unconventional. The world needs more creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and change-makers. If you have a passion for something unique, don’t be afraid to pursue it.
- Remember, the “best” major is the one that fits you best. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choose a major that aligns with your interests, your strengths, and your goals.
And lastly, don’t forget the most important factor: your own happiness. A job that pays well but makes you miserable is not a recipe for success. Choose a major that will challenge you, inspire you, and make you feel fulfilled.
So, did you find your perfect major? Or are you still stuck in the “what should I major in?” vortex? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The journey to finding your true calling can be long and winding, but it’s worth it.
If you need help figuring out your next steps, head over to the JobLoving community. We’re a friendly bunch of career enthusiasts who love helping people navigate the world of work. We’ll help you figure out your interests, explore different career paths, and even find your dream job (or at least a job that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out).
And in the meantime, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, the world needs your unique talents. Now, excuse me, I need to go make my cat laugh. It’s a vital part of my career, you know.