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Considering Your Major

Finding Your Path

Before you choose a college or university, it’s wise to think about what you want to study.

You don’t have to be certain — thousands of students enter college with their major undeclared each year — but generally knowing whether you’re interested in the humanities, arts, sciences or social sciences is a good start.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself regarding your interests:

  • What are your interests and passions? Which classes or activities have you most enjoyed? Why?
  • What are some of your skills and strengths? (e.g. problem-solving, communication, analytical thinking)
  • What’s a topic you could spend hours learning about?
  • Is there a career path you could imagine pursuing?
  • What was your favorite way to play growing up?

Think about how your interests and how potential majors may connect to your life goals, priorities and values. For example, if you are pursuing speech-language pathology and think you might have your own clinic one day, you may want to consider studying both speech-language pathology and business.

When it comes to choosing a major, remember that your community might have great insights. Consider talking to past teachers, parents, mentors and friends. Often, others see what we don’t notice, like hidden strengths and untapped potential. Not everything you learn will be helpful, but it’s still worth it to ask.

Researching Your Options

Take the time to explore majors that you may be interested in. Here are a few ways to research majors:

  • Review program pages on university websites
  • Talk to academic advisors or career counselors to discuss your interests, skills and career aspirations
  • Research potential careers associated with different majors and connect with professionals in fields you’re considering
  • Consider your personal values and how they align with different majors and potential careers. Consider factors like work-life balance, job stability, ethical and religious considerations.
  • Talk to students currently pursuing degrees in your field of interest, or those who have recently graduated. They will often provide fresh, timely, “real-world” insights.

If you’re torn between two majors or areas of study, take heart — you can consider adding an additional major or minor. Just remember, adding that extra coursework will likely affect how many units you’ll take each semester or how long it will take you to graduate.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on various considerations, including your interests, skills, career goals and values. Whether or not you have made your decision before you apply to college, starting the journey of self-reflection, research and exploration is key to the process.

Finding the Best College Fit for You

Don’t choose a college based on arbitrary rankings

12 Factors to Consider When Choosing a College

Get to know your personal values and priorities to determine the best fit. As you’re exploring options, put your earlier investigation to good use. While goals and priorities often align and can intersect, priorities include additional factors that are important when selecting a college, beyond just the outcomes you aim to achieve during your university experience. The way a school fits your values and needs may ultimately help you reach your goals and help you thrive more than a school with prestige or a great reputation. Identifying these priorities will assist you in effectively evaluating your college choices.

Think about these considerations as you research:

  • Size: Would a large state school or a mid-sized private school be a better fit for you? What type of class size and faculty-to-student ratio would you prefer?

  • Location: How close is the school location and proximity to other places that you want to be close to (i.e. home, church, beach, metropolitan area, transportation, things to do off-campus, etc.)? What kind of climate do you like (or can tolerate) — warm and sunny, or cold and snowy?

  • Safety: Personal safety and well-being are important for academic success and a positive college experience. Is the campus in a safe area? How are dorms and buildings secured? What are the security and emergency measures available on campus?

  • Academic Programs: Which institutions have strong offerings for the program(s) you’re considering? Are you interested in an honors program? Which institutions are known for research facilities and opportunities?

  • Faculty: What kind of faculty-to-student ratio are you looking for? What level of faculty credentials are you looking for? What kind of pedagogical philosophy do the faculty have? Are you interested in developing mentoring relationships with faculty? Are you looking for research opportunities with faculty?

  • Housing Options: What type of housing options are available on-campus and off-campus? What are the types and sizes of dorm rooms and building styles are you looking for? Are the facilities up-to-date?

  • Faith: What role do you want your faith and values to play in your college experience? Check out the bonus section on “Choosing a Christian College” to help you evaluate this.

  • Career Goals: What are your plans after college? What kind of internship opportunities does the school provide? Is there a strong alumni network or other post graduation opportunities?

  • Student Life: What opportunities — clubs, athletics, events, traditions — do you care about outside of the classroom and are they offered at this school? Does the campus value cultural diversity? Does the community embody the values you want to be around?

  • Campus Culture: Is this an environment that you can see yourself thriving in? How does the school make you feel? Is there a vibrant community that you can see yourself belonging to? Will this college culture feel like home but also challenge you and encourage you to become the person you want to be?

  • Support Resources: College can be a stressful time, so it is important that you have access to resources for your health and wellness. What kind of wellness and support services are available to students? What kind of medical needs or emergencies can the school's health services accommodate?

  • Tuition and Cost: Finding a college you can afford is very important. Investigate the full cost including tuition, books, fees and living expenses. Can you cover these costs while you’re in school or will you need to take out loans? Don’t assume that you cannot afford college based on the sticker price. There are many ways to pay for college, from scholarships, to grants to loans. Look into financial aid options early so that you can evaluate the numbers and value.

Questions to Ask When You’re Choosing a College

Though there is a lot of information that you can find online, you can also take the opportunity to do a campus visit or attend an in-person or online admissions event. Be prepared with a list of questions to ask an admissions counselor, faculty member or current student so that you have a better sense of what makes the school unique and what the student experience is like.

Check out our lists of questions to ask when you’re choosing a college: