Guide to College Application Season: Choosing a College Major
Learn How to Choose a College Major for College Applications
This email is written to you by Jasmine Ngo
Tigerway Team Members and Families,
Choosing a college major is a big decision and it can be tough to make. This choice can be life-changing as it shapes your academic career, work experience, and professional skills. When selecting a field of study, students should consider their passions, career goals, and potential earnings.
As College Application season continues, we want to provide you with the best tips for making an impressive application and having a good college experience. In this email, I will be breaking down what to consider when choosing a major for college.
If you are a rising senior and need help reviewing your college applications and essays, book a call with us to help you get into your dream school! We not only help with college application and essay review, but we also help with preparing for college application season. This includes reviewing resumes, creating college lists, finding helpful programs to enhance your leadership experience, and more!
Get to Know Yourself and Your Preferences
Before exploring the long list of majors, ask yourself these questions:
What are my passions and interests?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What do I envision myself doing in the future?
What are my long-term career goals?
Choosing a college major is a significant decision, impacting not only academic coursework but also extracurricular activities, friendships, and future connections. Aside from social factors, make sure to prioritize your passions and skill development. Extracurricular involvement in high school or college can assist in discovering interests. College typically involves four years of full-time study, including coursework related to your major. Attend club and job fairs to connect with others and explore your heart's desires.
Research Your Choices
Look at the programs and opportunities the colleges on your list offer. Some schools may not offer the major you are interested in. Also, when choosing a college, it's crucial to take into account the acceptance rates of the programs or majors that interest you.
Colleges may also offer living-learning communities where you dorm with students with the same major as you. This can help you get the resources you need when pursuing the major you decide on.
Look at the Starting Salaries of Your Potential Majors
Once you have decided on a major, look at the future outcomes of that major. Students who have an idea of what they'll make after college can get a jump-start on budgeting for things like student loan payments or graduate school.
Here is a source you can use to help you research salaries and majors.
College Courses and Major Pathways
Examine the required courses and curriculum for each major. Are you excited about the subjects you'll be studying? Can you see yourself engaging with the coursework for the next few years? How will your high school courses help you with the courses in college - will some of your AP courses transfer over as college credit? The content of your major should genuinely interest you!
Look up the college major requirements and pathways. This can help you plan ahead!
College Internships and Research Opportunities
Explore opportunities for internships, co-op programs, or research experiences related to your potential majors. These hands-on experiences can provide a taste of what a career in that field might be like.
Keep an Open Mind and Ask for Help if Needed
Remember that it's okay to change your major if you discover a better fit along the way. Many students start with one major and switch to another as they explore their interests and abilities. Mentors, teachers, and advisors are always available to assist with selecting a major and providing guidance for a positive college experience.
Choosing a college major is a significant step in your academic journey. It's not just about preparing for a future career; it's about pursuing your passions and interests. Take your time, do your research, seek guidance, and trust yourself to make the right choice!
At Tigerway, we help our students achieve success on both the current and new Digital SAT. We strive to keep our students up-to-date with our wide collection of resources from our digital library. In addition, we assist students in developing effective strategies for tackling SAT problems and provide individualized support to help each student reach their goals.
Our Online Private Coaching program supports SAT/ACT, High School Courses (Regular/Ap), and College Admissions Strategy. If you are interested in our program, please contact me, Program Officer Jasmine Ngo, or Coach Larry Cheung. Please give us a call today for a roadmap session on how academic coaching, SAT/ACTs, and college consulting can help you. We currently have a waitlist for private coaching and it will be first come first serve.
Feel free to read the other emails that we’ve sent out from our Substack Email List - all public:
2 Digital SAT Problems to solve if you’re taking it in 2024
How to think about planning ahead for College Admissions as an underclassmen
What hard work can do for you in terms of personal growth and SAT Scores rising
Tigerway is a proud Founding Member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA) where the NTPA consistently communicates with the College Board’s SAT Exam Team and ACT Exam to understand the future of academics and standardized testing.
Connect with us Today - get your Grades, SAT/ACT Scores, and increase the likelihood of admission offers into the most selective U.S. Universities:
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Or book a call with our program officer Jasmine Ngo to get priority status on the private coaching waitlist where our private coaches help students academically and with individualized college strategy.