Picking a Field of Study
How Not to Pick a Field of Study
Just because parents are probably paying for a student’s tuition, does not mean they can choose your major or potentially, your career. Although it is tempting to let someone else make the hard decision, do not take the bait. Seeing as this is the student’s life, the student should be in charge. Parents should remember that they didn’t want their parents making their decisions for them.
Just because a student doesn’t want to think about the course selection doesn’t mean the student should pick a random topic for the heck of it. This is a very important issue and it must be considered and every aspect weighed.
How to Actually Pick a Field of Study
- Make a list of pros and cons when choosing a major: For example, a student might want to be an English major because he/she enjoys reading and writing. That’s a “pro.” A possible “con” might be that the lack of clear-cut career. Recognizing the positives and negatives of any potential field of study can help a student be honest with the decision. This way, the student will always know that he/she is selecting a certain field of study for the right reasons.
- Discuss your decision of college major with your parents and/or close relatives. Now, this does not mean a student should have others make the decision for them, but it does mean a student should seek outside input. Besides, it’s always encouraging when someone else thinks that the choice is a good one.