When deciding how to choose a college, it’s no surprise one of the most important factors is your major. While many colleges are known for the quality of their education, most excel in specific fields or subject areas. However, understanding how to choose a college for your major goes beyond the general reputation of the school; it’s about finding a place that offers strong support for your area of study.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to choose a college and how to choose the best college for your major. We’ll review what college majors are, including some of the best options available. Then, we’ll discuss key factors to consider when comparing programs, such as curriculum, resources, and major-specific opportunities.
But first, let’s go over the basics of how to choose a college.
5 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing a College
Knowing how to apply to college is one thing, but deciding where to apply is another. Whether you’re just starting your research or already have a dream school in mind, building your college list is no simple task. It requires doing your research, reflecting on your goals, and being honest about what is most important to you.
To put it plainly: figuring out how to choose a college comes down to how you prioritize your wants and needs. For instance, if proximity to a major city is important to you, that will easily rule out any rural colleges. On the other hand, if overall size is a limiting factor, you may be looking at small or large schools, all over the country.
Regardless of what you are looking for, here are five of the most important things to consider when exploring colleges:
1. Overall enrollment and class sizes. College enrollment can range anywhere from a few hundred students to over 60,000. As you can guess, a small vs. medium vs. large college will have a very different feel on campus. Additionally, the size of a school can impact your class sizes.
2. Location and environment. You can find great colleges all over the country, some urban, some suburban, and some rural. Your campus setting includes everything from transportation to off-campus opportunities to weather, which can all impact your lifestyle for the next four years.
3. Major programs and requirements. Of course, academics is one of the most important considerations for any future college student. You’ll want to consider your major’s curriculum, school-wide requirements, and opportunities to customize your program.
4. Cost and financial aid package. The cost of college varies widely, whether you’re comparing public vs. private or in-state vs. out-of-state. Regardless of your financial situation, it’s important to compare costs and make a plan to pay for college.
5. Campus culture and fit. Finally, you’ll want to remember that the college you choose will be your home for the next four years. Consider the type of campus community and culture you want to be a part of, including any extracurricular or student groups that you’d like to be a part of.
Though all of these factors should be considered in tandem with one another, a great place to start is academics. So, let’s dive into the specifics of what a college major is and how it impacts your college search.
What is a College Major?
Your college education culminates into a degree, which denotes a certain level of academic qualification. Your college major is the specific field of study in which you earn your degree.
Most college majors are divided into basic categories, such as STEM, humanities, social sciences, health, or education. College majors are often recognizable topics, like Economics or Journalism. They can also be incredibly specific, such as Sustainable Architecture + Engineering or Turfgrass Science.
While most students typically have one major you aren’t limited to just one area of study during your college education. There are plenty of options to expand your major, including adding minors, exploring interdisciplinary majors, and even pursuing two majors, also known as double majoring.
Choosing a major on your college applications
Some college application requirements include selecting the major you are most interested in on your application. Therefore, you might be asked to provide a second and even third choice along with your top choice. If you aren’t sure what to major in, you can also declare yourself as undecided.
Why do you need to provide your intended major? At most private universities, choosing your major simply helps admissions get a sense of where your interests lie. In these cases, you will be admitted to the school itself, not to a specific major, so you’ll have the flexibility to explore your options once you enroll.
However, other schools may have a limited number of spots in a specific major or a more rigorous application process. Certain majors may have additional college application requirements, such as a portfolio or supplemental essay. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how to apply to college for your chosen major.
Best College Majors
Wondering what the best majors are? Well, it depends on a few factors. You’ll need to consider what you are interested in, what your skills and strengths are, and what kind of career you hope to have in the future.
Some of the most popular fields of study for college students include business, health. social sciences and history, and engineering. If you want to help people, some of the best majors for you may be education or nursing. If you have a passion for tech, you may be more interested in computer science or management information systems. If your main priority is to build transferable skills that will prepare you for a lucrative career, business administration or management might be a good fit.
So, how can you decide which college majors are best for you? Doing online aptitude assessments or quizzes, like this one offered by U.S. News, can be a fun way to explore potential majors. Participating in career exploration programs can also help you gauge your strengths while exposing you to potential careers.
If you’re still not sure how to choose a college degree—don’t worry! More than 10% of college freshmen begin college undecided. That being said, exploring potential majors and areas of interest is still valuable to your college search, even if you’re not quite ready to commit.
Choosing the Best School for Your Major
Knowing how to choose a college for your major involves looking at the strength of any given program. You’ll want to take into account everything from faculty expertise and available electives to career services and networking opportunities.
In addition to looking at your specific major, you’ll need to also consider other relevant factors, such as campus culture and the overall student experience. Plus, think about more practical factors, such as the cost of attendance, the weather, or even the school’s distance from home. Balancing your academic and career goals with your individual needs will ensure a more enriching and positive college experience.
Once you’ve narrowed down your school list, you can come up with a gameplan for how to apply to college at each of your selected schools. Just be sure to double check for any college application requirements for your specific major!
Researching College Major Requirements and Resources
At most schools, you’ll be expected to complete some combination of general education requirements as well as degree-specific requirements. Some examples of general requirements include UT Austin’s Core Curriculum, Yale’s Distribution Requirements, and Wesleyan’s Open Curriculum. Note that requirements can also vary based on the specific school or college your major is housed in. For instance, general requirements at Cornell are different for College of Engineering majors versus College of Arts & Sciences majors.
Reviewing major-specific requirements can give you a more substantial sense of what you will learn during your four years in college. For instance, this breakdown of UCLA’s Civil and Environmental Engineering major provides an overview of learning objectives and outcomes as well as a list of available courses.
You should also explore any major-specific resources, such as the ones included on this list from Georgia Tech’s College of Computing. Helpful resources might include everything from research grants and advising services to specialized workshops and student groups. Additionally, they may include resources that connect you to internship opportunities, which are essential for gaining real-world experience.
Exploring Internship Opportunities for Your Major
A key factor in how to choose a college is determining whether the institution offers programs or internships that align with your goals. Getting internships is a great way to build your resume and skillset, which is crucial for securing job offers after graduation.
Some colleges offer specialized internship advising services within a certain department or school. For instance, at USC, the School of Cinematic Art has its own Internship Program. Students can take workshops, sign up for a weekly newsletter, and find both academic credit and paid internships.
Other schools have robust university-wide career centers that cater to all kinds of majors. For instance, at UMich’s University Career Center, you can use their tool to explore what you can do with your major, join a specialized career path, and attend relevant presentations and information sessions.
While many universities encourage internships, some fully integrate them into the curriculum. Many schools, like Northeastern and Georgia Tech, do so through co-op programs. Co-ops provide hands-on learning, helping students sharpen their skills, enhance their resumes, and connect with industry professionals.
Completing internships over the summer, or even during the school year, can help you explore the nuances of your major and try out different career paths. And, if the company you intern at is looking to hire, it may even be an opportunity to secure a return offer.
Faculty Mentors & Career Opportunities
Many schools also offer opportunities to connect directly with their world-class faculty. Often, this takes place in a research setting. Of course, you should always try to connect with your faculty by participating in class and attending office hours. However, engaging with them on an actual project is a great way to learn more about their work while gaining hands-on experience.
For example, UCSD’s Faculty Mentor Program encourages undergraduate students to develop a relationship with a faculty member while completing an independent study course. This provides students with academic credit, as well as an opportunity to expand their professional network. Mentorship is also at the heart of MIT’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, which provides opportunities for students to collaborate with MIT faculty.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider the ways a specific program might open up opportunities to develop or jumpstart your career. For instance, at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, students have access to personalized advising as well as career fairs and panels. Plus, if you’re interested in starting your own business, Wharton’s Venture Lab offers pathways and resources for students interested in a career in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Taking full advantage of the experts and resources available in college is one of the best ways to maximize your education. These connections deepen your knowledge and provide valuable skills, insights, and networking opportunities that can help advance your career.
How to Choose a College Based on Your Major
Your intended major plays a huge role in deciding what college is right for you. While a school may seem great on the surface, it’s crucial your major program has the educational opportunities, support, and resources you need to thrive. Beyond specific coursework and major requirements, be sure to explore any additional opportunities in your intended field of study, such as labs, extracurriculars, and study abroad and internship programs.
In addition to exploring your program, you’ll also need to find out how to apply to college for your specific major. College application requirements can vary by school and by major, so you’ll need to do your research to make sure you have everything you need to apply.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right college, but remember what you’re there for—to earn a degree. Make your education your priority, do your research, and find a program that aligns with your interests and goals.
Looking for additional resources to help you in your college search? Here are some of our favorites:
- Just beginning your college search? StudyLab’s free College Finder tool can help you find colleges that align with your academic goals.
- The Ultimate College Application Checklist for Seniors can help you stay on the right track while preparing for college.
- Here are 4 Things to Highlight on Your College Application to increase your chances of getting into your dream school.
