Every single person makes about 35,000 choices each day — over 12 million a year.
While most of these decisions are small, some decisions can shape your future. Selecting a career path or college major is one of those most important decisions.
Whether you're feeling stuck with no options or overwhelmed by too many, your feelings about choosing a major are completely valid. Nor fear — this isn't a choice you have to make on your own.
1. Take a Personal Inventory
Every student brings a unique mix of interests, strengths, and goals to their post-secondary journey. Choosing a major isn’t about following someone else’s path — it’s about finding what fits you. Check out Indeed’s guide on choosing a major based on your personality type for more insight.
Asking clear questions will help you narrow down your values and what you want from your future. Start with questions like:
What matters to me personally?
What do I want to study?
Where do I see myself growing professionally?
Reflect on these areas to help clarify your direction:
Skills
Are you organized?
Do you prefer data or abstract ideas?
Values
What drives you — achievement, service, creativity? Do you enjoy labs, writing, or teamwork?
What work feels purposeful?
Abilities
What comes naturally — writing, math, public speaking?
Do you learn best by doing or through theory?
Will this major fit your strengths?
Personality
Are you introverted or extroverted? Prefer structure or flexibility? Driven by results or curiosity? Match your style to the field:
Business suits goal-oriented thinkers.
Psychology fits reflective, empathetic types.
Arts attract expressive, creative minds.
Motivation
Do you prefer quick wins or long-term growth?
Want visible impact or deep understanding?
Choose a major that aligns with who you are and where you’re headed.
2. Consider What You Want
Understanding what you want and value is a foundational step in choosing your major. If you feel unsure or unsettled, trust your gut.
Tune into what you want by asking a few simple but important questions like:
What excites you? 💡
Reflect on your interests and ask, “What problem do I want to help solve?” I focused on barriers to healthcare and support, shaping my studies and co-op experiences around that goal.
What are your natural strengths? 💡
Leaning into your strengths can help shape your path. My curiosity about systems and love for working with kids led me to study sociology and human services — a blend of what I enjoyed and did well.
What kind of future do you imagine? 💡
You don’t need to know your exact path, but having a general career direction can help you choose the right courses and prepare for the next steps.
Use the resources you have available — talk to your advisor, check out the Career Center at your institution, and read Best Colleges' How to Choose your Major: 6 Factors to Consider.
Quiz
Yumin is in her first semester and unsure about what to study. She wants to make a difference in the world and also wants to potentially go to graduate school. What factors should she consider?
3. Harness Your Strengths
When choosing a major, aim to balance what you enjoy with what you’re good at. Loving lectures but struggling with the work — or excelling in a subject you find boring — can both lead to frustration. Reflect on your interests and strengths, then look for a path that blends both and allows room to grow.
When choosing your major, there are three broad approaches:
Go With What You Know
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Between 50-70% of students will change their major at least once throughout the course of their degree program. Start by sorting your options into three simple categories:
Subjects you enjoy: What topics were you naturally drawn to in high school or previous classes? ❤️
Subjects you’re good at: Where did you receive strong grades or positive feedback? 💯
Subjects you’re curious about: What questions do you find yourself always wanting to answer? ❓
This reflection can help you see patterns and guide you toward a major that fits both your skills and interests.
Pick One or Two Topics
If you’re someone who loves learning about everything, try pressing pause and choosing just one or two subjects to dive deeper into. Focusing your course selection on a couple of key areas can help you build a strong foundation and clearer direction.
Still curious about other topics? You don’t have to major in everything. Try joining a club, attending campus events, or volunteering in related areas to satisfy that curiosity without overloading your schedule.
Leave Room for Exploration
Choosing a major can feel like dating — lots of options, pressure to decide, and a bit of confusion. Give yourself some breathing room. Exploring what excites you, where your strengths lie, and how you want to grow will help you stay grounded and make a more informed choice.
Quiz
Jamie is in their first semester of college and feeling unsure of what to study. They know they like writing and literature, but don't have a specific focus. What should they do? Select all that apply:
4. Keep It Casual
Feeling overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone. Start smart and keep it simple.
You don’t have to commit to a major right away — starting with general courses is a smart, low-pressure way to explore.
Most schools have core requirements to help you sample different fields. While they might feel like a series of hoops to jump through, Walden University argues that core requirements have several benefits:
They build your knowledge base. Intro-level courses like psychology or English can help you explore different fields, clarify what you like (or don’t), and give you a solid foundation if you decide to pursue that subject further.
They strengthen your communication skills. Different disciplines teach you to communicate in different ways, like writing essays, giving presentations, or analyzing data. Gaining exposure across fields will help you speak multiple "academic languages," which is a great asset in almost any career.
They might spark an unexpected passion. Sometimes a required course turns into something more. I took my first sociology class only because it fulfilled a core requirement, and I ended up switching my major. You never know what might click until you try it!
5. Ask for Help
Choosing a major can feel overwhelming — and that’s completely normal. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you’re feeling unsure, stuck, or just need a sounding board, there are people and resources ready to help you.
You can gain valuable insight from:
advisors
professors
career services
peers
Sometimes, the most important step is simply asking for help. It shows self-awareness, initiative, and a willingness to grow, all skills that will serve you well, no matter what major you choose.
Start with campus resources. Use your school’s support systems. They’re there to help you succeed. Most campuses offer services such as:
Academic Advising
Understand how your credits transfer.
Identify required courses for specific majors.
Plan your path to completing a degree.
Counseling Services
Get help for mental health, personal support, and more.
Career Development Offices
Explore how majors connect to career paths.
Connect with mentors and professionals.
Discover internships, co-ops, and other opportunities.
Quiz
Alex is a first-year student feeling unsure about which major to choose. They're interested in a few subjects and want help connecting those interests to potential career paths. They're worried about making the right choice. What should they do?
Take Action
Choosing a major is no small task, but remember, you're strong and capable! Starting anything new is daunting, but you can use this opportunity to get to know yourself and your strengths, and explore future pathways that might be a fit for you.
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