Taking steps in high school toward a college major

What do you plan on studying? Have you thought about a major? Do you have a career in mind?

These questions often plague high school students, especially high school seniors when the time comes to choose a college.

Liz Freedman, the student employment coordinator for Internship and Career Services at Butler University, suggests that majors should not be declared until at least the second year of college, “when students are more developmentally ready and educationally prepared to make an effective choice.” (“The Development Disconnect in Choosing a Major: Why Institutions Should Prohibit Choice Until Second Year” 2013)

In my 22 years of counseling high school students, I have witnessed many twelfth graders stressed out while trying to narrow down their college lists and answering concerns of friends and relatives regarding their futures. It is an achievement if the typical senior in high school has nailed down Homecoming plans while balancing their load of schoolwork.

Forcing a verbal decision from a 17- or 18-year-old about future plans makes about as much sense as forcing a 30-year-old to reveal plans for retirement. A high school student usually cannot see beyond a few months, or, sometimes, beyond a few days. Granted, there are a few exceptions for the teenage dreamer. A small number of students decide what they wanted to be in junior high and stick with those plans with a passion. Dr. Fritz Grupe, founder of MyMajors.com, claims that 80 percent of college-bound students have yet to choose a major. He added that 50 percent change majors even after declaring, and many do so two or three times during their college years.

So why the hurry? Why the insistence that students should know what they want to do for the rest of their lives when they head off to college? Instead, high school students should seize multiple opportunities to experience the many avenues available for exploration.

For example, students can take advantage of experiences on college campuses to explore careers, fine arts programs and athletic opportunities. Additionally, college fairs are not just for seniors in high school. Career Days are offered by communities, high schools, and colleges. Job shadowing is another avenue of exploration. Many colleges and consultants offer career interest inventories, some at no cost. 

If students immerse themselves in such opportunities, they will find questions about the future to be less irritating and the answers will be more informed. Instead of dreading the “Do you know what you want to study in college?” question, a student who has explored the future through job shadowing, career experiences and campus visits will look forward to the prodding.

“I know I want to go into the medical field, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for the demand on family time of a private-practice doctor. I may be better suited for physical therapy or a physician’s assistant.” Wouldn’t that be a pleasantly shocking answer from an 18-year-old?      

Parents should not demand a college major choice, but they should offer opportunities to explore the world of possibilities. Students should take on experiences which would allow them insight into careers of interest. It is through research and experience that a person finds his or her niche.