How to Choose a College Major - Top Tier Admissions

Many years ago, I headed to college planning to major in English, and I graduated four years later with an English degree. Recent studies, however, reveal that my straightforward pathway was likely the exception, rather than the rule. Many students officially enter college as “undecided,” and even more (estimates range from 30% to 85%) change majors while pursuing their degree. Even after choosing, more than half of students experience doubts about their major selection, a number that is likely to increase as the use of AI expands.

For high school seniors heading off to college in a few months, choosing the right major can feel overwhelming. Below, we’ve listed a few suggestions to help you sift through your options and find the field that is right for you.

How to Choose a College Major: Start by Exploring Broadly

Many students are very familiar with the five core subjects covered by their high school coursework (English, history, math, science, and foreign language), but they have not always had a chance to explore other fields. Have you tried out data science? Urban planning? Media studies? The beginning of your college career represents a great time to take classes in unfamiliar areas that sound fascinating, especially if you can use those courses to fulfill your college’s distribution requirements. Testing out different fields helps you find the one(s) that really speak to you and increases your confidence about your eventual choice of major. Even if you have already declared a major, it can still be worthwhile to try out new subjects of interest to you. A recent study from the EAB suggests that, contrary to popular belief, students can switch majors through senior year with no impact on graduation rate and through the first semester of junior year with no impact on their median time to degree. All this to say: don’t be afraid to take a class in a new subject that intrigues you!

Should You Choose a Major Based on Career Goals?

As the expense of college increases, students and parents increasingly frame the ROI of a college degree in terms of job prospects. When choosing a major, they focus on the professional pathways it seems to align with and the doors it will likely open. However, as most college professors will tell you, it is very common for students to pursue a career that diverges from their major. The English majors I taught at UVA went on to pursue fields ranging from law to medicine to software engineering, drawing on their background in literature to help them make arguments, empathize with patient experiences, and communicate their technical knowledge clearly. Especially as AI threatens new graduates’ ability to enter previously stable career fields, choosing a major solely based on your planned career pathway can be shortsighted. While it is always wise to consider post-college outcomes, don’t let one vision of your career be the single factor that defines your studies.

How to Identify Your Strengths and Passions When Choosing a Major

When choosing your college major, consider where you would thrive. What do you love? What are you good at? Pay attention to the classes you have enjoyed and think about which subjects you would choose to explore on your own, outside of college coursework. Do you love spending your afternoons sifting through books in your school’s archives? Do you find joy in writing code into the wee hours of the morning? Are you a natural tinkerer who loves to work with your hands? Are you an entrepreneur, brimming with ideas for another business venture? Zeroing in on what lights you up intellectually and gives you a skillset you enjoy applying will help you choose a major that sets you up for success in college and beyond.

Beyond the Classroom: Other Ways to Explore Your Interests

Coursework in your major is a great way to explore a subject that intrigues you, but it’s not the only way. In addition to taking courses in other fields (possibly as part of a double major or a minor), we encourage you to take advantage of jobs and internships to try out new subjects and apply your interests in hands-on ways. While in college, our students have interned at investment banks, worked at publishing houses, and carried out field research with professors, even if their major was in a different field. We also encourage students to draw on the resources of their college’s career counseling office, which can connect them with alumni in various fields and help them explore numerous post-graduate opportunities.

Need Help Choosing a Major? Here’s How We Can Help

Choosing a major can feel stressful, but it also represents an exciting opportunity to shape your own college career. It’s worth spending time reviewing your options carefully, picking a subject that you will find enjoyable and fulfilling both during and after college. For students who need help navigating this process, our Career Planning and Academic Advising program offers guidance and strategy to ensure you find the major that is the best fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a College Major

What happens if I start college undecided?

That’s completely normal — and often smart. Many colleges allow students to enter undecided and use their first year to explore different subjects before declaring.

Can I change my major after I’ve already declared one?

Yes, but always confirm the timeline and process with your college, as policies vary by institution.

How do I choose a college major if I don’t know what career I want?

Focus on your strengths, what subjects genuinely excite you, and the skills you enjoy building rather than a specific job title. Most majors open doors to multiple career paths, and your career will likely evolve in ways that are hard to predict at 18.

Does my college major determine my career?

Not necessarily. It’s very common for graduates to pursue careers outside their major. Skills like critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving transfer across many fields, regardless of what you studied.

What’s the best college major in the age of AI?

There’s no single answer, but majors that build adaptable, human-centered skills — communication, critical thinking, analysis, creativity, empathy — are increasingly valuable as AI automates more routine tasks. The “best” major is one that plays to your strengths while helping you develop skills that are hard to replicate.

How can I get help choosing a college major?

Working with an academic advisor or college counselor can make a big difference. Top Tier Admissions’ Career Planning and Academic Advising program helps students identify the major that’s the best fit for their goals, strengths, and interests.

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Dr. Eliza Fox

Senior Private Counselor at Top Tier Admissions

Eliza has years of experience at Top Tier Admissions, helping students gain admittance to top-flight colleges and pioneering the Writing Center. She holds a B.A. in English with Honors and Distinction from Stanford University, where she was a two-time recipient of Stanford’s Rebele Journalism Fellowship. She earned her MA and PhD in English Literature at the University of Virginia. Prior to working at Top Tier, Eliza taught in UVa’s English Department and its Academic and Professional Writing Program. The effectiveness of her teaching and her commitment to her students earned her multiple awards, including the All-University Graduate Teaching Award and honors from UVa’s Seven Society. Eliza’s own writing has appeared in publications ranging from academic journals to The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also has experience in publishing, digital humanities, and study abroad programming.