The document provides advice on choosing a college major. It discusses what a major is, the options of having a minor or double major, and how important the choice of major may be. While some majors like nursing directly relate to specific careers, others like English can lead to various paths. Most students change their major and it's fine to be undecided at first. The choice can be based on a dream job, earning potential, passion, or remaining undecided for now.

1. HOW TO CHOOSE A MAJOR (US)
Junior Advisory Spring 2016 Theodora Panteli

2. What is a Major?
A major is a specific subject area that students
specialize in.Typically, between one-third
and one-half of the courses you’ll take in
college will be in your major or related to it.
At some colleges, you can even:
 Major in two fields.
 Have a major and a minor (a specialization
that requires fewer courses than a major).

3. Minors and Double Majors
 If one major doesn't satisfy your intellectual appetite,
consider a minor. A minor is similar to a major in that it's
an area of academic concentration that requires less
classes.
 Some undergrads with a love of learning and an
appetite for punishment choose to pursue two majors,
often in totally different subjects. A double major
provides you with an understanding of two academic
fields.That said, it also requires twice as many classes.
 While a minor or a double major might make you more
marketable, both professionally and for graduate study,
they both need time and energy. Most students find
that one major is more than enough.

4. How important is your major?
The major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee
your future. Many graduates find jobs that have nothing
to do with what they studied in college. According to the
U.S. Department of Labor, the average person changes
career fields two or three times in their lifetime.

5. Majors and Professions
 If you specialize in nursing, accounting or engineering,
you're learning a specific trade. Many majors, however,
prepare you to enter a range of careers once you
graduate. But picking a major is not the same as
choosing a job. It will be up to you to pick a career path
you enjoy.
 For example, a degree in English might lead to publishing,
teaching, advertising, public relations, law or other.

6.  Most students switch their major during
college.
Yes!You Can ChangeYour Mind!
If you’re not sure about your major while
in high school, don’t worry. Most
students switch their major during
college. Even students who think they
are sure about what they want to major
in often change their mind.

7. When do I choose a Major?
 At most four-year colleges you won’t have to
decide until the end of your sophomore year.
This gives you plenty of time to explore
various subjects and see which ones interest
you. Some majors — like areas of engineering
— are exceptions to this rule.You have to
commit to these fields of study early so you
have time to take all the required courses.
 If you're earning a two-year degree, you'll
probably select a major at the start because
the program is much shorter.

9. You may choose to base your decision on any of
these factors:
 Dream Job
 Future Earning Potential
 Passion Project
 Undecided
How to Choose A Major

10.  Some students choose a major because it will prepare
them for a specific career path. Maybe you already know
that you want to be a nurse, a day trader, a physical
therapist, or a web developer. Before you declare, take a
class or two in the relevant discipline, check out the
syllabus for an advanced seminar, and talk to students in
the department of your choice—make sure that you can
and will do the coursework required for the career of your
dreams.

11.  Future earning potential is worth considering—college
is a big investment, and while it can pay you back in
many ways beyond salary, this can be a major factor for
students who are paying their own way or taking out
loans.
According to PayScale.com , the majors that lead to the
highest salaries include just about any type of
engineering, actuarial mathematics, computer science,
physics, statistics, government, and economics. Keep
your quality of life in mind too—that six figure salary may
not be worth it if you're not happy at the office.

12. Subject Matters!
 Some students choose a major simply because
they love the subject. If you love what you're
studying, you're more likely to fully engage with
your classes and college experience, and that can
mean better grades and great relationships with
others in your field. If your calling is philosophy,
don't write it off just because you're not sure
about graduate school, or what the job market
holds for philosophers. Many liberal arts majors
provide students with critical thinking skills and
writing abilities that are highly valued by
employers.

13. Undecided? No Problem!
 Some colleges ask you to list your expected
major on their application (although
"undecided" is usually an option), but don't
require you to declare definitively until
sophomore year.
Talk to professors, advisors, department heads,
and other students. Find an internship off
campus. Exploring your interests will help you
find your best fit major—and maybe even your
ideal career.

14. “The best way to predict the future is to create it”
AbrahamLincoln