8 Essential tools for choosing the right college major in high school

Choosing the right college major can be one of the most pivotal decisions a high school student makes. It’s not just about selecting a field of study; it’s about setting a course for future success avoiding unnecessary costs and ensuring that your college experience aligns with your career goals and personal interests.

Students who choose and stick with a major early on in college tend to graduate faster and avoid taking and paying for unnecessary courses. With the rising costs of tuition and the growing demand for specialized skills in the workforce, the ability to make an informed choice about your major can save both time and money.

While you may already have ideas about how to choose a college major, here are eight essential tools to help you navigate this important process.

1. Career Assessment Tests

Career assessment tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory can provide valuable insights into your personality, interests, and strengths. These tests are designed to help you understand what careers might best suit you based on your natural inclinations and preferences.

The Strong Interest Inventory (also through the Myers-Briggs system) is particularly useful for students choosing a college major because it asks questions about a person’s work personality:

• Realistic
• Artistic
• Investigative
• Social
• Enterprising
• Conventional

This helps students identify the deeper reason “why” behind their interests, such as what kind of social impact their professional interests may have and how they may use their skills to give back to a wider community.

By taking these tests, you can identify potential majors that align with your skills and interests, ensuring that you choose a path that you will enjoy and excel in.

2. College and Major Exploration Websites

One of the biggest challenges when deciding what to study is that oftentimes you don’t know the kind of professional work involved with a career track. Let’s face it – how can you know for certain if you haven’t worked in that career before?

It’s daunting to choose a college major if you aren’t certain what your day-to-day duties will be after graduation. That’s why companies like the College Board (the non-profit that administers the SATs and ACTS) have tools to help you understand your major.

The College Board offers BigFuture, a free tool that allows you to explore various career tracks. This site maps out the different professional paths that one particular college major can lead to, defines the nuances between similar areas of study, and has several quizzes to help you refine your choice.

Niche and Unigo also offer extensive databases on college majors and programs and provide detailed descriptions of what each entails, including potential career paths and average salaries.

3. Informational Interviews

Conducting informational interviews with professionals in your fields of interest can provide you with firsthand knowledge about what different careers entail. Reach out to alumni in your top-choice school, family friends, or local professionals to ask about their experiences in their respective fields.

Different career tracks may have affiliated professional associations with local chapters in your community. You can reach out to the administrators and ask for a brief phone interview about the typical responsibilities. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a lawyer, you might research the contact information for the local bar association. For students interested in medicine, try the association of medical professionals.

These conversations can offer valuable insights into daily job responsibilities, required skills, and career growth opportunities, helping you determine whether a particular major aligns with your long-term goals.

4. Internships and Job Shadowing

Internships and job shadowing opportunities allow you to gain practical experience before committing to a college major. These experiences can provide a realistic view of what working in a specific industry or role is like, helping you assess whether it matches your interests and strengths.

Many high schools offer programs or partnerships with local businesses that facilitate these opportunities, so take advantage of them to explore your options.

Start by communicating your interest with your high school counselor or ask a mentor if you have one. You can also reach out to the local or state Chamber of Commerce to see if their members offer any internship opportunities.

5. High School Career Counseling

Your high school career counselor is a valuable resource for exploring potential majors and often has access to a range of resources including aptitude tests, career exploration tools, and information on college programs. They can help you identify your strengths and interests and guide you in selecting a major that fits your academic and career objectives.

It’s a good idea to meet with your counselor before your junior year so they have more time to get to know you and be able to provide more personalized advice for you.

6. College Major and Career Guides

Books and online guides about college majors and careers offer comprehensive information about various fields of study. “What Color Is Your Parachute?” and “Quick Guide to Choosing Your College Major” provide in-depth information about different majors, career prospects, and necessary skills.

If you prefer YouTube videos, the above by Shane Hummus, a professional development coach, is a great start. Using a guide can help you understand the implications of choosing a particular major and how it aligns with your career goals.

7. Online Courses and MOOCs

Free online courses can help you better understand potential careers and learn new skills. Consider checking out Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are evergreen courses available online to an unlimited number of participants.

You can find MOOCs on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy which will help you sample different fields of study before committing to a major. Many of these platforms offer free or low-cost courses in a wide range of subjects, allowing you to explore your interests and gain a deeper understanding of what studying a particular field might involve.

8. College Campus Visits and Open Houses

Choosing the right college is just as important as choosing the right major. Being in an environment that will inspire and challenge you will make a huge difference in your overall success. Not all colleges offer the same majors; you may find a specific major on one campus that may not be available at another.

College campus visits and open houses can provide valuable insights into different academic programs and campus life. Many colleges offer specialized tours or information sessions focused on specific majors, giving you a chance to meet professors, students, and alumni in those fields.

Why Choosing the Right Major Matters

Selecting the right college major is crucial for several reasons. First, it can significantly impact your academic performance and overall college experience. Choosing a major that aligns with your interests and strengths increases your chances of success and satisfaction in your studies.

Second, making an informed choice can save you time and money. Changing majors often leads to additional coursework and extended time in college, which can increase tuition costs and delay your entry into the workforce.

Finally, choosing the right major helps you build a solid foundation for your career. A major that aligns with your career aspirations can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter your desired field. It can also open doors to internships, job opportunities, and networking connections that are crucial for launching a successful career.