PassionPlex

On the Common Application, there exists a question, marked by a red “required” star that can cause immense stress to incoming college students: “What is your intended major?” This decision can be incredibly overwhelming. Some feel that answering this question puts them into a box, placing them into a schedule with specific niche classes and causing them to come into college with a pre-existing label.

I think it’s incredibly hard for a student to pinpoint one specific path to dedicate their education to. There’s the lingering question of “What do I really want to do when I grow up?” There exists a misconception that once you choose a major, you can’t go back. It is difficult because as you get farther in your education, you may have doubts and less time to explore other interests and fields. Sometimes it just feels that there isn’t enough time and therefore a lack of opportunity to explore potential interests. However, an article in the Washington Post explained that 52% of students do change their intended major between applying to college and actually being in college. A report by the U.S. Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics found that about 1/3 of first-years change their majors within three years.

For example, many students come into college with majors that have dependable prospects post-graduation. Rather than having a true passion in the field, students are attracted to the major by the salary it could provide later on. But, studies show that if you have genuine interests in your degree, then you are more likely to succeed later on. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual’s goals and passions.

Students, including me, are often told that they should follow their interests and passions. But many high school seniors really don’t have that much experience to know what occupations or fields truly excite them. With more time and self-discovery, students will be more satisfied with their future after college and experience less anxiety in the process. Students can take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom to explore their interests and discover potential paths for their future.