High school comes with a lot of pressures, and one of the biggest is figuring out what you want to do after graduation. For many students, that means heading to college. But that decision comes with an even bigger question: What should you study in college? Declaring a college major can feel overwhelming, especially when it feels like that decision will shape the rest of your life. It’s no surprise that so many high schoolers stress about how to pick a major in college. After all, deciding your future is hard when you’re still discovering who you are and what you enjoy.
But here’s the truth: it’s completely okay to be unsure about what you want to do. You’re not alone, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before you apply to college. There are plenty of ways to explore your options and start narrowing down possible majors while you’re still in high school.
Start with What You Know About Yourself
Instead of diving into college catalogs, begin your search by reflecting on your own interests and strengths. First, think about the subjects you enjoy in school. What classes do you look forward to and why? Next, consider the hobbies or activities you love to do in your free time. As you reflect on these things, also analyze how you like to work. Do you prefer hands-on experiences, working as part of a group, or solving problems alone?
If your schedule allows, try taking an elective or two outside of your core requirements. Electives are a great, low-pressure way to explore new subjects and find new passions. If you’re really stuck, try taking a career or personality quiz online for inspiration. These tools aren’t a roadmap for your future, but rather a helpful starting point.
Factor In Your Priorities
As you think about potential degree programs and the careers that follow, it’s worth considering what matters most to you. For example, do you value enjoying your work, job stability, or high salary potential the most? Ideally, you should try to identify degree programs that lead to careers aligned with what’s important to you, whether that’s stable or well-paying opportunities, a field you genuinely enjoy, or something else entirely.
Do Your Research
Once you start generating some ideas, dig deeper. Look into what classes and credits the major requires, the expected workload and type of assignments, course descriptions and learning outcomes, and what careers alumni pursued after graduating from those programs. When looking at careers, look into specific job responsibilities, education and experience needed, salary ranges, and long-term outcomes. That being said, try not to overthink this part. Many people end up in careers that aren’t directly related to their college major. What you study shapes your skills, mindset, and professional path, but it doesn’t define your entire future. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are among plenty of other soft skills valuable in every industry.
Talk to People Who Can Help
Don’t feel like you have to figure everything out on your own. Even though these decisions impact your future, it’s ok to lean on your support system for guidance. Counselors, trusted teachers, mentors, and family members can offer advice and a different perspective. Your high school counselor is especially helpful when it comes to picking a major or answering other questions about college. They can recommend electives based on your interests, introduce you to resources, or help you understand how your strengths align with different majors. Being open about your thoughts and questions can lead to great insights and possibly new ideas you haven’t thought of before.
Get Real-World Experience Early
If you have extra time or flexibility, try exploring potential careers through hands-on experiences. That could include job shadowing a professional, volunteering in a field you’re curious about, or getting an internship or part-time job. These opportunities can help you get a direct look into what an industry or job is really like, helping you figure out what you do and don’t want to pursue.
Don’t Be Afraid to Start Undeclared
Not every student has a major picked out when they apply, and that’s totally ok. Most colleges, including Villa, design the first year of college around general education courses. These classes give you a solid foundation while allowing time in your schedule to explore. At Villa, students who aren’t ready to commit to a major can enroll in our liberal arts program. This program empowers students to complete general education courses, take electives that count toward other majors, and explore their interests with support from faculty and advisors. Once you’ve found your footing, it’s easy to transfer into a more specific bachelor’s or associate degree program.
Start Your Future at Villa
Villa embraces students who are still figuring out who they are and what they want out of their futures. In addition to our liberal arts program, we also offer Dual Enrollment and High School Plus programs for eligible students. These programs allow students to take college-level elective courses while still in high school. You can explore different subjects, experience real college coursework, and earn credits that count toward your future degree. Whether you’re confident in your path or still exploring, Villa gives you the room to grow, the tools to succeed, and the flexibility to discover your passion. Reach out to us today to learn more!
