College is an optimal time to grow socially and intellectually. Many colleges offer a plethora of majors for students to investigate. Students usually do not need to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. Until then they would have what is called an undecided college major. The following are some ideas on how to narrow college majors.
College Undergraduate Catalog
Every college will have a version of an undergraduate catalog. Sometimes it is a printed copy, and other times it is an online version. Regardless of the version, students can use this information to understand the type of courses available at the college.
One way for students to use the catalog is to peruse the descriptions of courses available and then to mark or highlight the ones that are of interest. Some college catalogs are quite large. Students can just skim through the titles of the courses and read the ones that sound interesting.
Visiting Student Services
Each college will have counselors similar to high school guidance counselors. Student services has counselors who will work with students to explore college majors. Students can make an appointment by calling the center and requesting an appointment; these services are free.
At the time of the appointment, students should bring in the list of courses marked or highlighted in the college catalog. The counselor can begin to narrow major options with the student.
Career Assessments
Students also have the option to take career assessments with a college counselor. Most colleges subscribe to computerized career assessments that are free or at a low cost. After taking a few assessments students will go over the results with the counselor. The counselor has specific training to link career assessment results to potential careers.
Many career assessments exist including personality assessments, interest assessments, value assessments, and ability assessments. All of these together can provide an outline to the type of career that matches the student on all levels.
Taking General or Required Courses
Students usually need to take general courses while at college. These courses are ones that all students need to take to graduate from college. Many colleges will list several courses within each general area. Students decide which one or two courses within the area to complete the requirement. By taking these courses students can expose themselves to multiple disciplines.
College is time to open one's mind to ideas, experiences, and thoughts. By taking various courses students can begin to identify classes that correspond to potential college majors. Through exposure to different courses and utilizing student services, students can begin to find a major that matches their career goals.
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