Answer 1

Considering that many students enter college with an "undeclared" major or change their major one or more times once they begin college, this is a pretty common question. Your son is not alone. It is recommended to try and figure out the best field for him though before he starts. Some ways to do that:

• Have him think about what he enjoys doing outside of school. Do any of those interests or activities relate to specific fields?
• Take a personality and/or a career assesment test. MAPP (motivational appraisal or personal potential) is one example.
• Think about what classes he enjoyed, did well in, really thrived in. Are any of those areas he might major in?
• Through your network of friends and colleagues, have him talk with people in the careers that he thinks might be a fit. 
• If through this he finds one or more that are of particular interest, research those, understand what the educational requirements are for that field. Definitely talk to someone doing it if possible.

 

 

Answer 2

If you sign onto CollegeBoard, there is an interest survey they offer called My Road - if you type My Road into the search box, it will come up. Although personality assessments are very, very helpful, I also like to use this interest survey because it shows students what careers match their interests and, the education they will need to meet the requirements of each possible career. I have found that some times, students do not see how an interest can become a career. For example, one student I had loved horses; rode them, groomed them, grew into learning how to train them but, she never really thought about working with horses as a career. Her vision was that the only way to make a good wage working with horses was if one was an owner, a winner jockey or a well paid trainer. I introduced her to various programs where students learned how working with horses, with special needs children was a real job, a valid form of therapy. Together we investigated various programs allowing her to graduate high school headed off to a college program designed to help her, parlay her interests into a career. Good Luck!

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with beginning your college career as undecided During freshman year take electives that interest you, talk with other students, your roommates or your adviser about different majors. College gives you the opportunity to take courses that perhaps were not available in high school. According to studies conducted by the College Board and NACAC 50 % of all college sophomores change their major field of study. You will have 5 semesters to find yourself. If the schools you are applying to require that you select a major chose a field such as history, English, sociology or philosophy because you can always apply these courses towards graduation requirements when you finalize your major. What is interesting is that many graduates enter their first job outside of their major. Be sure to schedule writing classes, public speaking and a course or two in logic Employers want people who can write well, speak in front of groups and solve problems on their feet. Don't rush into anything -- you will be fine.