Completely Undecided

College Majors
1

<p>I am only a sophomore in high school, but I feel as if I need to establish to some degree what I want to do as a college major. Or at least I want to narrow down my list.</p>

<p>Things I'm currently interested in:</p>

<p>Economics: I'm a relatively strong math student (790 on the SAT 1 and all A's in most advanced math track at school), but I am not a math genius. I understand basic economic concepts very intuitively as well as most of the relatively advanced ones. I am unsure whether a profound gift in mathematics in necessary to do meaningful work in the field of economics. I don't want to just get by; I want to make a difference in any field I pursue. </p>

<p>Psychology: I like thinking of the mind and how people behave. I haven't thought much about majoring in it, however. </p>

<p>Political Science: I am also interested in government and the philosophy of political systems. However, I don't see myself becoming a diplomat or politician. Being an advisor seems realistic, though. This major would probably lead up to my going to law school, which has always been a major consideration for me.</p>

<p>Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Biochemistry: I hadn't thought much about majoring in science until a few months ago. I have really enjoyed my Honors Chemistry course this year, and I have experienced a satisfying degree of success in the course as well as at chemistry competitions (mostly regional stuff). Again, I am hesitant with this major. I am talented in the natural sciences, but I wonder whether I am talented enough to do meaningful research in the field.</p>

<p>Criminology/Related Major: I am interested in the government workings related to terrorist plot supression. I definately don't want to end up as a local police officer. I would be excited to work in a federal agency (DOD, Homeland, FBI, CIA). Unfortunately, I don't know specifically what I would do. I don't have advanced computer skills or the knowledge of particularly relevant languages at this time.</p>

<p>Music/Piano Performance/Composition: This is quite a departure from the majors listed above. My primary hobby is piano performance and composition. I record CDs of my piano playing. I don't sell them professionally, though. I have a somewhat unique talent for being able to compose/improvise very technically complex pieces as I play them. My abilities in playing pre-written music are good but are not nearly as unique as those for impromptu composition. I could see myself doing this as a semi-professional hobby, supplementing whatever job I choose. I am therefore relunctant to dedicate myself to it as a sole profession.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading. Do any of you guys have thoughts?</p>

2

<p>Yes. Enjoy high school. </p>

<p>It’s too early to be thinking this critically about it. Nobody here can know what you want. When you figure out what you want to major in, you’ll know. My only advice is follow your passions and get good grades!</p>

3

<p>You’re a sophomore…you really don’t need to establish what you want to major in yet. Most people change their majors and a lot of people go in undecided. Focus on high school and your grades and doing things that you like to do and you’ll figure it out. You’ll have time in college to explore different types of classes and majors if you don’t know when you get there.</p>

4

<p>Keep exploring different subject areas. Try new things. See what you like and what you don’t like. Think about what kind of jobs are out there for each of your ideas and what steps you would have to take to get there. Ask yourself if you are willing to take the necessary steps. You should have a good idea by the end of your junior year.</p>