<p>Hi guys,
I am planning to apply to a small NESCAC school this fall, with a pretty typical LAC course catalogue. My problem is, I really have no idea what I'm interested in studying in college. I've heard that putting "undecided major" down on the CommonApp can work against you in admissions.
Ever since I was a little kid I have been the biggest Geography nut. Even today, I read world atlases like most people read books. I can tell you the capitol of every country in the world and US state. Plus much more random geo knowledge that no one on CC cares to hear me brag about... point is, I love geography, and my dream is to have a career that allows me to travel. I also want to learn a variety of languages.
The school I'll probably apply to doesn't offer a geography major. Besides, I know someone who holds a degree in geography from Middlebury, and from his description of the courses I'm not sure I'd be that interested in a lot of the work. I'm not so hot on GIS, and the environmental/sciency side of the program isn't that engaging to me.
My DREAM JOB would be to travel and write articles or books about what I'm seeing and doing, maybe working for NatGeo or one of the guide book companies...
So, what could I major in? And, on a very unrelated and somewhat irrelevant note, will what I put as my "intended major" for the commonapp have any impact on whether I am accepted or not?
Muchos Gracias!</p>
<p>Why not apply to a school that offers geography? If you want to be a travel writer, it’s worth looking into Geography and/or English.</p>
<p>Also, I know this sounds a little unrelated, but I know several people who majored in Hospitality in college. They all love to travel and got jobs working with hotels around the world. One is from Switzerland and has gotten to live in Hawaii, Italy, New York City. He eventually quit the hotel business and opened a ski resort back home in Switzerland. </p>
<p>Obviously, this is a personal anecdote, but it’s worth contemplating.</p>
<p>If particular world regions interest you, consider a major in one or more languages, or in language and area studies (e.g., Latin American Studies). </p>
<p>Other wide-ranging and relevant majors for your stated interests include Cultural Anthropology, History, and Art History. You could supplement these majors with study abroad, language studies, and coursework in writing.</p>
<p>Geography = physical landscape more than often
Linguistics/Languages = literature</p>
<p>OMG. When I was a kid, I read atlases for fun too! When I get bored in class, I write down all the 193 nations of the world on a piece of paper… and very few times I miss a nation! </p>
<p>One thing I have to tell you, is Geography is NOT your major. As you probably realized, making maps and learning about physical geography is not fun and probably not what you want.</p>
<p>International things! Thats it, right? Well then, I present… INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.
Learn how different countries are… different! Its my major and I’m sure of it.</p>
<p>Sciences: Engineering companies are in nations worldwide, and sciences vary from different nations in terms of usability.
Economics: Duh? Big business spans the globe. Companies operate all over.
Literature: Writing styles come from all over. And if you’re interested in journalism, you might be able to travel!
Linguistics: Foreign languages! Whats the first word in there?
Law: Every government has to talk to others! The US’s very own State Department!
Anthropology: Different cultures must be handled differently.
Hospitality: You gotta cater to different backgrounds.</p>
<p>I hate to break it to you, but everyone wants to be a NatGeo or Lonely Planet writer. Everyone. When I was 5, I watched the Travel Channel and wished I were the host, happily chatting on the different sights a city might hold.</p>
<p>But no, not everyone can get their dreams… but everyone can get something close to it! If you have a second field you like (English, Maths, etc.) try to pair it up with International Relations. I like law, so add some International things, and my dream prospect? A diplomat.</p>
<p>Message me anytime if you want to talk about future prospects… I’ve never really met anyone who memorized all the capitals before!</p>