How to Tell if Your Major is Right for You

Choosing a major is just like choosing the best 1-bedroom apartment Ottawa students recommend. There are several majors being offered at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, and choosing the best one for you can be an overwhelming task.

The good news is that you’re not alone. A lot of students go into university undecided on their major, and a good number of them switch their majors later on. If you’re having second thoughts about your chosen major, here are the signs you should watch out for:

Academic performance.

If your grades are exceptional, then you know you’re in the right place. Bad grades, on the other hand, aren’t really a sign that you’re in the wrong major. However, if you’re already doing your best and you still get mediocre or failing grades, this could be a sign that you need to make the switch.

Emotional well-being.

Do you still get excited to go to class, or are you bored out of your mind? Even if a particular class is difficult or if the honeymoon stage is over, you should still feel that spark of interest in completing your coursework. If you’re just going through the motions to get a passing grade, maybe it’s time to consider other alternatives. Your enjoyment, ambivalence, boredom, or lack of feelings is an emotional barometer to whether or not your major is “the one.”

Stress levels.

University life is highly stressful, and trying to find a balance among your academic, social, and family life is difficult at first. Feelings of overwhelm are not uncommon, especially during finals week. However, if you dread going to class every single day, and your stress has led to hair loss, sleepless nights, and food binges, then it’s time to check if your stress has something to do with the major you’ve chosen.

Plenty (or lack) of foresight.

If you are already brimming with ideas on how you would like to contribute to your chosen field, then you are on the right path. But if you can’t imagine yourself working in the same field, or don’t know the type of jobs you’ll land after you graduate, it’s a sign that you need to change into a new major. The lack of vision and dreams could mean that you’re simply doing just enough in order to get by.

Reasons for choosing.

If your reason for choosing a major is because it is in-demand, or for your parents’ benefit, then it’s time to revisit your priorities and find something else that matches more closely with your passions.

Final Thoughts

If you experience any of these signs, then it’s time to think about all the other courses that you’re more interested in and to talk to your adviser to explore your options. To choose the right major, listen to your instincts and to what your gut is telling you. You can ask for advice from friends and family, but don’t let them pressure you into taking something you know you will regret later on. After all, you’re the one who knows what’s best for you.