Choosing your major in college is a critical decision. However, it takes some students quite a long time to decide what they want to do with their life. In fact, according to a recent Penn State study, 20-50% of students come into college undecided, and 75% change majors while in college.

There are several things to consider when choosing a major. Here are five ways to know you picked the perfect college major:

1. We have all had those days where we remember what class we are going to, hit the snooze and cuddle deeper into the covers. While not all of your classes will be tons of fun, you should have a general appreciation for the classes you are taking and the teachers who are teaching them. Being anxious or dreading one or more of your classes can be a warning that you are not in the right major.

2. Some people may have different opinions about the major you choose. This may result in choosing the wrong major and going down the wrong path. Although you should keep others opinions in mind, you should not let them decide your future.

3. Every major has downsides. Whether if be entering a field that almost kills you with the class load or entering a field with a low starting income, there are downsides to every area of study. However, it can be worth it.

4. When a lightbulb idea hits, that may be a sign that you have found the right major. If you are able to do your work quickly and with ease and maybe even doing some of your own research, you may have found your calling.

5. The golden rule in picking your major is being happy. This major should keep you interested and intrigued, wanting to learn more and smiling. If you’re feeling compelled to tell your friends all about your classes, the best bet is that you found the right major.

VSU students have a lot to say about this.

“Well, at first I was in criminal justice and I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life, but one day and sat down and just realized it’s not really for me,” Sonia Velazco, a freshman business major, said. “So I switched to business and I believe you can do so much more with a business degree and I am still able to pursue law and go into business law. But I think I will be able to reach my full potential with business.”

“I believe you picked the right major if you enjoy learning about whatever your major is or something that you can do with that degree in the future,” Ben Sneed, a junior computer science major said,

Understand that no matter what your major may be, there is a big chance that it will not reflect the type of job you will have in the future. You do not have to be tied down to certain jobs because of your major; there’s so much out there. Do what you want and let your major be a stepping stone into what you really want to become.

Story by Savannah Oliver, Assistant Campus Life editor. Photo courtesy of Pixabay. 

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