Kid has no idea what to major in

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm biased, but I would recommend economics. It is the best interdisciplinary major in my opinion. It is a mix of social sciences and mathematics, and a foundation for numerous jobs. If your kid decides they want to go a more quantitative route, they can take courses in econometrics or forecasting. If your kid decides to go a more social sciences route, there are courses in economic history, law, and policy. More importantly, it also lays prepares you for graduate school or even a change of majors. The reading is great for pre-law and the quant courses are great for pursuing graduate school in accounting, data science, etc. If your kid decides to switch to a STEM major, they will have already taken the required math and stats sequences. If your kid decides to switch to business, the intro econ and math courses are taken care of. Economics really is the best major in my opinion.

NP. I'm glad to read this, my college freshman is leaning towards economics and I've been encouraging him while others not so much. Thank you for this perspective!

My economist aunt said the same thing to me (majored in physics and English lit). I think you have to like the subject matter though. I would not have been happy studying econ instead of physics or lit. Also, if an econ major really wants to be competitive in something like data science they need to learn python, not just R (which is more common for econ and the social sciences overall).

FWIW, for a STEM-inclined person I think physics is the best major. You can usually parlay physics + a couple extra electives into any kind of graduate engineering program (or engineering job). Same is true for most of the physical sciences. Well-trained experimental physicists also make excellent hardware engineers. Physicists also are significantly over-represented in quantitative finance jobs and in AI. My physics undergrad classmates went on to do everything from physics PhD (several of us are now in tech), MBA, law school (now a prof at T5 school), a variety of engineering PhDs, finance (incl. IB, hedge fund, VC...), and art school (product design). Once again, though, you need to enjoy the subject matter.

[Anonymous]

OP-- I think it depends on the kid. Mine is goal oriented and that's not necessarily a great thing all the time when it comes to experiencing life and dealing with unpredictability. He would flounder without a major because he doesn't always appreciate the process. He does better with a marked path.

A really mature young adult who admits that they don't know what they want *yet* is okay-- they will get there and may be happier because the choice was there and they made it when they were ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm biased, but I would recommend economics. It is the best interdisciplinary major in my opinion. It is a mix of social sciences and mathematics, and a foundation for numerous jobs. If your kid decides they want to go a more quantitative route, they can take courses in econometrics or forecasting. If your kid decides to go a more social sciences route, there are courses in economic history, law, and policy. More importantly, it also lays prepares you for graduate school or even a change of majors. The reading is great for pre-law and the quant courses are great for pursuing graduate school in accounting, data science, etc. If your kid decides to switch to a STEM major, they will have already taken the required math and stats sequences. If your kid decides to switch to business, the intro econ and math courses are taken care of. Economics really is the best major in my opinion.

Best major is Computer Science period. It's the King.

Economics is a very good major, and many good points addressed.
However if the school have a dedicated undergradaute business program, try to get in there first.
Business programs are almost alwasys better than economics in art & sceicne provided that the school have both.
Job placement is better. It's harder get in and harder to change into. Much easier to change to Econ if you want anytime.

Examples: MIT Sloan, UPenn Wharton, Cornell Dyson, Georgetown McDonugh, Notre Dame Mendoza, UVA Mcintire, Michigan Ross, Berkeley Has, NYU Stern, etc.

Computer Science is the best in theory, but not for an undecided student. You should only major in CS if you are very driven, naturally good at math, or passionate about coding. Even better if you are a mix of those things. Colleges purposely make the intro sequences incredibly difficult to weed out students. This will make it difficult for a student to find their passion and stay in-love with learning. Also, the intro sequences will tank a students GPA for graduate/medical school. But, you are right. In terms of opportunities, nothing beats computer science.

I dont' know about all the programs you listed, but for McIntire and Haas, you do not enter college as a business major. You enter as pre-business or a different major, and then apply after a year or two at the university. So, the kid will need a major as back-up anyways. Which, as a Cal grad, is generally going to be Econ because the intro courses overlap so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Computer Science is the best in theory, but not for an undecided student. You should only major in CS if you are very driven, naturally good at math, or passionate about coding. Even better if you are a mix of those things. Colleges purposely make the intro sequences incredibly difficult to weed out students. This will make it difficult for a student to find their passion and stay in-love with learning. Also, the intro sequences will tank a students GPA for graduate/medical school. But, you are right. In terms of opportunities, nothing beats computer science.

I dont' know about all the programs you listed, but for McIntire and Haas, you do not enter college as a business major. You enter as pre-business or a different major, and then apply after a year or two at the university. So, the kid will need a major as back-up anyways. Which, as a Cal grad, is generally going to be Econ because the intro courses overlap so much.

This kind of narrow thinking is problematic. Not too long ago, applied math was not considered a particularly lucrative field. And when I learned to program in python, it was considered pretty niche and not very useful. Nowadays, these skills are tickets to high-six figure incomes in AI. College isn't vocational school. And the job market for high-skill jobs is constantly evolving. More than anything, you need to learn how to teach yourself new things and find something that you are passionate enough about to keep learning in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Computer Science is the best in theory, but not for an undecided student. You should only major in CS if you are very driven, naturally good at math, or passionate about coding. Even better if you are a mix of those things. Colleges purposely make the intro sequences incredibly difficult to weed out students. This will make it difficult for a student to find their passion and stay in-love with learning. Also, the intro sequences will tank a students GPA for graduate/medical school. But, you are right. In terms of opportunities, nothing beats computer science.

I dont' know about all the programs you listed, but for McIntire and Haas, you do not enter college as a business major. You enter as pre-business or a different major, and then apply after a year or two at the university. So, the kid will need a major as back-up anyways. Which, as a Cal grad, is generally going to be Econ because the intro courses overlap so much.

This kind of narrow thinking is problematic. Not too long ago, applied math was not considered a particularly lucrative field. And when I learned to program in python, it was considered pretty niche and not very useful. Nowadays, these skills are tickets to high-six figure incomes in AI. College isn't vocational school. And the job market for high-skill jobs is constantly evolving. More than anything, you need to learn how to teach yourself new things and find something that you are passionate enough about to keep learning in.

Fact is fact is fact. Of course it's hard and not for everyone at all. Nobody says everyone should do it.
However, in terms of opportunities, salary, lifestyle, etc., nothing beats it for now or for the foreseeable future.

Why did you associate a computer science degree with a vocational school??
A lot of colleges now require at least one computer science course as a general requirement because it teaches logic, problem solving, reasoning, and the ability to think, etc. that you probably value.
.
In fact, it's a field where you have to constantly teach yourself new things, so no need to worry about that department.
People here would appreciate more of the facts and information rather than some vague preaching about passion and stuff that they heard a thousand times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Computer Science is the best in theory, but not for an undecided student. You should only major in CS if you are very driven, naturally good at math, or passionate about coding. Even better if you are a mix of those things. Colleges purposely make the intro sequences incredibly difficult to weed out students. This will make it difficult for a student to find their passion and stay in-love with learning. Also, the intro sequences will tank a students GPA for graduate/medical school. But, you are right. In terms of opportunities, nothing beats computer science.

I dont' know about all the programs you listed, but for McIntire and Haas, you do not enter college as a business major. You enter as pre-business or a different major, and then apply after a year or two at the university. So, the kid will need a major as back-up anyways. Which, as a Cal grad, is generally going to be Econ because the intro courses overlap so much.

This kind of narrow thinking is problematic. Not too long ago, applied math was not considered a particularly lucrative field. And when I learned to program in python, it was considered pretty niche and not very useful. Nowadays, these skills are tickets to high-six figure incomes in AI. College isn't vocational school. And the job market for high-skill jobs is constantly evolving. More than anything, you need to learn how to teach yourself new things and find something that you are passionate enough about to keep learning in.

Fact is fact is fact. Of course it's hard and not for everyone at all. Nobody says everyone should do it.
However, in terms of opportunities, salary, lifestyle, etc., nothing beats it for now or for the foreseeable future.

Why did you associate a computer science degree with a vocational school??
A lot of colleges now require at least one computer science course as a general requirement because it teaches logic, problem solving, reasoning, and the ability to think, etc. that you probably value.
.
In fact, it's a field where you have to constantly teach yourself new things, so no need to worry about that department.
People here would appreciate more of the facts and information rather than some vague preaching about passion and stuff that they heard a thousand times.

You seem incredibly convinced of the correctness of your views while simultaneously lacking in basic reading comprehension skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Computer Science is the best in theory, but not for an undecided student. You should only major in CS if you are very driven, naturally good at math, or passionate about coding. Even better if you are a mix of those things. Colleges purposely make the intro sequences incredibly difficult to weed out students. This will make it difficult for a student to find their passion and stay in-love with learning. Also, the intro sequences will tank a students GPA for graduate/medical school. But, you are right. In terms of opportunities, nothing beats computer science.

I dont' know about all the programs you listed, but for McIntire and Haas, you do not enter college as a business major. You enter as pre-business or a different major, and then apply after a year or two at the university. So, the kid will need a major as back-up anyways. Which, as a Cal grad, is generally going to be Econ because the intro courses overlap so much.

This kind of narrow thinking is problematic. Not too long ago, applied math was not considered a particularly lucrative field. And when I learned to program in python, it was considered pretty niche and not very useful. Nowadays, these skills are tickets to high-six figure incomes in AI. College isn't vocational school. And the job market for high-skill jobs is constantly evolving. More than anything, you need to learn how to teach yourself new things and find something that you are passionate enough about to keep learning in.

Just want to say that I was the first poster (Cal Grad). But, this most recent reply wasn’t me lol


Fact is fact is fact. Of course it's hard and not for everyone at all. Nobody says everyone should do it.
However, in terms of opportunities, salary, lifestyle, etc., nothing beats it for now or for the foreseeable future.

Why did you associate a computer science degree with a vocational school??
A lot of colleges now require at least one computer science course as a general requirement because it teaches logic, problem solving, reasoning, and the ability to think, etc. that you probably value.
.
In fact, it's a field where you have to constantly teach yourself new things, so no need to worry about that department.
People here would appreciate more of the facts and information rather than some vague preaching about passion and stuff that they heard a thousand times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. Does it matter for purposes of college applications, in terms of selling oneself as an applicant?

It is easier to create a narrative/package oneself if you know what you want to major in and you have aligned classes and ECs with your intended field.

17 year-olds, in my view, shouldn’t need to package themselves (or commodify themselves). These years are a time for exploration (for most). Two-thirds of college students change their majors, and more then 1/3 transfer.

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How normal is it for a high school senior to know what they want to major in? I hear people say their kids are a computer science major or pre-med. Amy kid has no idea. Could be absolutely anything from English to history to computer science to physics. Or anything else their college offers. Literally anything.

I think if a child was a STEM type, they'd know by senior year. So I'd cross science off the list.

History and english sound useless.

I'd suggest a business major like finance or marketing. Or could do communications.

Not for people who enjoy writing (well) and doing research.
DP

Agreed! College is not trade school. It is education.

What you may believe constitutes writing "well" may look like slop to a business school grad. Like those 5 paragraph emails you need mapquest to navigate to find in Act 10, line 1000, there is a deadline or meeting. Oh God. I immediately think, well they definitely did not attend business school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How normal is it for a high school senior to know what they want to major in? I hear people say their kids are a computer science major or pre-med. Amy kid has no idea. Could be absolutely anything from English to history to computer science to physics. Or anything else their college offers. Literally anything.

I think if a child was a STEM type, they'd know by senior year. So I'd cross science off the list.

History and english sound useless.

I'd suggest a business major like finance or marketing. Or could do communications.

Not for people who enjoy writing (well) and doing research.
DP

Agreed! College is not trade school. It is education.

What you may believe constitutes writing "well" may look like slop to a business school grad. Like those 5 paragraph emails you need mapquest to navigate to find in Act 10, line 1000, there is a deadline or meeting. Oh God. I immediately think, well they definitely did not attend business school.

Business writing is usually slop. It serves a purpose, yes, to get relevant information across (though often using jargon and buzzwords known to the business community). But it is not good writing. No one ever curled up on a couch next to the fire with a cup of tea to read some business writing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How normal is it for a high school senior to know what they want to major in? I hear people say their kids are a computer science major or pre-med. Amy kid has no idea. Could be absolutely anything from English to history to computer science to physics. Or anything else their college offers. Literally anything.

I think if a child was a STEM type, they'd know by senior year. So I'd cross science off the list.

History and english sound useless.

I'd suggest a business major like finance or marketing. Or could do communications.

What? Are you serious? I was an English major and my husband was a History major. We pull in a combined income of over $2.5 million. Lawyers.

Moral of this post is that if you major in history or english, make sure to go to a law school.
Don't think you are going to get a lucrative job right after history or english degree.

Even from Harvard you only start making this much, $49,644
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=5401&fos_credential=3

Not everyone feels compelled to be in a “lucrative job.” Some people want a job that pays the bills and makes them happy. Some of those “lucrative jobs” right out of college will result in the person being a mid level cubicle jockey for the rest of their career. Some folks want something more interesting or creative, even if it pays less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm biased, but I would recommend economics. It is the best interdisciplinary major in my opinion. It is a mix of social sciences and mathematics, and a foundation for numerous jobs. If your kid decides they want to go a more quantitative route, they can take courses in econometrics or forecasting. If your kid decides to go a more social sciences route, there are courses in economic history, law, and policy. More importantly, it also lays prepares you for graduate school or even a change of majors. The reading is great for pre-law and the quant courses are great for pursuing graduate school in accounting, data science, etc. If your kid decides to switch to a STEM major, they will have already taken the required math and stats sequences. If your kid decides to switch to business, the intro econ and math courses are taken care of. Economics really is the best major in my opinion.

Best major is Computer Science period. It's the King.

Economics is a very good major, and many good points addressed.
However if the school have a dedicated undergradaute business program, try to get in there first.
Business programs are almost alwasys better than economics in art & sceicne provided that the school have both.
Job placement is better. It's harder get in and harder to change into. Much easier to change to Econ if you want anytime.

Examples: MIT Sloan, UPenn Wharton, Cornell Dyson, Georgetown McDonugh, Notre Dame Mendoza, UVA Mcintire, Michigan Ross, Berkeley Has, NYU Stern, etc.

CS is “best” in what sense? Sounds like a simplistic statement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm biased, but I would recommend economics. It is the best interdisciplinary major in my opinion. It is a mix of social sciences and mathematics, and a foundation for numerous jobs. If your kid decides they want to go a more quantitative route, they can take courses in econometrics or forecasting. If your kid decides to go a more social sciences route, there are courses in economic history, law, and policy. More importantly, it also lays prepares you for graduate school or even a change of majors. The reading is great for pre-law and the quant courses are great for pursuing graduate school in accounting, data science, etc. If your kid decides to switch to a STEM major, they will have already taken the required math and stats sequences. If your kid decides to switch to business, the intro econ and math courses are taken care of. Economics really is the best major in my opinion.

Best major is Computer Science period. It's the King.

Economics is a very good major, and many good points addressed.
However if the school have a dedicated undergradaute business program, try to get in there first.
Business programs are almost alwasys better than economics in art & sceicne provided that the school have both.
Job placement is better. It's harder get in and harder to change into. Much easier to change to Econ if you want anytime.

Examples: MIT Sloan, UPenn Wharton, Cornell Dyson, Georgetown McDonugh, Notre Dame Mendoza, UVA Mcintire, Michigan Ross, Berkeley Has, NYU Stern, etc.

CS is “best” in what sense? Sounds like a simplistic statement.

+1
The "CS is King" poster sounds very simplistic. No subject would make me run away faster than Computer Science. Horribly, horribly boring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm biased, but I would recommend economics. It is the best interdisciplinary major in my opinion. It is a mix of social sciences and mathematics, and a foundation for numerous jobs. If your kid decides they want to go a more quantitative route, they can take courses in econometrics or forecasting. If your kid decides to go a more social sciences route, there are courses in economic history, law, and policy. More importantly, it also lays prepares you for graduate school or even a change of majors. The reading is great for pre-law and the quant courses are great for pursuing graduate school in accounting, data science, etc. If your kid decides to switch to a STEM major, they will have already taken the required math and stats sequences. If your kid decides to switch to business, the intro econ and math courses are taken care of. Economics really is the best major in my opinion.

Best major is Computer Science period. It's the King.

Economics is a very good major, and many good points addressed.
However if the school have a dedicated undergradaute business program, try to get in there first.
Business programs are almost alwasys better than economics in art & sceicne provided that the school have both.
Job placement is better. It's harder get in and harder to change into. Much easier to change to Econ if you want anytime.

Examples: MIT Sloan, UPenn Wharton, Cornell Dyson, Georgetown McDonugh, Notre Dame Mendoza, UVA Mcintire, Michigan Ross, Berkeley Has, NYU Stern, etc.

CS is “best” in what sense? Sounds like a simplistic statement.

+1
The "CS is King" poster sounds very simplistic. No subject would make me run away faster than Computer Science. Horribly, horribly boring.

I realize CS is more than coding, but I am always blown away by how impressed people are with coding. It is the blue collar job of the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How normal is it for a high school senior to know what they want to major in? I hear people say their kids are a computer science major or pre-med. Amy kid has no idea. Could be absolutely anything from English to history to computer science to physics. Or anything else their college offers. Literally anything.

I think if a child was a STEM type, they'd know by senior year. So I'd cross science off the list.

History and english sound useless.

I'd suggest a business major like finance or marketing. Or could do communications.

Not for people who enjoy writing (well) and doing research.
DP

Agreed! College is not trade school. It is education.

What you may believe constitutes writing "well" may look like slop to a business school grad. Like those 5 paragraph emails you need mapquest to navigate to find in Act 10, line 1000, there is a deadline or meeting. Oh God. I immediately think, well they definitely did not attend business school.

Business writing is usually slop. It serves a purpose, yes, to get relevant information across (though often using jargon and buzzwords known to the business community). But it is not good writing. No one ever curled up on a couch next to the fire with a cup of tea to read some business writing.

I'm not writing a novel. Yet. I write to relay information in a clear, concise manner.