Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, why do you think that having a major is so fundamental at this stage?

I think one reason is that selective colleges have gone nuts and make it sound as if kids all have to have national awards in their chosen field of study when they apply.

The current and former college admissions people who go on Quora and College Confidential and talk about what kids need to get into MIT or Harvard these days are creating unhealthy, inappropriate expectations for good students.

I agree that unhealthy expectations are being created (though have a different take on the “by whom?” question). That said, what the most selective colleges are looking for is NOT prior commitment to some field of study. They’re looking for evidence that applicants are the type of people who are passionate, disciplined, and ambitious. It’s more about personality traits (setting your own agenda, following through, having high standards and being able to meet them). The assumption is that if you have that mentality, you’ll apply it to whatever field you choose to pursue.

I picked my major junior year ... of college -- actually I ended up with two majors and a minor, plus a varsity letter in a sport (and study abroad). So, I think you are freaking out too early. I did turn down a school that required you to apply to a "college" and essentially pick your major while in high school. I was smart enough to know that I didn't know enough to know what I wanted to study yet.

Anonymous wrote:OP, why do you think that having a major is so fundamental at this stage?

I think one reason is that selective colleges have gone nuts and make it sound as if kids all have to have national awards in their chosen field of study when they apply.

The current and former college admissions people who go on Quora and College Confidential and talk about what kids need to get into MIT or Harvard these days are creating unhealthy, inappropriate expectations for good students.

OP, why do you think that having a major is so fundamental at this stage?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, I think it's a MISTAKE for a kid that young to know what they want to major in. Maybe they know their interests (maybe) but they certainly are too young to really contemplate what makes a good job, and what type of work suits them. Far better to keep their options open for several more years!

Why on earth is it a bad idea to contemplate options? High school is a great time to learn about different careers and to think about what you might want to study. It's also a great time to try electives in those areas or to volunteer in places where you might learn about potential careers. You don't suddenly know what to be when you turn 20. Thinking and learning about yourself and your options is a process. Start early.

Yup. I am glad my kids’ school has something called academic and career planning for exactly this reason. It’s not about picking a major or career at 16, but it does give students tools to learn more about different fields (shadowing, internships, apprenticeships etc)., self awareness about their interests and skills and how those might line up with a particular field, how to plan for certain careers and more. We need MORE of it, IMO

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, I think it's a MISTAKE for a kid that young to know what they want to major in. Maybe they know their interests (maybe) but they certainly are too young to really contemplate what makes a good job, and what type of work suits them. Far better to keep their options open for several more years!

Why on earth is it a bad idea to contemplate options? High school is a great time to learn about different careers and to think about what you might want to study. It's also a great time to try electives in those areas or to volunteer in places where you might learn about potential careers. You don't suddenly know what to be when you turn 20. Thinking and learning about yourself and your options is a process. Start early.

Yeah, I think it's a MISTAKE for a kid that young to know what they want to major in. Maybe they know their interests (maybe) but they certainly are too young to really contemplate what makes a good job, and what type of work suits them. Far better to keep their options open for several more years!