Is It a Good Idea to Switch Majors in College? - By: Haverford

Indeed, shifting majors is not a minor issue to the typical student. It would bring about implications in finances, length of stay in the university or college, etc. Changing courses or majors has its upsides and downsides, and a student intent on shifting must consider all of them.

The advantages of shifting courses

A main upside, particularly if one is just in his or her early years in the school, is that he or she could finally get out from a course that he or she is not enthusiastic about, or one that he or she simply took because the academic path was forced upon by parents. Submitting sample college admission essays for the second time -- as part of the application for the desired course -- could be the start of the acquisition of new horizons. This would enhance one's overall experience in college.

Crucial factors to think about before switching majors

If your parents clearly expressed that their number one priority is that you should finish in four years and not a day more, then switching majors might not be a good idea. You might instead think of this far-term plan: finish the course even if your heart is not really on it, spend some time working, then go back to study another major.

Thus, if you are considering on shifting majors, it is prudent to have a sit-down with your academic adviser. He or she would then be able to accurately tell you how much more time you would be spending above the given four years. It is actually possible that if you attend a lot of summer classes, your graduation time would not be impacted at all.

Another is the ability to get your classes. There are departments that make it so hard for one to get the classes necessary. One reason is that the department could be the most popular in the university, so there are many students competing for a place in their curricula. Another reason is that the department is so small and crucial courses are not offered every term.

Still another consideration would be your own talents and skills. Let us say that your major is in physics; however, you have already sought the help of tutors or study groups, but no one among them could make you see the light of day, or, in this case, the light of the physical sciences. This could be the cue for you to start submitting sample college admission essays for another major -- one that has little to do with numbers.

It is not a sin to realize that you got the wrong major. Fact is, it is a sure sign that you are maturing, both as a person and as a student. Here is a little warning though: do not give up too easily. If your major is in music, for example, do not decide that guitar playing is not for you if you could not get the hang of it in just two weeks.

Career potential is still one crucial consideration. Prior to the actual shifting, talk to the school's professors. Here is a bit of wisdom: in the real world, majors are not as crucial as people perceive them to be. Having said that, you might not actually need to change your major; certain internships might serve the purpose.

The quality of the majors is next. Let us say that you are an anthropology major, but, sad to say, 8 out of the 10 faculty members 8 are just TAs. Then you have a choice here: stay with your major but go to another school, or stay in that particular school but shift majors.

About the Author

Nancy Haverford has been in the academic profession for 10 years. She is also well-versed in matters pertaining to college admission steps and techniques. She has recently come out with an article on tips for writing sample college admission essays.

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