Why Majors and Programs Should Really Impact Your College Search
Let’s be real: picking a college isn’t just about the campus vibes or whether the food court has Chick-fil-A. It’s about finding a place that helps you grow into the person you want to become. And yes, your major and academic programs play a huge role in that. If you’re a high school student (or the parent of one), here’s how to think smarter and more strategically about majors while keeping your options open.
Start With You: What Do You Bring to the Table?
Before diving into college websites, take a moment to think about your own strengths, interests, and identities. Who are you, really? What excites you? What kind of problems do you like solving?
Try this quick exercise:
Look at a list of roles/identities (like "problem-solver," "artist," "organizer," etc.).
Pick the 10 that feel most like you.
Narrow it to your top 3 and write down a few ways you live out those roles in real life.
Now, use that as a launchpad to explore majors and programs that align. For example, if you identify as a "helper" and a "scientist," maybe public health or biomedical engineering is your jam.
Aptitude tests can help too: Tools like YouScience, CareerExplorer, and FutureScape reveal natural tendencies and career paths that actually make sense for how your brain works.
Pro tip: Don’t let stereotypes hold you back. STEM isn’t just for boys. In fact, 64% of girls have the aptitude for STEM careers.
Majors That Are Hot Right Now (and Why It Matters)
1. STEM Explosion - Computer science, engineering, data science. They're booming, and the job market agrees.
2. Green is the New Gold - Sustainability is in. Programs like Vanderbilt’s Climate Studies major are growing fast.
3. Mashups Are Cool - Interdisciplinary majors (like UIUC's CS+X) are not only unique, they often come with slightly higher acceptance rates. Win-win.
4. Data-Infused Humanities - Colleges are blending liberal arts with data skills. Denison’s Data Analytics major is a good example of how even English majors are learning to code.
It’s Not Just About the Major
Here’s what 93% of employers care more about than your major: your ability to think critically. Other skills that top the list:
Communication
Problem-solving
Adaptability (because careers are changing fast)
So while your major matters, the skills you build matter more. In fact, certain skill sets can increase your starting salary by 20~30%. That said, focusing on developing in-demand skills is just as important as choosing a major.
Watch Out for the Transfer Trap
Here’s a common mistake I hear students asking all the time: Could I apply under a less competitive major, and just "transfer later" into a hot program like CS or business? Sounds smart. Often fails.
Why?
Competitive majors limit internal transfers. For some schools, internal transfers into certain restricted majors are almost impossible.
You’ll waste time and credits on courses for a major you don’t intend to complete.
Admissions can tell if you’re not actually into the major you picked, making your overall application much less competitive.
Do this instead: Research all the requirements upfront. Keep your options open by choosing classes that apply to multiple paths. Look at adjacent majors too (e.g., Information Systems vs. Computer Science).
What Admissions Officers Look for in Your Major Choice
Colleges aren’t just asking "Can this student do the work?" They’re asking:
Have they prepared academically for this major?
Have they shown interest outside the classroom?
Do they understand what this field actually involves?
Is there a connection between their goals and this major?
That doesn’t mean you need expensive summer programs. In fact, self-led projects and genuine engagement often carry more weight.
At Stanford, for example: A student applying for Symbolic Systems (CS + Humanities) stood out for maxing out their school’s math offerings, completing all available CS courses at a community college, and working on a meaningful tech project. That’s initiative. That’s fit.
Standing Out: Go Deep, Not Just Broad
Want to be memorable in a competitive major? Here’s what helps:
Take the hardest classes you can (especially in your field of interest), on top of your core courses.
Lead something meaningful and impactful.
Show sustained passion (not just one-off participation).
Build relationships with mentors.
Majors You Didn’t Know Existed (But Should)
Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it’s not for you:
American Studies: For future policy makers, business leaders, or journalists
Cognitive Science: A flexible path to AI, UX, or mental health careers
Data Science: Useful in literally every field
Explore, ask, research. Use College Board’s BigFuture or talk to current students. You might find your perfect-fit major in the "weird majors" section.
Finally, Be Open, But Be Smart
Majors matter. But the point isn’t to lock yourself into a box. It’s to discover which doors you want to open. Let your identity, your strengths, and your goals guide the way. And remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Just aim to move with purpose.
So next time someone asks, "What do you want to major in?" you don’t have to panic. You’ll have a real answer—one that starts with you.