Changing your major is a courageous move and a big step in your journey through college. If you aren’t too sure what to do next and you’re having cold feet, here are some tips to make sure you don’t leave your academic career at the altar!
1. Make the most of curriculum courses.
Hopefully you didn’t just brush those SBC’s off as “useless” classes and you actually used them as a means of testing the waters for other majors. These courses may show you that the major in Anthropology you thought you wanted to pursue isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And maybe you have a natural knack for the environmental sciences and that’s the major you should go after.
2. Speak to directors in the major department.
They are the most knowledgeable people on the topic of the major you want to declare. Many department heads are willing to sit down with you and really get to know your academic career thus far in order to answer your questions and better plan for the college years that lie ahead. They know more about the major than Google could possibly tell you! Be sure to make an appointment beforehand so you don’t waste time waiting, and also be sure to come bearing questions and not with your two long hands at your sides!
3. Do your own research.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I said the internet can’t help you as much as an actual person can, but there are still things you can do for yourself. Don’t be lazy! Get as much information on your intended major as you can. The more you know about the major, the more successful you will be in it. Stony Brook’s degree programs site has ample information regarding the required courses for every single major and minor. Use this as a prelude to your meeting with the department advisor. I’m sure you can muster up at least five super important questions to ask just by doing this.
4. Not everyone is a reliable source.
Sure, your friends have your back. Plus, who else do you run to when you want the latest scoop on who your ex-boyfriend is currently seeing? In the same way that your friends can dish dirt around the table, they can also unknowingly give you incorrect information. Mistakes happen and they are not experts, even if their major is your intended major. They are more likely to be able to tell you which professors to stay away from rather than which courses you should take next in order to still finish in four years.
5. Expect the worst.
Depending on the major, a change could mean that you have to spend extra semesters in college. Make sure this is something you’re okay with before making anything official. There could also be other circumstances regarding financial aid that you (and maybe your parents) need to be aware of. Changing your major could also require you to take winter or summer classes just so you won’t be behind. Don’t jump the gun and wind up screwing yourself over later on.
6. Give yourself a pep talk.
Okay, take a breather. Ahhh, that’s better! Sometimes, you’re the best coach you could possibly need in moments like these. You need to reassure yourself that you can not only get through the next few years with a new major, but be totally awesome at it! Think about how much happier you’ll be with your new major, surrounded by classes and work that you actually enjoy and excel in. It also doesn’t hurt to tell yourself that you can now officially burn your Chemistry textbook.
7. Turn in the necessary forms on time.
You’ve made it this far, you cannot mess this up! There may be deadlines for declaring or changing majors. Failure to successfully claim a new major could prevent you from registering for your new classes when the time comes, since some majors have controlled access and require students to have actually declared the major in order to take the classes. Seriously, what’s so hard about taking a signature on a paper and turning it into the Admin building? You could do this in your sleep (I hope). Don’t let tardiness be your downfall!
Good luck, Seawolves!