It’s that time of year again. We’re four weeks into the semester and students are beginning to doubt all of their life choices as assignments pile up around them. To the college students who are seriously considering an academic change, here are some things to keep in mind.
Your interests change as you grow
Thankfully, we have all evolved from our awkward, pubescent personalities and we’ve discovered new passions. I spent nearly eight years determined to become an English teacher, only to discover Psychology before transferring from community college, and I’ve never been happier. The average college student changes their major approximately six times throughout their undergraduate career. Many students also face the pressure from parents and peers to go into STEM courses, only to struggle. Yes, we need more doctors in the world. We also need poets, anthropologists, filmmakers, and writers among others because those are the people that help make our culture what it truly is.
You may take one class and realize it’s not for you
You may be determined to study in a specific field, only to take an introductory course and hate it. That’s completely normal. You may have loved Philosophy class in high school, but taking it at the college level is entirely different. Survey or introductory courses serve as a broad overview and if you’re truly unhappy, and now is the time to make the change before you take more concentrated courses and have your GPA suffer.         Â
You can find a new hobby by taking a random elective course or joining a club
The best part about college is exploring new things and getting involved in activities outside of your comfort zone. Like most colleges, George Mason requires completion of Mason Core or standard general education credits. You could stumble upon a fun elective class and realize it’s the perfect fit for you. College also offers a vast range of clubs and organizations. Use those to your advantage and dip your toes in to see if you enjoy some activities related to a new field.
Do some research before making the big switch
If you truly want to change your major, look into the job prospects for that field. College is expensive and sometimes you have to be realistic about paying off loans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics  has a guide for nearly every occupation in the US, along with hiring rates and qualifications needed for the job. Make a point to talk with some friends or advisors in your interested field of study and see what they love most about it.
It is a completely normal feeling for students to have doubts about their degree or future career path, but college is the time to experiment and figure it all out.  Just remember the old saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
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