How to Choose the Right College Major: A College Readiness Guide

By Adriel Morado

Published: February 20th, 2025

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For many high school students, choosing a college major can be a seemingly daunting task. The pressure to make such an important decision heightens as family members and friends bombard you with questions about your future, while, in reality, you’re still in the process of figuring things out for yourself. Rather than letting the uncertainty linger, it’s time to take a proactive approach and begin working on a thoughtful plan to navigate the first chapter of your young adult life.

Although you don’t need to have your entire life planned at this moment, the decisions you make today will shape the path you follow. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider a major that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

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Why is choosing a Major Important?

Selecting a college major is not solely about identifying a subject you enjoy; it’s about choosing a field that will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications necessary to build a successful career. To illustrate, let’s take a closer look at the return on investment (ROI) for some of the most popular college majors.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Major

Selecting the right major requires self-reflection and research. Here are a few strategies to guide you in making the best decision for yourself:

1. Explore Your Interests and Passions – What sparks your interest? Which subjects make you eager to learn more? Reflect on the classes you enjoyed most in high school. Are you passionate about science? A degree in biology or chemistry could be a suitable fit. Do you excel in creative subjects like art or English? Explore fields where you can express your creativity, like graphic design, writing, or music.
2. Think About Your Strengths and Skills – What are your natural strengths? If you have a knack for problem-solving and enjoy working with numbers and equations, fields like engineering or computer science may be ideal. If you are talented in communication and organization, a career in marketing or human resources may be a more suitable choice.
3. Take Relevant Classes – Take advanced courses or electives that align with your interests. AP or honors classes in your area of interest can give you a glimpse into what studying that subject in-depth would be like. Challenging yourself with advanced coursework demonstrates your commitment to learning and ability to manage complex material, which will help you stand out in college admissions.
4. Talk to Professionals – Find someone who works in the field you’re interested in and ask them about their career. It could be a family member, a friend, a teacher, or even someone you reach out to via LinkedIn. Ask them what their job is like, what they love about it, and what challenges they face. Real-world perspectives can help you make a more informed decision.
5. Consider Your Professional Goals – Think about what you want your life to look like after college. Do you want to work for a big corporation, start your own business, or work in a field where you can make a direct impact? Understanding your long-term career goals will help guide your choice of major.

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ROI of Popular Majors in 2024

In simple terms, ROI is the financial return you can expect from the time, money, and effort you put into your education. Some degrees tend to pay off more than others. While you might be passionate about a subject, you should also consider whether it will lead to a career that can support the life you envision.

Here’s a brief overview of 2024’s leading majors and their potential ROI:

• Computer Science: As technology increasingly dominates various industries, a degree in computer science remains a lucrative career path. Graduates can expect an average salary ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 or more annually. The demand for tech-oriented careers is high, offering various career opportunities, from software development to cybersecurity.
• Nursing: The healthcare field is growing rapidly, and the need for nurses is stronger than ever. With an average starting salary between $70,000 and $90,000, nursing offers excellent earning potential, job stability, and the flexibility to work in diverse environments—whether in hospitals, clinics, schools, or even as a travel nurse.
• Engineering: Whether it’s civil, mechanical, electrical, or aerospace, engineering remains one of the highest-paying fields. Graduates can earn anywhere from $70,000 to $90,000 a year, with some specialties earning much more. Engineering majors are also often in high demand, making this a great option if you’re interested in problem-solving and creating innovative solutions.
• Psychology: While psychology is fascinating and can lead to a meaningful career helping others, it may not have the same high earning potential as the others listed here—at least not right away. A bachelor’s degree in psychology may not land you the highest-paying job, but a master’s or doctorate can open the door to more profitable roles in therapy, research, or human resources.
• Business: Business majors, particularly in fields like finance, marketing, and management, can earn a rewarding salary right out of college. The average starting salary for business graduates is roughly $60,000 to $70,000, with the potential for higher earnings in tech-oriented and finance industries.

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The Pros and Cons of Applying “Undecided”

You may be tempted to apply to college as an undecided or undeclared major, especially if you’re feeling unsure about your true passions and interests. First, confirm that the college you are applying to permits undeclared applicants. Many leading schools, such as the University of Texas and the University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign, require you to select 1-3 major choices when applying.

Before making your decision, it’s important that you carefully consider whether applying undecided or undeclared is the right choice for you. The pros? You have time to figure it out without the pressure of having to choose immediately. The cons? You may not get the same opportunities as specialized programs, and it might take you longer to graduate. However, if you’re truly undecided, don’t worry; ensure you’re using your time in college wisely by enrolling in courses that will help you decide your future.

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Don’t Forget the “Why This Major” Essay

Most schools ask applicants to write a short essay about why they want to pursue a particular major. As you write, make sure to clearly state your intended major and provide a personal story or experience that explains why you chose this path. Colleges and universities want to see that you’ve carefully thought about your decision, so reflect on how your passion for the subject developed, whether through a specific experience or a long-standing interest. If you’ve conducted research or completed an internship, mention how those shaped your desire to pursue this field. Lastly, outline your future goals within the industry and explain how this major, at this particular school, will help you achieve them.  

If you're seeking guidance or a second opinion as you navigate the process of selecting your college major and embarking on your college admissions journey, we're here to support you every step of the way. Cram Crew provides expert assistance throughout the college application process, including help with admissions essays, resumes, and more. Additionally, you’ll receive personalized support from Deepak, the President of Cram Crew, who will work with you to identify the college and major that align with your interests, aspirations, and academic background. Reach out to your local client representative today, whose contact information is listed below, to learn more and start your journey toward success!

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Houston Office:

Email: info.houston@cramcrew.com | Phone: (713) 464-2726

Austin Office:

Email: info.austin@cramcrew.com | Phone: (512) 297-2001

Dallas Office:

Email: info.dallas@cramcrew.com | Phone: (214) 551-5930

Selecting a college major is a big decision, but it’s not one that you have to make alone or in a rush. With careful thought, research, and self-reflection, you’ll be able to choose a path that aligns with your interests, strengths, and career goals. And remember, while it’s great to be passionate about a subject, make sure you’re considering the practice aspects, like potential income and career stability. The right major will set you up for a future you’re excited about!

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