Students may not have any idea what they want to major in during college, but high school is the perfect opportunity for them to experiment with different subjects.
Students often just take classes because they are considered an “easy A,” but as students prepare for college, they should focus on subjects they are interested in, since these skills and interests may later affect what they major in.
Yale admissions poses an interesting question: “Are you choosing a particular course because you are truly excited about it and the challenge it presents, or are you also motivated by a desire to avoid a different academic subject?” Each year, as students fill out their course requests, they take into account not only the classes they are required to take, but also the ones they would like to take. Whether they choose these courses based on interest, skill or the likelihood of earning a good grade, each course a student takes affects their future.
Taking electives, like newspaper for example, is a common way for students to find new interests. Senior Amy Weintraub has been on the Common Sense newspaper for two years, and is a Commons editor this year. As she filled out college applications this past fall, Weintraub reflected on her experience in newspaper. Weintraub hoped to be admitted into the journalism school at USC, and she could not believe it when she received her acceptance letter in December. “I’m so excited for school next year. I’m glad I took newspaper because it helped me decide what to major in,” Weintraub said.
While some students have no idea where they want to go for college, what they want to major in, or what career they want when they grow up, others have it all planned out. Sophomore Jordyn Delo has wanted to be a lawyer for years, and she seeks out classes that match her interests. “I signed up to take law next year,” Delo said.
Even though Delo, and students like her, think they know exactly what they want to major in in college, there is a good chance they may change their minds. “The Education Department says that about 30 percent of students switch majors at least once,” according to The New York Times.
Although students success is often measured by their grades, focus should be put on how much knowledge they retain throughout high school and then take with them to college, and later their career. Even if a student gets an A in a high school course, if they do not carry that information with them, it won’t be any use to them in college. “Education leaders too often judge high school success by high school metrics, not whether students end up with the knowledge and perseverance to attain a degree,” according to brookings.edu.
