I'm a junior right now and I'm still unsure about what I want to major in. What's the best field to go into if I'm undecided? Should I just take general courses until I figure it out?
Given your current situation, it's entirely okay to not know exactly which major you want to pursue; it's quite common among students your age. The best field to go into when you're undecided is, in fact, not a specific field, but rather a set of courses that span a broad spectrum of subjects to help you explore multiple fields.
The idea is to understand your strengths, interests, and passions. Choose introductory courses in a variety of areas that interest you. The aim is to expose yourself to the range of possibilities out there, from the arts and humanities to the sciences, business, and beyond.
For instance, if you have even the slightest inclination toward sciences, you could consider taking an intro to biology or chemistry. For arts, a basic course in visual arts or music could be your pick. If economics or politics interest you, consider an intro course in these areas. These could all be part of general education courses.
Think about extracurricular activities or class projects that you've been particularly drawn to in the past as well. Those could provide clues as to where your interests lie.
Once you've completed these introductory courses, analyze what you liked, what you didn't, and how well you performed. Understand and identify what engages and excites you. This could guide you toward choosing your major.
Keep in mind that colleges often don't require you to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. Plus, you have academic advisors at your disposal for valuable guidance during this whole process.
Remember, your major is not the end-all-be-all. Many people end up working in fields that are not directly connected to their major, as skills are often transferable across fields. Try to focus on all-around skill-building in areas like critical thinking, communication, and leadership.
Lastly, know that you're not alone in this boat. Many students enter college undecided, and they figure it out along the way. You'll likely do just the same!
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