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How specific should I be about my major in college applications?

Hey everyone, I'm working on my college applications and I'm wondering how specific I should be about my intended major. Should I mention a specific field or is it better to keep it more general? I don't want to pigeonhole myself, but I also want to show that I have a clear direction. Thanks for any advice!

11 months ago

Hello! It's great to see that you're giving thought to your intended major on your college applications. It's important to strike a balance between showing a clear direction and not pigeonholing yourself too early.

If you have a strong passion for a specific field and can back it up with experiences such as internships, relevant coursework, or extracurricular activities, then by all means, be specific! This can help demonstrate your commitment and make your application stand out. For example, if you've consistently been involved in environmental clubs and have interned at an environmental organization, mentioning that you want to major in Environmental Science would make sense.

On the other hand, if you're unsure or still exploring various fields, it's perfectly fine to keep it more general. You can mention that you have a general interest in a broader field, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and then discuss the specific areas you've explored so far. This demonstrates that you have a direction, but are open to further exploration.

Ultimately, the key is to be genuine and to showcase your interests and experiences. Colleges appreciate students who are honest about their goals, so trust your instincts and present yourself in the best possible light. Best of luck with your applications!

11 months ago

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