What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Hardest and easiest college degrees?

I've been looking at possible paths for college, but I'm getting conflicting information online about which degrees are considered 'hard' and 'easy'. I know this is subjective, but can anyone offer their thoughts or experiences regarding this?

a month ago

It can indeed be tricky to pinpoint what could be defined as the "hardest" and "easiest" degrees since much of this depends on an individual's strengths, interests, and the effort they're willing to invest in a particular field. Thus, something 'hard' for one person might be 'easy' for another.

However, students tend to consider certain fields as traditionally 'hard' due to the intensity of the curriculum. Degrees in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for instance, like Engineering, Physics, and Biochemistry often involve rigorous coursework and extensive time commitments in laboratories or research outside of classroom. Additionally, these fields require a strong proficiency in math and science. These factors can make these subjects challenging for many. Similarly, professional paths such as Medicine, Law, and Architecture are often thought of as difficult due to their demanding and time-consuming nature.

Conversely, degrees typically seen as 'easier' are often in the humanities and social sciences, like English, Sociology, or Communications. Some people might perceive these as easier because they might not involve as much rigorous calculation or as many intensive laboratory hours, and there is often more flexibility in interpretation and creativity. However, it's essential to remember that these fields can also be challenging in their own way requiring extensive reading, critical thinking, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

In short, every degree comes with its set of challenges and the idea of an 'easy' or 'hard' degree is largely a subjective matter. The most important factor in choosing a degree should be your genuine interest and passion for the field as that will provide the necessary motivation to navigate any hurdles.

a month ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.