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)

What's the toughest major at college?

Hey, so I've been doing some thinking about majors and I'm kinda curious. It might sound like a weird thing to ask, but which subjects are typically considered the most challenging at universities, and why? What skills do they require? Are there any majors you guys know about that are universally recognized as super hard?

a month ago

The difficulty of a major can vary greatly depending on the university and the individual student's strengths, interests, and career goals. However, some majors are frequently regarded as challenging due to their rigorous coursework and demanding time commitments.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields are often considered tough due to involving complex theories and requiring extensive problem-solving skills. For example:

1. Engineering: This includes Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Aerospace Engineering. These majors require a strong grasp of math and science, as well as problem-solving skills and a high level of precision.

2. Physical Sciences: Physics and Chemistry often involve a conceptual understanding of the universe at the smallest and largest scales. They require robust mathematical understanding and extensive laboratory work.

3. Computer Science: This major involves learning multiple programming languages and understanding complex algorithms, which can be challenging to grasp.

In the non-STEM field:

1. Philosophy: It can be challenging due to the abstract thinking and logical reasoning required. It often requires studying dense texts and writing complex essays.

2. Economics: While part of the social sciences, Economics can also be considered STEM due to its quantitative nature.

Remember, though, that a challenging major is not necessarily 'better' or more valuable than others. The best major for you depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Don't choose a major solely because it's considered 'hard.' Instead, consider what you enjoy studying and how your major will contribute to your long-term goals. Each major offers unique opportunities and challenges, so make sure you're choosing a path that aligns with your strengths and ambitions.

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.