I'm currently in the litmus test phase of trying to figure out where my academic interests lie. I was wondering if anyone could provide some insights into what some of the hardest and easiest college majors are. Of course, I know 'hard' and 'easy' can be subjective but some general insights would be helpful.
It's great that you're considering different majors! The difficulty of a college major can depend significantly on individual strengths and interests, but some general trends have been observed.
Traditionally, majors in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields like Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Chemistry tend to be seen as 'hard'. This is due to the high-volume workload, and the complexity and abstract nature of the content. They often involve rigorous coursework, lab work, and problem-solving.
Humanities, Social Sciences, or Art majors, such as Sociology, English, History, and Art, are sometimes perceived as 'easier'. This is not because the work isn't challenging or the disciplines are simple. But usually, these areas rely less on heavy mathematical contexts. However, these majors require strong critical thinking, and writing skills and often involve vast amounts of reading and writing.
Remember that each individual's strengths differ. For an aspiring novel writer, English may come easily, while Physics might pose a real challenge. Conversely, this could be completely different for someone set on becoming an engineer.
It's also worth noting that the level of difficulty won't strictly define your academic path's worth or success. Instead of focusing on 'easy' versus 'hard', you might want to consider what you're passionate about and which fields align with your skills and future goals. Many successful people emerge from all academic disciplines.
Also, just a reminder, beyond academics, college is a time to discover who you are and what you enjoy in life, so don't tunnel vision on academics. Think about what will make you happy, and curious, provide a challenge, and help you grow as an individual. These are key factors in any enriching college experience. Good luck with your decision!
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.