Top 10 Signs You Chose the Right Major

By Aimee Hosler | Oct 31, 2011

Choosing a major is serious business. It doesn't just impact your future career or graduate school options--your major also influences your academic performance and general happiness. It's normal to wonder whether or not you've made the right choice, but how do you know? These top 10 signs you chose the right major can give you some much needed perspective.

1. You can see your future.

You don't have to be psychic, but being able to see your future career path clearly is a good sign that you've done your research and know where your degree will take you, which is an essential part of choosing the right major.

2. You're passionate about what you're doing.

Do you actually care about most of your lectures, or tell others about the neat things you've learned? If your major makes you gush, it's a good fit.

3. Your stress levels are in check.

College is stressful, but students who have chosen the wrong major often feel like they're lost and in way over their heads. If you feel like you're in control of your studies, you've likely made a wise choice.

4. You like your classes (mostly).

You don't have to love all of your classes, but you should find inspiration in some of them, particularly those closely related to your chosen career field.

5. Your grades are solid.

Some classes are tough, particularly general education courses that aren't geared toward your interests or talents, but if you're struggling to stay afloat in most of your courses, you may not have chosen a program that appeals to your passion and ability.

6. You're generally happy with your college experience.

College is full of ups and downs, but if your biggest problems revolve around your annoying roommate or sub-par dining options instead of your academic life, chances are you're right where you need to be.

7. Your coursework comes easily.

Every now and again a student will feel like their studies come so naturally that it almost feels like cheating, when in truth, they're just perfectly suited to their chosen major. This doesn't happen for everyone, even if you've made a solid choice, but when it does, it's a sure sign that you've picked the perfect program.

8. You're putting your natural aptitudes to good use.

If you have an uncanny ability to write, but have struggled tremendously to get through every math course you've ever taken, you probably should reconsider becoming a math theory major. If, on the other hand, your major feels like home to you, it probably is.

9. You aren't faking it.

Students who have chosen the wrong major often feel like they have to fake it until they make it, meaning they have to survive their courses just enough to progress. Students who have chosen the right major, on the other hand, excel in their studies and feel good about their coursework.

10. You just know it.

People have a tendency to over-analyze things to death, especially when it comes to really important decisions. Sometimes it's better to just trust yourself. If your gut is telling you that you've chosen the right major, you probably have.