The Dilemma of Choosing a College Major

In a world where society never ceases to pile endless obligations and expectations on our ever-drooping shoulders, one would think that the few remaining uninfluenced decisions in our lives would include college majors. But alas, as any student will tell you, no decision made within the daunting walls of a high school campus is without its fair share of peer pressure. College majors have become somewhat of a Rorschach test as many are quick to judge a chemical engineering major, for instance, as nothing more than a nerd with goofy glasses and a pocket protector. An art major, on the other hand, denotes someone with an air of mystery hidden behind thick black eyeliner. These days picking the "right" major has become an insurmountable task; especially with rising trends of popular subjects like business and judgmental preconceptions of the public.

Now more than ever students feel tremendous pressure on picking academic concentrations with a dwindling world economy, increased tuition, and a rising number of college applicants. This leads to a preference in majors such as finance, engineering and medical studies that are sure to pay off in the end - literally. Yet, hefty dollar signs can never truly make up for personal interests or values. And subjects like education, music, and English are rarely uttered by those who fear that the only major that could offer them happiness will give them only a sliver of hope in the job market.

For some of us deciding upon a major is something that comes naturally. Someone taking multiple courses in one area such as science during their last year of high school would logically lean towards medicine. However, the rest of us appear to come across a good major much as we might a nice pair of shoes: by way of pure luck and a subtle sense of direction.

Although many students may prefer more socially elevated careers, others are keen to pursue subjects that will allow for personal development and growth in programs that will prove more pleasurable than their more socially accepted counterparts.