Choose a major that suits you and no one else. If you're not sure who that person is, you can narrow it down enough to help your choice.

Look at your strengths and weaknesses. If you enjoy sciences or maths, then look in that direction. Study the course calendar for the different classes and circle the ones that excite you the most. Speak to the professors about the classes and the opportunities. Get into a general science or engineering programme to start learning and exploring. You will discover your major while you are studying.

If you are more of an arts student you are in the same situation. Many universities will allow you to attend the first year or two without a declared major. Many students change their major. If you don't know what you want to do - you're far from alone. You will discover options you never knew existed.

Start with an undeclared major and select courses that interest you. As the year progresses you will start to see which professors you are most comfortable with and which classes interest you enough to continue. Take courses you like, work hard, look at the options and opportunities and talk to the professors. A path will open up for you. Follow it.

Let the major choose you. Should you spend a semester - or even a year - in a course you're miserable in, do not count it as a wasted year. You learned something important about yourself early on. Some people finish school and spend years working before they learn enough to know they chose poorly.

In today's market it is unlikely that you will finish university and have everything you need for a lifelong career. Learning itself is a lifelong experience. That is the greatest lesson you will learn in university. Whatever you learn will have value for you where ever you go.

Learn more about this author, Leanna Hoos.
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