Choosing a college and major, and feeling secure in these choices, is not just about picking an option off a list. It’s a constant echo chamber of questions that don’t really stop. Do I actually like this school or just the idea of it? Can I afford it without stress? How much debt will I graduate with? How far is this college from home? What are the class sizes like? What’s the graduation rate? How well do they teach my major? Is the surrounding area safe… and much, much more.
“I always thought that I would go to a certain college, and had my life very planned out, but now I’m not even going to that college anymore, so I feel like everything can change in an instant. So just don’t get too upset if things don’t go your way and go with the flow,” says Senior Javis Pugh.
Feeling secure in a college choice starts with understanding what one actually wants, not what everyone else thinks. It can be easy to get lost in rankings, social media posts or pressure from family and friends. But at the end of the day, the one who will attend the classes, walk the campus and live this life is you.
Take time to reflect on what matters: Do I want a big campus with tons of school spirit or a smaller, close-knit environment? Am I excited by the idea of a city campus with lots of off-campus opportunities, or do I feel safer in a quieter town? When you line up your values with what a school offers, things can start to feel more grounded.
Security in a college decision also comes from doing thorough research. When possible, visiting the campus, taking virtual tours and attending information sessions provide deeper insight. Talking to current students, especially those in one’s intended major, offers an honest picture of day-to-day academic and social life. Careful research builds confidence.
Feeling secure in a major is different because most people don’t have their whole life mapped out at 18. One of the biggest ways to build confidence is to be able to change your mind. Many students switch majors at least once, and colleges are used to it and handle it well. Choosing a school that allows room to explore can make the choice feel more solid.
It also helps to think about a major as a starting point. It’s not always about what job it’s going to guarantee, but what skills that major is going to help build. Majors in fields like English, psychology or history might not sound as direct as engineering or nursing, but they can develop strong communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are just as valuable in many careers. For more specialized majors like computer science or biomedical engineering, look at internship opportunities or partnerships with local companies. It is also okay to go into college undecided in your major because this choice affects the rest of your life. Feeling secure often comes from knowing that your major connects to real experiences and possibilities beyond just having a degree in your hands.
So, do not fear, Hillers. It is not as bad as it seems, and as long as it’s taken slowly but seriously, it is manageable.
