Choosing a College Major - Which Secondary School is Best for Your Son or Daughter

Many things have to be considered when it comes time to choose where your child will pursue their secondary education. While many factors are involved, one specific question must be answered first and foremost. What will be your child's intended field of study?

Choosing a Course of Study

It is not uncommon for high school seniors to be unsure what they want to study in college. Many students even change their majors after having completed some college coursework.

Parents, of course, who are typically footing the college expenses want to avoid major changeovers if possible. Why pay for courses toward a major only to have your student change their mind in mid-stream?

Selective Colleges for Specific Majors

One reason to give this decision a great deal of forethought is that every college does not offer every field of study. Another important factor is that some schools come highly recommended for specific majors. Some colleges tout business programs, others excel in medicine, and still others come highly recommended in the field of law.

If your college bound senior wants to study veterinary or forensic science, you'll discover that not every college offers these programs in their curriculum.

Better Safe than Sorry

Don't sweat it if your child is unsure. No two people are the same, and some students are quite sure what they want to pursue in college early on, while others may want to get their feet wet first and explore the available opportunities once in attendance. Either way is common and acceptable.

Here are some options to consider that might save money and aggravation until your student knows what they want to study.

1. Most freshman students start out taking basic college courses that apply to many majors. A college advisor can recommend the courses to take initially that apply toward the widest range of majors, such as English, Psychology, History, Math, Science, or Arts Electives. This will prevent valuable college funds from being spent on major specific courses that can be taken later.

2. Consider having your student take some courses at a local community college, possibly while still in high school or in the summer following graduation. This puts students in touch with their peers who are also making college decisions and with advisors and professors who can help guide them toward a specific program of interest.