By Ramisa Ahmed, Staff Writer & Chief Illustrator
Choosing majors has been a stressful topic among many seniors at Indian Trail who plan to further their education in college next fall.
Many seniors are in extracurriculars such as sports and clubs, they may take Advanced Placement classes, and some may also have jobs and try to keep a healthy social and family life, all while trying to get decent grades.
So they haven’t had much time to think about choosing a major.
When it comes down to picking a subject, students have opened up about the pressures of school, parents, and other outside sources.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, around 80 percent of students in the United States change their major at least once, and the average college student will change majors at least three times throughout their college career. Also, 20 percent to 50 percent of students enter college as undecided.
Many seniors have found themselves trying to conform to their parents and counselors when picking a major. Others fear that changing their major may push back their graduation date and even their bank account.
“Everyone tries to keep rushing you when you’re undecided. They’re telling me that if I go to college, then I should pick my major now and it just feels too forced,” said Communications senior Stacy Hernandez. “It’s really discouraging when they try to force it out of you. Sometimes it makes me wonder if college is for me.”
“It’s hard to think that you’re gonna put so much money, work and time into it with the thought that you may not even truly love it and decide to switch it when it’s too late,” said Med-Sci senior Nyla Shah. “It’s a lot of pressure because I feel compelled to fill my parents’ desires but to also fill mine.”
“Everyone tries to keep rushing you when you’re undecided.”
— Stacy Hernandez, IT Communications senior
Many of IT seniors interviewed noted their stress comes from pressure by other people such as their parent/guardians, family, teachers, counselors, and friends. The Career Center of Depaul University suggests to high school seniors who are in this position that it is crucial to first identify your own interests, values, skills and personal preferences in order to make a well-informed decision.