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Jan 3, 2012 · These people are all great resources, and they want you to use them. 3. Graduate without debt. This gives you the freedom to follow different employment paths after graduation, without having a ...
- What’s Covered
- What Is The “Why Major” Essay?
- The Do’s For The “Why Major” Essay
- The Don’ts For The “Why Major” Essay
- Is Your “Why Major” Essay Strong Enough?
Almost every school has supplemental essays, and most will have some variation of a prompt that asks you to explain your interest in your intended major. Here are a couple of examples: These essays are all asking the same basic question, which is: “why do these areas of interest that you selected appeal to you?” Admission officers want to know abou...
Do tell a story and include personal details
Make sure to talk about where your interest came from and how it has developed during your academics and extracurriculars. The most impactful essays tell a story. Keep in mind, however, that this “why major” essay should not be a resume, so refrain from listing every single extracurricular activity that relates to your chosen major. Admission officers have already seen all of your extracurriculars from your Common App, and instead are hoping to understand your personal connection to your inte...
Do talk about specific areas of interest and goals
If you have the space, it may help to include specific areas of interest within the major you have chosen. For example, if you are applying as a Sociology major, you may be interested in gender relationships or the topic of institutional racism in particular. If you are able to explain exactly what it is within a given field that interests you, your essay will be more unique, personal, and genuine, while also giving the admissions officer a clear picture of what is actually exciting to you ab...
Do include curriculum, program, or professor specific details
Another important aspect of the “why major” essay is to explain why the school you are applying to is a good fit for your intended major. Colleges aren’t looking for you to tell them about how highly they are ranked for this major or that their school’s prestige will lead to a successful career; instead they are looking to see that you have researched their specific program – the curriculum, the programs opportunities, and the professors. When diving into researching a school for this essay,...
Don’t mention a school’s prestige
Admissions officers know their school is great and that anybody can Google specific data, such as college rankings. Therefore, saying something along the lines of “this school has a top ranked physics program” or “this is the best school for biological research on the west coast” isn’t very meaningful to them. The problem with this is these things are not very personal to you. Instead, admissions officers want to know what things you connect to with their school, why you’re a good fit, and wh...
Don’t mention post-graduation salary
In this essay, you don’t want to talk about post-graduation salary goals. Talking about only financial gain is not great because these schools don’t see themselves as a stepping stone to a salary. They see themselves as preparing you for the world and your career. Going to college is an experience in and of itself, and talking about money often devalues the college experience to an essay reader. As an alternative, try to focus more on your career goals and why you want to pursue that field of...
Don’t name drop
When writing the “why major” essay, don’t just drop professor’s names,courses, or programs in your response, but demonstrate that you have researched them and thought critically about why this is the right fit for you. If you talk about a professor, talk about their research or a certain project and why you want to be part of it. If you talk about a course or a program, demonstrate how it fits into your academic goals and your ultimate career trajectory. These are the best ways to ensure that...
Essays account for around 25% of your admissions decision, as they’re your chance to humanize your application and set yourself apart from other applicants with strong profiles. The “Why Major” essay is especially important, as it allows you to reflect on your unique interests and fit with the school. Your supplement needs to demonstrate your inter...
Jun 22, 2024 · Below are 100 major questions to ask when choosing a college degree or course. Understanding this list can help you decide whether or not your choice of school or major should be on your list. To help you start examining the different characteristics of a potential college, here is a list of questions. The LOWDOWN:
- Assess Your Interests and Strengths. The advice to “follow your passion” might make you roll your eyes, but it has some psychological merit! Results from a longitudinal study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology(1) suggest that when you’re interested and curious about something, you’re more likely to take action towards your goals.
- Explore Majors Related to Your Interests. Once you have a working list of your interests and strengths, start exploring different majors that align with your passions.
- Explore Different Career Paths and Industries. Once you’ve landed on a few contenders based on your interests, consider the career paths available for your chosen college major(s).
- Seek Guidance from Academic Advisors and Professionals. Don’t feel like you have to bear the weight of this decision alone! Academic advisors and guidance counselors can help you navigate decisions like this.
Mar 20, 2024 · Similarly, Purdue asks applicants to write 250 words in response to the below statement: Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. Carnegie Mellon, another top college, requires students to discuss the evolution of their proposed field of study, in 300 words or less: Most students choose their intended major or area ...
Choosing your own major motivates you to invest time and money into what you want to do with your life. Consider how much money an individual with that major typically makes, the current job outlook, and if you can see yourself being in that field for a long time. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help determine your projected ...
People also ask
Do Colleges think about you if you don't know your major?
When should I choose a major?
How can colleges help students choose a career path?
How do colleges help students choose a major?
How do I choose a college major?
When should I declare a major?
Colleges have resources to help the undecided students career path. Choosing a major is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and even change course if needed. Embrace the process, utilize the resources available, and trust your inner compass.
