Today a client and I had a long conversation about how to report her intended college major on her applications. Was choosing a major necessary when she is only 16 years old? She has been stressing out about it. She has many, many interests and an equal number of talents. And she just can’t decide what to be when she grows up.

I told her to join the club.

First, let’s take a look at the philosophical implications of choosing a major. In the grand scheme of things, a major isn’t all that important. Even career advisers say so. The fact is that beyond your first job out of college, your major won’t matter.  You’ll learn new skills on the job, and your career will mutate and morph as the economy evolves, and (more important) as your own understanding of where your interests and talents lie.

To give you more insight, you might want to take a look at a guest post in which a recent college grad recounts his own experience in choosing a major and making career choices right out of college. His conclusion is that what’s important is that you love what you are learning and that you build experiences, contacts, and skills that will help you pursue the jobs that most interest you.

It’s Not Necessary to Choose a Major Before You Get to College

The fact is, your job–and your career–will likely change many times before you retire. An article from the New York Times also admonishes parents (and college counselors) that it’s sort of unrealistic to expect that an 18 or 22 year-old can or should make career decisions as if they are making a decision that is lifelong and permanent. We all have the option of changing our priorities, of chasing new careers, of refashioning our professional selves at many different points throughout our lives.

So from a counseling point of view, I tell most of my students not to stress out about college majors and career choices. If a student has interests in engineering or business or other specialized fields it does make sense to understand the requirements necessary to enter those fields. For example, if there is a possibility that a student wants to go to medical school then she should know what the prerequisites are and thus be careful to complete them.

Or a prospective engineer may have to major in engineering from the get-go (but he may change his mind down the road as he learns more about engineering and about himself). Undecided does not mean “without decisions.” It’s smart to know what the options are and how to keep options open for as long as possible.

Sometimes It Make Sense to Choose a Major Early

However, with regard to completing college applications, there are times when it makes sense to declare a major. Why? Because admissions officer are also social engineers. They are looking for people to populate certain departments. Especially those hard-to-fill ones like art history, anthropology, music (at some schools), geology, geography, and others. So if you have a passion or skill that you plan to share on campus. It certainly doesn’t hurt to express that focus by announcing your intention to major in that subject.

Similarly, if a college has a particular strength or reputation in a certain issue, it makes sense to tell the admissions folks that one of the reasons that you are applying to that school is the excellence of that department–you are showing that you have thought about what makes that school a good fit for you.

Still, the majority of students heading to college are undecided. It’s okay in America to be undecided. Most of us are still undecided. We’re exploring, discovering, and learning. And isn’t that what it’s all about, anyway?

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

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I reviewed a question the other day on LinkedIn. The question was this:  what can you do with a major in philosophy? I thought I would share my response with you.

Here’s the question:

Is philosophy a good major?  Why?  Just wondering what you can get with a philosophy major or if it’s worth the time and money.

And here is my response:

Good question. I get this sort of question a lot in my line of work.

The answer to your question does not lie in the opinions of others. It must come from within yourself.

What can you do with a liberal arts major?

Let’s be philosophical. Some value college as training for a profession. Others, who tend to pursue degrees at liberal arts institutions, see college as a process of training the mind. As you may have experienced, most folks who hear this question. Immediately begin thinking about the economic value of a philosophy degree–immediately upon graduation. But what they don’t know, is that plenty of philosophy majors at liberal arts institutions go on to very successful careers.

Did you know, for example, that statistically one of the best majors with the highest percentages of acceptance to medical school is (drum roll….) philosophy? Medical schools like people who have thought deeply about what it means to be human, to appreciate beauty, and to have thought theoretically. Medicine has plenty of technicians, but not an awful lot of deep thinkers. And medical schools value deep thinkers.

Furthermore, in a liberal arts context, I firmly believe that it matters little what you major in. What matters more is what you can do–the skills you acquire (a second language, computer programming skills, strong economics, scientific research skills). You can acquire some of these skills even as you complete a philosophy major. Or you may acquire them in graduate school or in the working world after graduation.

It’s possible that you can prepare for several careers (as you are statistically apt to have at least seven before you retire) simply by training your mind to be flexible, creative, analytical, and quick. If you read Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. For example, you may be convinced that philosophy actually is much better training for careers of the 21st century than accounting or marketing or biology, even.

Finally, you ask whether the degree is “worth” the time and money. Well, be philosophical: define “worth.” Certainly a philosophy major does not have immediate, tangible value that is easily calculated in “return on investment” (ROI) terms. Such a calculation is easier with a professional degree (MBA, JD, Engineering) or with a licensing program (e.g. teaching/education).

But if you define “worth” more broadly, you might agree with Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” So maybe you want to examine human nature, appreciate the concept of beauty, think about what constitutes the “good life.”

While I respect the opinions of those who pooh-pooh the value of a philosophy major, I wonder how many of them have actually ever taken a philosophy course. How many of them know successful people in business, the arts, the law, journalism, medicine, and other professions who pursued a liberal arts degree and majored in philosophy?

So what can you do with a major in philosophy?

So to reiterate by returning to your question: “what can you get” with a philosophy degree? On the one hand, absolutely nothing. On the other, everything.

People who major in philosophy can work in artificial intelligence, science policy, medicine, law, banking, and just about any business you can imagine. Philosophy majors work in high tech. They work in government. They run organizations.

The skills of analysis, logic, and problem solving are relevant to any profession.

In the end, doesn’t the answer to your question depend on many variables well beyond your choice of major?

As was inscribed above the entrance to the Oracle at Delphi: “Know Thyself.” Start there, and the answer to your question will be come, well, self-evident.

What if I can’t decide my major?

Most young people have a difficult time settling on a major. Despite the Oracle at Delphi, most teens are just getting to know themselves and figure out what is important to them. If your family has a teen who is struggling to make this sort of decision–and struggling to create a solid college plan, give us a call at Great College Advice. We helps students wade through these tough decisions and create an action plan.

Mapping College Journeys. It’s what we do.

The post The Value of a Philosophy Major first appeared on Great College Advice.

Lawrence University which is a liberal arts college that also has a music conservatory. It offers both a specialized Bachelor of Music degree, as well as the Bachelor of Arts degree.  The BM degree is more narrowly focused on music, and it generally the choice of students who want to major in performance in voice or on an instrument, or perhaps they want to pursue a career in music education. The BA degree is the liberal arts version of a music degree: you can major in music within the liberal arts.  For the BA, you would take about 25% of your courses over four years in the music department.  For the BM degree, it would be more like two-thirds or even three-quarters of your courses in the music department. 

The Reasons Why Major in Music

Whether or not one aspires to be a professional, performing musician, there are many answers to the question of why major in music. Even in this day and age of high technology and the importance of science and mathematics, or even business, music remains a viable option that can give any student the sorts of skills and habits that employers value.  

Music Majors Make Independent, Diligent Employees

Music majors are used to working independently to achieve a goal.  They meet with their supervisors once a week.  They review past work.  Then they get new assignments to continue to improve and amplify what they are already doing.  The supervisor gives assignments and expects the person to return the next week with those assignments completed.  During that week, the employees work on their own and they puzzle out the problems, and ultimately through practice and exploration, they find the solution to that problem or puzzle. They practice whatever they need to practice in order to make sure that it’s right. A week later, they return to their supervisor and say, “Got it done; give me my next problem.”  That’s exactly what musicians do.  When they are going to their private lesson for an hour each week and they’re getting information, they are getting an assignment and they complete it.  They are developing the independence to take direction, do the work, and continue to improve over time.  

Why Major in Music?  Collaboration!

The workplace today requires people who can collaborate.  Employers want team members who can listen, appreciate the contributions of others, seek out the voices that may complement their own, and work together toward a common goal.  Musicians do this sort of thing on a daily basis. In every ensemble that they are ever in, they are working with one another to achieve a common aim: to perform a piece with a clear vision that may be jointly defined.  Importantly, they are listening to one another.  They respect the roles that each plays in the accomplishment of the goal.  They are attuned to what other people are saying and communicating so that they can take that information and do something with it.  

Practice, Practice, Practice

Music develops the sort of habits that any employer values. However, no employee is going to be perfect every single time.  Some things take practice to get right.  Musicians are used to practice. They are also used to making mistakes and then fixing them.  Musicians know that in order to improve, in order to build technique, and in order to get it right when it counts, it’s important to practice over and over until things become routine and the ultimate performance is stellar.  

Importance of Communication

Finally, he talked about the importance of communication. And then he talked about while he was in Microsoft, that he was working with some of the biggest brains in the world. But sometimes despite those big ideas that these smart people had, these people at Microsoft weren’t communicating. It’s one thing to have ideas, but if you can’t be a good communicator–especially to others who may have different perspectives or roles within the organization, then those ideas really aren’t worth all that much.  Employers want good communicators.  What do musicians do on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis?  They communicate.  They do so through the music itself, and they have to do so with words–so that they can agree upon and work toward a common goal.   Further, a musician is used to performing in front of large groups.  They are accustomed to the jitters that can be channeled in a positive way to make the performance better.  Performance is something that musicians are able to do very, very well.  They’re not afraid to put themselves out there and show people what they can do. 

Employers Value Young People with a Music Degree

The fact is that most employers are not looking for people with specific majors or degrees.  They are looking for team member who can get the job done.  People who can learn quickly.  People who can work independently to achieve a particular goal.  People who are not averse to practicing over and over until things are done right.  People who know how to collaborate with one another.  People who can communicate clearly with others as they map out and accomplish a common goal.  People who can share ideas with others and who can perform when the time comes.

So why major in music?  Because it develops the skills and habits that employers of the 21st century value–and pay for. 

To hear Brian Pertl deliver his own TedX talk about majoring in music and pursuing the liberal arts, have a look at this video.

Great College Advice
 
 

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What summertime activity in high school will help you explore careers, as well as majors you might like to pursue in high school?

While much has been stated on this blog about the importance and the insignificance of choosing a major prior to attending college, it is still somewhat easier to narrow down your college list if you have some idea of your academic and career interests. You don’t have to sign on the dotted line and say, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” however, it is a good idea to have some general direction or even just rule a few things out.

One way to do this is to test the waters a bit. The long summer vacation provides a great opportunity. Do a little exploration of careers that may be connected to majors you are thinking about.  

Here are some ways to investigate different career paths as a summertime activity in high school.

Looking for a way to take best advantage of your summer? Need help in identifying which summertime activity would help you explore your career options or to get accepted to top universities? Connect with us! Our professional college admissions consultants are eager to help.

Research via the internet

Do you really know what a financial planner does? What does it really mean to be architect? Research some of the backgrounds of some professionals that you have heard of or respect. Look up the executive board members of a company you think you might want to work for. Then and Google their names. Where did they go to school? What did they major in? What former positions have they held? LinkedIn can be a great resource in this regard. 

Learn about job titles

Now that you have some job titles from the fields you may have an interest in, find out what those jobs actually require. Hit LinkedIn and view job postings for those specific titles. You might be surprised to learn about what is really required.

Talk to someone in the field

Let’s face it, everyone likes to talk about what they do. Conducting informational interviews is a great way to find out more about a career. Ask your parents or teachers if they know anyone who may be the fields you are interested in. Once you have the contact information for potential interviews, politely ask them if you can meet with them to ask them questions about their profession.  

Here are some potential questions to consider:

– How did you become interested in this profession?

– What previous jobs have you held that lead you to your current position?

– What did you study in college and how did you pick your major?

– What courses in your major have helped you in your career?

– What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your profession?

– Is there anyone else I can talk to who may be willing to provide me with more information on this profession?

– Are their any opportunities to intern at your company so I can learn more about your business?

For more about summertime planning in high school to prepare for college admissions, watch this video.

Summer programs

Many college campuses host career exploration programs for high school students. Some of these may last a few days, while others may last for a week or two or even longer. Some programs can be surprisingly cheap and even free. Others may be relatively expensive. We generally like these programs–especially when they are inexpensive and located close to home. We don’t think it necessary to spend more on these programs just because they are offered by a prestigious university.

Often these sorts of programs are completely disconnected from the admissions office. As well as general administration of the university, and your attendance will have no impact on admissions down the road. We like these programs because they allow students to make connections between academic choices and career opportunities. So look for programs in your state. Or nearby where you can cut your teeth on some new and exciting learning. And, consider potential career options down the road.

Learn by doing

Jobs and internships are another great summertime activity in high school. These will help you learn whether you would like a certain career. When I was in college, I spent an entire summer running a camp for 5 to 8 year olds. I took the position because I was considering being a teacher. I wanted to see if I enjoyed working with large groups of children. I did everything from curriculum planning to first aid. Then, when the summer was over, I knew elementary education was not for me. Without that hands-on experience, I may have entered a major and future profession that I really did not enjoy.

A great way to find potential jobs or internships is through the informational interviews. One of the things you can ask people is what summer activity in high school might they recommend for someone who is interested in their field. While you are meeting with professionals, it does not hurt to ask if they have summer internships available for high school students.

Don’t forget that when you are researching colleges, it is also a good idea to connect with the Center for Career Development. Last week’s blog post on career questions to ask during the college admissions process will help you further explore if the colleges you are interested in are offering career development opportunities.

We hope this guide will help you find a suitable summertime activity in high school that will allow you to explore careers and potential academic majors.

Great College Advice

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This also means that as career opportunities change, major options may change and fluctuate. A recent article in Forbes talks about this subject and also recommends that for students to prepare for the future they should focus on things like learning a second language and programming skills.
What do you think will prepare you for the future?

The majors of tomorrow are unknown and that is exciting, but also a bit daunting.
 
 Great College Advice
 

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Check this video out to learn how faculty members use the help of TAs to manage large classes:

Mark Montgomery
Educational Consultant
*****************

You may read the transcription below:

I’m here now on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. It’s about 12 miles or so north of Chicago. Great location. If you get out towards the leg it’s, the campus is right on Lake Michigan. You can see downtown from the campus. So it’s another kind of, one of these campuses is like Tuffs, like the University of Chicago where you feel like you’re very much part of the city. But you’re still enough outside of it that you can have this beautiful tree lined campus, green, especially now in the summer.

Probably not so great in the middle of winter. But there are a few things to know about Northwestern. Of course, I can’t sort of in this short video tell you everything. But remember that first of all Northwestern is on a quarter system. So that means that you take only three classes at a time in ten weeks – three or four, maybe four classes – four classes a quarter in ten week quarters. So it’s a little more intensive than at some other places where you might take five or six classes over a 15 week quarter.

A couple of other things. There are about 8,000 students here, so it’s a little larger than some other private universities, the caliber here. But it’s not so large that it’s a great big huge state university. Sort of a nice size in between. This is a size that a lot of students are looking for that is difficult to find. The Admissions Office is telling us also that 97% of the classes have fewer than 100 students. That’s an important figure to know.

That’s probably more important than the student to faculty ratio, which is a 7 to 1. Ignore that statistic. It tells you absolutely nothing about the classroom experience. The percentage of classes that are certain enrollment or less, that’s better. So 97% of the classes here are 100 students or less.

However, if the class is over 40 students then there is a TA for the class that runs the discussion section as opposed to the professor. So we were, our tour guide was from a double major, Bachelor’s in Music and Performance at the Venice School of Music, and none of those classes are large, and so there were no TA’s in that school. But then she also is doing a BA degree in History, and about 50% of the student classes that she had taken in History were over 40 students and therefore had TA’s. Now of course it depends on the classes you pick.

You might be able to take History to find a lot more classes that have a lower enrollment if that’s one of your priorities. To find those classes that have maybe 15 to 20 or maybe even fewer students if that’s a priority. But also remember that the more popular the class. The larger the enrollment and the more likely you are to have a TA.

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It pains me to see families make college choices based on misinformation, like choosing what they can afford base on the advertised prices of colleges (instead of what a family would actually pay) or squandering great high school achievements by not using the application to tell the story that makes a student most compelling to colleges.
Now with PossibilityU there’s a way for every family to afford the expert support that will help them make the right choices, and find and get into the right college for them. It’s been my experience over and over that at the right college students are more successful, happier, and get more financial aid.
If you want to know more, please check out PossibilityU.com. Or let me know if you have any questions about whether or not PossibilityU is right for your family.
Mark Montgomery
Educational Consultant and
Chief Advisor, PossibilityU
 
 

The post Affordable, Expert College Advice You Can Trust first appeared on Great College Advice.

1. If you pursue a BA degree, about 25-30% of your classes over four years will be in your major. The other 70-75% will be roughly equal mixture of general education requirements and electives. If you pursue a more specialized degree (e.g., BS, BM, BFA, BBA), 50-60% of your classes will be in your major field.
2. Your major should be a reflection of both your academic interests and your academic strengths: you want to enjoy the subject and do well in the courses offered.
3. In researching majors at particular universities, be sure to consult the catalog or bulletin, where you will find all the details of what that major department requires.  You can also find the range of courses offered, course descriptions, and information about the faculty in the catalog and on the departmental homepages of the college website.  And if you have a chance to visit a campus, be sure to meet with a professor in your preferred department(s).
4. It is perfectly fine not to have strong preferences as you enter the university.  Remember that a majority of students changes major at least once in their college careers, and many change their major several times.
5. Few employers or graduate schools require specific BA majors for entry-level positions or for admission to business, medical, or law schools.  Religion majors can go to med school, art history majors can be admitted to business school, and chemistry majors can become excellent lawyers.  Even to become a teacher, it’s generally better to major in an academic discipline than in education. No matter your educational or professional path beyond college, your overall performance while you are there will matter much more than the major you choose.

So there you have the basics.  Now it’s time to start evaluating yourself:  what are those subjects you know you like already?  What are the things you don’t like so much, or really aren’t your academic strength?  What are those subjects you have never been exposed to that you’d like to explore?
Put on that thinking cap, and start informing yourself.  Still puzzled?  Have a look at this related post that gives you more of the basics of choosing a major.
Mark Montgomery
Educational Consultant
 
 

The post What Is A College Major, And How Do I Choose One? first appeared on Great College Advice.