What is the biggest mistake when choosing a major?

Choosing based solely on salary without considering your interests. Students who pick majors purely for money often burn out.

Should I choose based on what my parents want?

Parental input is valuable, but choosing solely to please parents often leads to dissatisfaction. Open dialogue is best.

How do I decide what major is right for me?

Start by honestly assessing your cognitive strengths, interests, and values — not just what sounds impressive. Then research career outcomes including salary data, job growth projections, and AI displacement risk for majors that match your profile. A science-backed assessment like MajorMatch can match you to specific majors using five validated frameworks and give you a fit percentage for each.

What is the most regretted college major?

According to multiple surveys, journalism, sociology, liberal arts, and communications consistently rank among the most regretted majors — primarily due to lower-than-expected salaries and limited job availability. However, regret is highly personal. A major that one person regrets may be perfect for someone whose cognitive profile and career goals actually align with that field.

Is it okay to be undecided about my college major?

Being undecided is extremely common — roughly 30% of college students enter undeclared, and up to 60% change their major at least once. However, being undecided costs real money. The average cost of changing a major is approximately $42,000 in extra tuition, housing, and lost time. Taking a structured assessment before committing can help you avoid that expense.

Do free college major quizzes actually work?

Most free major quizzes use a single framework (typically Holland Codes) and give you a broad personality type rather than specific major recommendations. They are designed to collect email addresses, not guide decisions. A comprehensive assessment should use multiple validated frameworks, give you specific major matches with fit percentages, and include real career and salary data.

Top 10 Mistakes When Choosing a College Major

Q: Is starting undeclared a mistake?

No. Starting undeclared gives you time to explore. The key is using that time actively with diverse courses and advisor meetings.

Choosing a college major is consequential, and the pressure leads many students into predictable traps. Here are the ten most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing Solely Based on Salary

Salary projections are averages that obscure enormous variation. A CS major who drops out earns nothing. Money should be one factor among several — not the only one. Consider it alongside your interests and the full picture.

2. Following the Crowd

Every generation has its "hot" major. When everyone rushes into the same field, competition intensifies. Choose based on individual fit, not momentum.

3. Ignoring Natural Strengths

Your personality and cognitive strengths are data points that predict where you will perform best. Take them seriously.

4. Letting Parents Choose

The healthiest dynamic involves open dialogue where both perspectives are heard.

5. Not Researching Career Outcomes

The most regretted majors are often ones where students loved the content but did not research career outcomes.

6. Confusing a Hobby with a Career

Loving music does not mean you should major in it. Go in with realistic expectations about the job market.

7. Waiting Too Long to Decide

If you are struggling to decide, set a deadline and take assessment quizzes to narrow options systematically.

8. Not Considering the Full Cost

Some majors require significantly more time and money. Assess total commitment, not just four-year tuition.

9. Overlooking Transferable Skills

Most careers do not require a specific major. Do not eliminate a strong-fit major because the career path is not obvious.

10. Failing to Talk to Professionals

Build your network early. Conversations with professionals reveal day-to-day career reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Biggest mistake?

Choosing based solely on salary without considering genuine interests and aptitudes.

Should I choose what parents want?

Parental input is valuable, but the final decision should reflect your interests and realistic career goals.

Is starting undeclared a mistake?

No, if you use the time actively exploring courses and meeting with advisors.