Choosing a College and Major
 Return to  Career Options for Graduates  Updated 4/14/18         Please link to, use to educate and   
 

1) I have been accepted at a good school and am afraid I can't do the work. Answer: Unless you have excellent academic ability as indicated by the previous chart you should try to attend a school in which you are in the middle half of the freshman class. For most students college is more than an academic experience and competing against students that are much stronger academically will lower grades and deprive you of many nonacademic experiences. While standardized test are not a good predictor of success as measured by graduation, they do well predicting academic and career success. If your SAT is 1000 and the average at your good school is 1,100 then you may graduate but your grades and non-academic experiences may be low.
2) I have been accepted at a GOOD BUT EXPENSIVE SCHOOL, should I attend?
Answer: There are many positive aspects to attending an expensive liberal arts college away from home but the economic return for such an investment is negligible. Borrowing means repayment and most find repayment difficult. A tight post-college budget due to excessive loans is very difficult to endure especially after the sacrifice made to finish college. Live at home, go public, CC if necessary, and if after two years you think the added investment is worthwhile, go for it.

3 How can I maximize college financial aid.

Answer: Colleges compete for students and award financial aid accordingly. They start with your Expected Family Contribution. Students with high standardized tests scores are sought after. If relative to other freshman applicants your scores are high you receive more aid. Students with a desired skill be it the Arts, Sports, etc. receive more aid. If you have high relative scores or skills a private school close to home may be less expensive after financial aid than an inexpensive live-in public school. See Financial Aid 
4) Warning: Colleges will create a first year financial plan based upon your savings, grants and scholarships and a number of loans. Loans that may be federally sponsored, private, and even from the college. There is nothing logical for first year loans. Nothing. Loans can be as addictives as credit cards and just as dangerous.

See A Compelling Argument For Ivy League Obsession Falls Flat

Students Personal Finance

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 Answer: Probably not. Many schools will ask you to declare  a major after a year or two.

2) Department A of State U has accepted my application and Department B which offers my preferred major has rejected my application. I really like State U. What should I do? 

Answer: Most students change majors or end up working in a career field unrelated to their major. That said, attend Department A of State U, work hard to maximize your cumulative grade point average, and apply for a change of major to Department B.  A high paying STEM major may be worth the effort but be prepared to work very hard. See Not All College Majors Are Created Equal.

3) Why is a major important Answer: 1) You should major in something you like to do, rather than something you like to study. You may like to study psychology, but do you want to get a master's degree and be a school psychologist. or work in social services. 2)  If economics return is important then major is important. At the very least choose a high demand minor. The vast majority of job openings will be in health care, education, business, and high paying STEM areas. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics pay the most. There are fewer really good paying jobs in liberal arts and social sciences. See Not All College Majors Are Created Equal and The Myth of the Well- Rounded Student

1) Choosing a Career