How Can Students Test an Interest Before Choosing a Major?

There’s a lot of excitement and anxiety that comes along with applying for college, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself to feel like you need everything figured out. It can be difficult to choose a college major, especially when you’re still in high school. And remember, even college students change their minds. In fact, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education,  “within 3 years of initial enrollment, about 30 percent of  undergraduates in associate's and bachelor's degree programs who had declared a major had changed their major at least once.”

While it’s certainly okay and natural to change majors, testing out various interests while you’re still in high school can be a great way to work through some of this indecision before you even step foot on campus. Overall, engaging in various hands-on activities — such as high school internships, research projects, summer programs, and job shadowing opportunities — is a great way to ensure that you are able to make informed decisions about college programs. 

In this article, we will discuss how to choose a college major by identifying ways to test an interest before choosing a major. And while, no, you don’t necessarily need to choose your intended major while you’re still in high school, the more self-reflection you can engage in now, the better off you’ll be when it comes to starting off your college career. 

Why Students Struggle to Choose a Major

From limited exposure to academic fields, and misconceptions about careers, to pressure to make early decisions, and changing interests over time, there are lots of reasons why high school students may struggle to choose a college major. This is why it’s important to test an interest before choosing a major. 

Perhaps you’re interested in majoring in Philosophy, but your high school doesn’t offer philosophy classes. When you get to college and take your first philosophy courses, it may feel like a perfect fit. Or maybe you realize that you’re less interested in logic and more interested in World Religions or Anthropology. 

Maybe you feel pressured to choose a major that will lead to a lucrative career. There are lots of ways to create a lucrative career, but only focusing on a few majors and career pathways may limit your creativity and initiative. Remember, there are lots of careers out there. Many you’ve probably never even heard of! And you won’t know about them until you start to earnestly explore your interests. 

Ways to Explore Potential Majors

There are lots of ways to test an interest before choosing a major. Here is a list of some of the career exploration programs and opportunities to consider. As you go through this list, keep in mind that there are pros and cons to each of these options and that you shouldn’t pursue an opportunity solely based on prestige. Remember, your primary goal should be to test an interest before choosing a major. 

• Research projects: Research projects allow you to dive deeply into your interests, often through an interdisciplinary lens. This can be especially helpful if you have a general interest (such as climate change or helping others), but aren’t sure about what type of career would prove to be the best fit in relation to this interest.

• Internships: High school internships provide you with valuable hands-on experiences that can help you test an interest before choosing a major. Sometimes the best way to accurately gain your interest is to try your own hand at some of the activities common in certain professions. 

• Job shadowing: Job shadowing can quickly give you exposure to a particular industry and profession, without demanding too much commitment on your part. By shadowing a professional, you will receive valuable insights into the daily routines, responsibilities, and realities of working within a particular field. 

• Summer programs: Summer programs foster personal growth and confidence while providing valuable networking opportunities with peers, mentors, and professionals. There are many different types of summer programs out there, so do plenty of research to find one that will most help you reach your goals. Here’s an article to help you start your initial research: Free & Affordable Summer Programs for High School Students.

• Online courses: If you’re interested in a subject that is not taught at your school, taking an online class can be a great way to test out that interest. 

Not sure how to get an internship as a high school student? Check out our article on the topic here.

Using Research to Explore Academic Interests

Conducting an independent research project is a great way to explore an academic interest deeply while cultivating greater creativity and critical thinking skills in the process. Independent research projects are often interdisciplinary as well, which can help you get a taste of what it feels like to approach a topic from various points of view. This can be especially helpful if you are passionate about a particular issue or ideal, such as renewable energy or helping animals, but aren’t sure what type of career you’d ultimately like to pursue that will help you accomplish these goals. 

Designing your own research project also helps you take greater accountability and initiative in regards to your education. So even if you ultimately decide that the topic you’ve been exploring is not the right fit for you, you’ll still gain valuable time management and problem-solving skills in the process, both of which are important job skills for high school students to cultivate.   

Interested in pursuing an independent research project while making a difference? Check out these three potential research topics with real-world importance:

• Research for Impact: Someone Has to Understand Why Housing in Phoenix Keeps Becoming Unaffordable 

• Research for Impact: Someone Has to Understand Wildfire Insurance Collapse in California 

• Research for Impact: Someone Has to Understand Beech Leaf Disease in the Tri-State Area

4 Questions Students Should Ask Themselves When Choosing a Major

Choosing a college major requires a lot of self-reflection. So make sure you take time to engage in plenty of self-reflective activities, whether that means journaling, talking through your goals with your high school guidance counselor, or participating in various career exploration activities for high school students. Here are some guiding questions to keep in mind as you explore your interests while trying to decide on a college major.      

1. What subjects do I enjoy?

Although this may seem obvious, it’s important to identify which subjects you most enjoy. Remember, there are countless careers out there, many of which you’ve never heard of, so indulge your natural curiosities and see where it takes you. A good exercise to do when trying to choose a college major is to look through a college’s course catalog and take note of the classes that sound the most interesting. 

2. What problems interest me?

One of the best ways to explore a potential major is to think less about job titles and more about the kinds of problems you enjoy solving. Are you curious about climate change, healthcare, education, artificial intelligence, business innovation, or social inequality? The topics that naturally capture your attention can point toward fields of study where you'll stay motivated over the long term. Overall, identifying issues that genuinely interest you can help you narrow down your options and choose a major that feels meaningful, rather than simply practical.

3. What skills do I want to develop?

As you explore different subjects, ask yourself which activities you find satisfying. Do you enjoy solving complex problems, creating something from scratch, working with people, or investigating unanswered questions? Looking beyond course titles and focusing on the skills you'll gain can give you a clearer picture of whether a particular field is a good fit.

4. What careers align with my interests?

Take time to explore career paths related to majors you're considering. Read job descriptions, talk to professionals, attend career panels, or participate in internships, research projects, or job shadowing opportunities. These experiences can help you move beyond assumptions and see what the day-to-day work is actually like. Even if you decide a particular career isn't for you, that insight is valuable, as it brings you one step closer to finding a path that truly fits your interests and strengths.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Major

Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming at times. Here are 4 common mistakes to be aware of throughout this process:

1. Choosing Based on Income Alone

Instead of focusing solely on earning potential, consider the kinds of work you'll be doing each day, the skills you'll develop, and whether the field aligns with your interests and strengths. Remember, a fulfilling career often comes from finding a balance between financial stability and meaningful work. It’s also worth mentioning that staying motivated and continuing to grow professionally is often easier when you're genuinely engaged by what you do.

2. Following Peer Expectations

It's natural to be influenced by your peers. Just remember that everyone has different strengths, motivations, and career aspirations. Take time to explore your own interests. After all, choosing a path that genuinely reflects your interests is more likely to lead to long-term satisfaction and success.

3. Overcommitting Too Early

Some students feel pressured to decide on a major as early as possible and stick with it no matter what. While it's helpful to have a plan, it's also okay to change direction as you learn more about yourself and different academic fields. Approach your classes and career exploration activities with curiosity and an open mind.

4. Ignoring Personal Interests

Pay attention to the topics that naturally spark your curiosity and the activities you look forward to doing. When your academic path reflects your genuine interests, you're more likely to stay motivated, seek out new opportunities, and make the most of your college experience.

Turning Exploration Into a Decision

Choosing a major can feel like a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a perfect one. The goal isn't to predict your entire future; it's to make the best choice you can with the information you have today. By exploring different subjects, trying new experiences, and reflecting on what genuinely interests you, you'll be in a much stronger position to choose a path that fits your goals and strengths. In other words, testing interests early can help you choose a college major with greater confidence and clarity.

And remember, your interests will continue to evolve as you learn and grow. That’s natural and part of the learning and growing process. So instead of overcommitting too quickly, approach every class, project, and conversation as an opportunity to learn more about what interests and excites you. 

There are lots of ways to test an interest before choosing a major. Not sure where to start? Here at Polygence, we offer three types of career exploration opportunities, our Research Mentorship Program, Polygence Pods, and Work Lab.

Interested in learning more? Check out our database of expert research mentors and peruse some student and parent testimonials.