How to Choose the Right College Major Based on Your Interests

How to Choose the Right College Major Based on Your Interests

Too often, students choose a major based on prestige, pressure, or pay — not passion. But a major you’re interested in is more likely to lead to better engagement, academic success, and long-term satisfaction.

How to Align Your Interests With a Major

Make a list of what excites you: subjects, hobbies, school projects, or even career paths you’ve read about. Then, match those interests with broad academic categories — for example, if you enjoy solving problems and working with numbers, look into majors like Mathematics, Data Science, or Economics.

Validate With Real-World Conversations

Once you’ve narrowed it down, don’t stop at research. Use OnNetwork to speak with students already pursuing those majors. Ask about the kinds of assignments they get, what surprised them about the major, and how their interests have evolved during college.

Browse OnNetwork mentors by major and confirm your interest with firsthand experience.

Choosing a major based on your interests isn’t just about following passion — it’s about making a smart, informed choice that you’re more likely to enjoy and stick with.

Talking to real students lets you go beyond the course descriptions and discover what a major actually feels like day to day. Use OnNetwork to bridge the gap between curiosity and clarity.