<p>As my senior year is coming to an end, the reality of selecting a major has become starker and starker with each passing day. I understand that the first year is often spent doing general requirements, but I would like to start into my major program as soon as possible. I have enjoyed my economics courses very much, and would be interested in selecting that as the main area of my studies. However, while my math skills are not terrible (31 on the math ACT, A’s in Calc and Physics), they are not my strongest asset (35 on Reading and English). My question is this: Am I better off majoring in something that utilizes my strengths the most so that I could have a better chance of succeeding (my comparative advantage), or going into something with a component that may not be my strong suit.</p>
<p>I apologize for the length, and would appreciate any advice you may have on the topic.</p>
<p>I believe this is the number one conundrum every college student faces: do you choose a major that provides a higher chance of success but you are not necessarily great at, or do to pick a major you’re good at that may not be as successful?</p>
<p>I, too, am a high school senior. I intend to try out a few science majors before I settle on a major. Maybe I’ll find interesting things in some science field. Or maybe I’ll be so bored I’ll switch to English or Creative Writing or the like. I don’t want to start right off the bat with a liberal arts/ humanities major, though. According to my older brother, it is easier to switch from a science major to a liberal arts major than the opposite and still graduate on time. Money is an issue in my family, so I can’t experiment too much. As long as you’re competent enough, you could do some experimenting of your own in a variety of majors.</p>
<p>I empathize with your situation in terms of money being an issue. That is why I would prefer to not just experiment and waste time/tuition money. I know this is a common question that many face and was hoping for responses like yours of others who are in/were in the situation and found an approach they felt good about.</p>
<p>I just looked up 31 for math on the ACT. That puts you in the 96th percentile. That isn’t much of a weakness. My personal opinion is you are more likely to do well in an area in which you have a strong interest. If you like economics, go for it.</p>