Choosing a Major Matters

From Education Week: "New Study Tracks Lifetime Income Based on College Major" When students are graduating from high school, their lives suddenly become a series of big choices. After the seemingly insurmountable challenge of choosing a school is over, many face yet another big decision: what should I major in? A variety of factors influence this choice, such as interests, parent or family input, concentrations in high school, or subjects in which the student feels confident. For some, the decision is not that clear. For students who have an appreciation for and excel in many different areas, the thought of narrowing their experience by concentrating on one subject area may seem unbearably limiting. According to this recent study by Georgetown University (take a deeper look at the data if you get a chance, it's pretty fascinating!), the major you choose does matter, in terms of income and employablity in the first ten years after graduation. Obtaining a master's degree helps too, of course, but it depends on the field of study. This decision can most easily be tackled by doing a self-inventory: What am I passionate about? What am I good at doing? Choosing a major based on what you value leads to enthusiasm that can result in expertise and accomplishment. Advancement in a chosen field may satisfy more than the monetary "value" of a career to which one is indifferent. How will you help your child choose a college? Google Science Fair Update: The finalists have been announced, and 15 students remain out of 60 semifinalists. Check out the list here. The students will travel to Google Headquarters in Mountain View, California in July to present their projects in person.