What Should I Go to College For?

hoosing what to go to college for can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Maybe you’ve been asked the question a hundred times by parents, teachers, or well-meaning adults: “So, what are you majoring in?” You shrug. You think about your favorite subjects. You scroll through endless lists of degrees and salaries. You take a career quiz that tells you to be a dolphin trainer or a forensic accountant, and you’re not sure whether to laugh or to panic.

Here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. But you can start with some smart steps and honest questions that help you understand what college can (and should) do for you.

Whether you're a high school senior, a returning adult learner, or someone in between, let’s unpack this big question together.

First, Let’s Redefine the Question

When people ask, “What should I go to college for?” what they often mean is:

• What major should I pick?
• What job should I aim for?
• What’s going to make all this debt and time worth it?

These are all valid concerns. But let’s zoom out for a second.

Instead of just asking what you should go to college for, ask:

• What do I want college to do for me?
• What kind of life am I trying to build?
• What are my values, interests, and goals beyond just a paycheck?

Because the truth is, your college major is just one piece of a much bigger picture. It doesn’t lock you into a single career forever, but it does shape your early adult years, the way you think, and how you move through the world. So let’s make it count.

Step 1: Think About the Life You Want (Not Just the Job)

Before diving into specific majors, ask yourself:

• What kind of work environment appeals to me? (Office, outdoors, remote, with people, solo, etc.)
• How much structure do I want? (Daily routine vs. project-based vs. totally flexible)
• What do I value most? (Stability, creativity, helping others, freedom, prestige, etc.)
• What’s my relationship to risk and uncertainty? (Do I want a clear path, or am I okay figuring it out as I go?)

These questions help you choose not just a major, but a lifestyle direction. For example:

• If you crave creativity and freedom, majors like Graphic Design, Media, Writing, or Studio Art might be a good fit.
• If you want stability and structure, Business Administration, Accounting, or Education could provide more predictable paths.
• If you're motivated by helping others, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, or even Law could align with that core value.

This isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about understanding how your education can support the kind of life you want to build.

Still having trouble? Try a quiz on possible careers to see if something catches your eye!

Step 2: Separate What You're Good At From What You Like

Some people choose a major because they’re good at it. Others pick one because they enjoy it, even if it’s not their strongest subject. Ideally, you want some overlap. But it’s okay if it’s not a perfect match right away.

Here’s how to explore both sides:

• What am I naturally curious about? What subjects or problems make me lose track of time?
• What skills do I already have? Writing, problem-solving, analyzing data, organizing people, hands-on building, etc.
• What classes do I enjoy, even if I’m not the best at them yet? You can always grow your skills with the right support.

If you’re good at math but hate doing it, engineering may be a rough fit. If you love writing but struggle with grammar, English might still be a great major, especially if you’re passionate enough to work at it.

Step 3: Understand the Job Landscape—But Don’t Let It Rule You

Yes, some degrees lead more directly to jobs than others. Nursing, accounting, engineering, and teaching, for example, are all “professional majors” that prepare you for specific careers.

But liberal arts degrees (like Philosophy, History, English, Political Science) aren’t “useless” like the memes say—they just require more creativity in how you market yourself.

Here’s what liberal arts degrees are great for:

• Critical thinking
• Writing and communication
• Research and analysis
• Cultural and ethical understanding
• Adaptability in changing industries

Employers care less about what you majored in and more about what you can do with it. So if you choose a major that’s not job-specific, you’ll want to build other tools along the way—internships, side projects, certificates, or skills like coding, digital marketing, or data analysis.

Thinking about going to law school? Take a look at Am I Too Old for Law School – even if that’s not the question you’re asking yourself, there’s still plenty of information that might be useful!

Step 4: Try Stuff Before You Commit

You don’t need to declare a major on day one (unless your program requires it). Many colleges give you your entire first year—or even two—to explore.

Take advantage of that:

• Enroll in a range of classes—from anthropology to economics to computer science.
• Talk to professors about what the field actually involves.
• Join clubs or volunteer in areas that interest you (radio station, robotics, tutoring, political organizing, etc.).
• Look up job titles related to majors and read what people in those roles actually do.

The more real-world connections you make, the easier it is to figure out if a path feels right.

Step 5: Consider Dual Majors, Minors, or Certificates

Can’t choose between Art and Biology? Business and Music? Psychology and Computer Science?

You don’t always have to pick just one.

Many schools allow:

• Double majors (two full degree programs)
• Minors (a smaller concentration alongside your main major)
• Certificates (shorter, skill-focused programs)

For example:

• Psych + Data Science = Behavioral Analytics
• English + Marketing = Copywriting/Brand Strategy
• Biology + Art = Medical Illustration
• History + Education = Museum Work or Teaching

This is where things get exciting, because you can design a path that’s uniquely yours.

Having trouble pinpointing what Major or Minor you want to pursue? Try the College Majors Quiz to see which matches with your interests the most!

Step 6: Don’t Let Fear or Pressure Decide For You

This might be the most important part of all.

You might feel pressure to choose something “practical” to justify the cost of college. Or maybe your parents want you to be a doctor or lawyer, but your heart is in theater or teaching.

You are the one living your life, not anyone else. And nothing is worse than spending four years studying something you hate, just to make someone else happy.

Remember:

• You can change majors (most students do—sometimes more than once).
• You can pivot careers later in life (lots of people do that, too).
• You are not “behind” if you take time to explore.

College is a tool, not a trap. Use it to build the future you want, not one that’s handed to you by someone else’s idea of success.

Bonus: Questions That Can Help You Choose

Here’s a list of reflection questions if you’re still not sure what direction to go:

1. What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? (This often hints at what makes you come alive.)
2. If money weren’t an issue, how would you spend your days?
3. Whose life or career do you admire, and why?
4. What kind of problems do you enjoy solving?
5. What topics make you feel energized, even after a long day?
6. What’s a job you could see yourself doing—even if it doesn’t exist yet?
7. What do people often come to you for help with?

Your answers might surprise you—or remind you of a dream you’ve been quietly carrying for years.

Real Talk: Is College Even the Right Move?

This post is focused on what to go to college for, but it’s worth mentioning that college isn’t the only path to a successful, fulfilling life.

If you’re unsure whether college fits your goals at all, ask:

• Do I need a degree for the job I want?
• Would a trade school, apprenticeship, or bootcamp serve me better?
• Am I going to college because I want to learn and grow, or just because I feel like I have to?

There’s no shame in taking a gap year, exploring alternatives, or delaying your decision. College will always be there. The best time to go is when you’re ready.

If you don’t happen to be set on anything specific, try checking out a list of some very well-paying careers that require a college degree!

You Don’t Need All the Answers—Just a Starting Point

No one can tell you exactly what you should go to college for. But by asking the right questions, exploring your options, and trusting your gut, you’ll find a path that’s rooted in curiosity, not fear.

Your major is important, yes. But it’s not a tattoo. It’s a launchpad. And the person you become along the way matters more than the title on your diploma.

So take a breath. Stay open. Take a break and see if you get inspired by watching something new. And know that whatever you choose, it’s okay to keep learning, shifting, and growing.

You’ve got this.

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