A Struggle We All Face: How Do I Possibly Choose a Major?

**This article has been updated as of Jan 2024.

As a prospective college student, trying to identify what you want to study in college (and where you want to apply) may be a daunting task. There are hundreds of majors and programs out there. And there are countless schools to consider. Will the school you attend have all of the subjects you want to study to get a well-rounded education? How are the professors? Are there extracurricular activities that pique your interests? So, is there anything that can help you make the most educated choice possible? Something that offers you a glimpse into what a real college experience is like or provides additional details about a school’s offerings. That’s where precollegiate programs come in!

Teacher instructing a student in the foreground as other students work in computer lab.

By the time it was my junior year in high school, I had a rough idea of what I wanted to study in college. I decided on business. And although I knew of so many schools with great business programs, I did not know exactly what type of business to focus on. It took me quite awhile to land on studying hotel and tourism management. That’s why I wish I’d known about Career Edge at the NYU School of Professional Studies when I was in high school. I believe I would have chose it earlier if I had a tase of the subject before college.

A student talking with two professors.

Attend NYU Classes Before I Apply? Yes!

Career Edge is a high school summer program created by the NYU School of Professional Studies. The program will be in person for summer 2024. Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can take intensive one-week career-focused courses. Tuition and fees total $2,579. Career Edge offers unique business classes like Investing Like a Wall Street Pro. Medical classes such as Exploring Careers in Medicine. And there are arts classes like Discovering New York City Architecture: A Foundation in Design, Theory, and Practice and Screenwriting—Visual Storytelling: From Short to Feature-Length Films. Clearly, there’s something for everyone! 

“My teacher and other students in my class were both great,” says one former Career Edge student. “I felt very comfortable asking questions and participating. Everyone was very welcoming. I learned so much and feel that I took away a lot from the program. It was a wonderful experience and I would definitely recommend this program to other students.”

What If I’m Still Not Sure?

After taking part in a precollegiate program at NYU, you may still be unsure which major is right for you. Being undecided at NYU is OK! If you apply to NYU in New York City, you will still apply to one of 10 schools or colleges. You have the flexibility to change your major or concentration with the assistance of academic and cross-school advisers. You may end up knowing what school you wish to apply to but find interest in a variety of courses. My main focus at NYU is hospitality and tourism management. But I’ve taken music classes and even environmental science courses for my liberal arts requirements. If you still want to know more, read “Is It OK to Apply Undecided to NYU?”

A group of students smiling in front of a large bronze statue.

Getting Involved!

Many NYU students define their experience by the numerous clubs, sports, and other communities they belong to on campus. Throughout your summer experience, NYU hosts events and outings that will help you get to know more about what your own interests might be while you explore NYU and New York City.

If you’re a high school student who wants to enrich your summer in unique ways, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity!

Hi everyone! My name is Joe Pagliazzo and I’m from Medfield, Massachusetts (I like to say I’m from Boston because that sounds cooler even though I actually grew up more than a half an hour outside of the city…). I’m a senior at the School of Professional Studies majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and pursuing a concentration in Organizations and Operations. On campus, I’m a tenor in the only all male acapella group at NYU, Mass Transit. I also play trombone and was involved in the pit orchestra for the Tisch New Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde in Fall 2019. I enjoy donating my time with community service groups on campus such as the SPS Community Service Club. My favorite things to do in the city with my free time are exploring neighborhoods like Soho and Williamsburg with friends, and finding the best coffee shops and places to eat!