Step 9: Finding Your Major
It's that time of the year. The time where you should be deciding what major you want to go into. This process can be very easy for some people and very difficult for others. Some people may have known what they wanted to go in to since the beginning and are picking that major. Others had a solid idea in the beginning and are changing to something completely different. And still others will have no idea whatsoever and are really starting to panic right about now. It's okay. I know all of these types of people and they all got into a major. So how do I choose a major? I'm not going to talk about my experience because the school got rid of my intended major right before major selection and hopefully that will not happen to you. But I knew what I wanted to do and I still know what I want to do. You need to choose something you will be passionate about enough to spend three more years (plus possibly grad school) intensely learning. You will live and breath whatever you have chosen so make sure you choose wisely. This is not really to scare you, but more to make you aware of what is coming next. Find 5 majors you are interested in and do more research on them to narrow it down to 3. I cannot stress research enough! You need to know exactly what you are getting into. One of my friends thought she knew the major, then went in the first day of class and decided it's nothing like how she imagined and switched majors right away. Go to the academic advisers in your school and ask them how to contact the head of the major you want to go in to. Then ask the head of the major if you can meet with them or if you can sit in on a critique. They are just teachers so most of the time they will be more than happy that you are contacting them and will allow you to sit in on a crit. ASK STUDENTS ALREADY IN THE MAJOR This is probably the BEST way to find out about the major. The upperclassmen are going through the major right when you are asking them. They will be able to answer your questions much better than anyone else. Don't be afraid to ask them! Most upperclassmen I know are very friendly when it comes to the underclassmen and are more than willing to tell you about their experience. Get their contact information from the head of the major and email them a few simple questions or even a time to meet and talk about the major.
And if you still don't know after all of this, DON'T PANIC. At my school we were able to select three majors to apply to. After you apply to all of them you can choose one (or two if you want to double major). Even if you still don't know by the time you need to choose, choose the one you like the most and then take electives in the other majors. Most majors will have time for electives so ask your academic adviser for a list of classes you will need to take for the major and if there are any elective spaces open.
I know this step involves a lot of talking to people, but you will regret it if you do not do this. You're going to art school to do what you want to do. Make sure you like it.