If your interests are focused in one area, consider branching out a bit. When Katie Doherty started her freshman year at Fairfield University in Connecticut, she was certain that she wanted to major in English and minor in education. But after finding some of her education classes less than stimulating, she decided to explore another field she'd always been interested in: publishing. Katie took an internship in publishing, and guess what? She hated it!

Katie ended up sticking with her original plan, studying English and education, and she's now a teacher. But Katie doesn't regret her diversion into publishing. "I'm glad I took the chance, because if I had really liked [the internship], it would have changed my whole outlook," she explains. "It's worth taking some risks to make sure you're going to be happy."

Graham Jorge, who attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, took courses in ethics, comparative literature, and computer programming, but he quickly realized that his favorite classes were in communications. "Being undeclared helps you to get a general feel for college life and allows you the freedom to experience a wide variety of courses," says Graham. "[That way,] you can find the subject matter than appeals to you most."

Don't be discouraged if you feel lost during your freshman year. The more courses you take, the clearer your path will become. In fact, many students switch majors several times throughout their college careers, and most consult an advisor or counselor at some point along the way. Don't be afraid to take advantage of every resource your school offers you, including regular meetings with an advisor.

Taking classes in many different subjects will not only help you to find your interests; chances are you'll also gain some important life skills. Thomas M. Huebner, vice president for enrollment at Carson-Newman College, is a strong advocate of choosing majors that will help students prepare for a variety of life experiences. "The speed of advancement is moving so fast now we can't fathom the world in the next 50 years," he points out. "I strongly encourage students to think of the life skills--critical thinking, oral and written communication, self-confidence--they will need to adapt to the changing world and to pursue a major that helps them through the journey."

Of course, there are no guarantees. You may be passionate about 18th century British literature, but majoring in it might not lead to a career that you enjoy. That's why it's important to try to balance your interests with the reality of post-college life. On the other hand, even an obscure major can lead to job options that you may never have thought of. Your school's career center has a wealth of information on each major and corresponding career paths.

While you should take the time to choose the right major for you, keep in mind that you could face some challenges if you wait too long. Some majors, especially those in the sciences, have rigorous, highly structured course loads. If you wait until your junior year to start a pre-med program, for example, you may find yourself having to play catch-up by taking extra courses during the semester or over the summer--or even taking an extra year.

For any major you're considering, look at its course offerings and requirements to help determine whether you can complete the program in four years. Your advisor can help you map out a plan for each semester.

Whatever major you end up choosing, take the time to explore your interests --and learn as much as possible about any potential major before you make it official. Major Decisions: A Guide to College Majors (Wintergreen Orchard House, 2006) offers detailed information about more than 150 of the most popular majors; you can order a copy at www.wintergreenorchardhouse.com.

Article by Alexandra Struzik and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com