Studies show that students are more often picking majors they are not interested in, according to the ACT’s most recent College Choice Report 2013-14 study.
The comprehensive study of the 2013 graduating class evaluated the percentage of students who chose a major aligned with their interests. The results were compiled by
gender and majors. The ACT gathered this information from its Interest Inventory, where students complete surverys when registering for the college entrance exam.
The study found that 17 percent of males in engineering had a poor or moderate fit with their choice of major and interests, and 32 percent of females in health sciences and technologies also had a moderate or poor fit among their interests and planned majors.
Biological and physical sciences majors top the list for both males and females of high school graduates with interests that fits with their planned major.
Paul Ivey, executive director of University College for Freshman Year, said some students choose majors without information and the UCFY is taking steps to challenge students to explore different options.
A majority of students, 62 percent,said they needed help planning academically in the study. This could mean anything from picking a major to planning for internships and grad school.
Through conversations, Ivey said UCFY tries to discover students’ comfort zone to then look at majors and career tracks.
UCFY has recently experienced an influx of students with concerns about career paths and majors due to scheduling, Ivey said.
Additionally, the study states there is an important connection between a student’s interest and his or her major. The study suggests that if students have similar interest to other students in the major, they are more likely to continue their education, stay in their chosen major and earn their degree on time.
Career Services also provides students with resources to identify subjects they enjoy and potential majors through individual appointments and major selecting workshops.
Kinesology senior Kiara Johnson wants to go to dental school, so her freshman year her parents encouraged her to pick a medical major.
Johnson also said orientation helped her choose her major. There, she expressed her career path and was then told what major she needed, not wanted, to be.
Foreign exchange student from France and political science junior, Agathe de Mauleon, said students at the University are lucky to be able to change their majors whenever they want.
Mauleon explained her French University does not transfer courses, so if students want to switch their major they have to start over as a freshman.
“I think a minority of people are in the wrong field,” Mauleon said.
The UCFY “True Colors” personality test helps students get to know their personality and try out career options in a lighthearted way, giving them something to think about initially.
Although “True Colors” may not be completely scientific, it can validate ideas and notions and gives students framework, Ivey said.