How to Decide If Your College Degree Plan Makes Sense (A Guide for High School Students)
You’re a high school student thinking about college, and you’ve sketched out a degree plan. Maybe it’s a list of majors, minors, or courses you want to take. But now you’re wondering: Is this a good plan? Will it set me up for success? These questions are totally normal—and important. Choosing a degree path is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as a young adult, so it’s smart to think critically about it. Let’s break down how to evaluate whether your plan is realistic, aligned with your goals, and adaptable to life’s surprises.
Start by Asking: What Are Your Interests and Strengths?
Before diving into logistics, ask yourself: What subjects or activities excite me? Where do I naturally excel? If you’re leaning toward engineering because your parents suggested it but secretly love creative writing, that’s worth exploring. A degree plan should reflect your passions, not just external expectations.
Take inventory of your high school experiences. Did you thrive in math and science classes? Enjoy volunteering or leadership roles? Excel in art or coding clubs? These clues can help you identify fields where you’ll stay motivated. For example, if biology and chemistry are your jam, a pre-med track might make sense. If you’re drawn to problem-solving and technology, computer science could be a fit.
But here’s the catch: Interests evolve. What excites you at 17 might shift by 21. That’s why flexibility matters (more on that later).
Research Career Realities and Market Demand
Once you’ve narrowed down potential fields, dig into career outcomes. A degree plan isn’t just about coursework—it’s a stepping stone to a job or graduate school. Ask:
– What jobs are available in this field? Look at sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or LinkedIn for salary ranges, growth projections, and required qualifications.
– Does the degree require further education? Fields like law, medicine, or academia often need advanced degrees. Make sure you’re prepared for the time and financial commitment.
– Is the market oversaturated? Some industries, like graphic design or journalism, are competitive. This doesn’t mean you should avoid them—just be ready to hustle, network, or specialize.
For instance, a degree in nursing offers strong job security, but it requires clinical hours and licensing exams. A philosophy major, on the other hand, might lead to diverse paths like law, education, or public policy, but it’ll require proactive internships and skill-building.
Build Flexibility into Your Plan
Even the most well-researched degree plan can hit roadblocks. Maybe you’ll discover a new passion in college, struggle with required courses, or realize your dream job isn’t what you imagined. That’s why flexibility is key. Here’s how to bake it into your plan:
1. Leave room for electives. Use these to test-drive unrelated subjects. A business major might take a psychology class and discover a love for human behavior.
2. Consider a double major or minor. Pairing complementary fields (e.g., environmental science + public policy) can make you stand out to employers.
3. Look for interdisciplinary programs. Many schools offer degrees like “Data Science and Society” or “Cognitive Studies” that blend multiple interests.
4. Stay open to changing your major. Around 30% of undergraduates switch majors at least once. It’s normal!
A rigid plan can lead to burnout or regret. One student I know started as a pre-vet major, switched to agricultural economics after a fascinating internship, and now works in sustainable farming—a path she’d never initially considered.
Seek Advice from People Who’ve Been There
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Tap into these resources:
– College advisors: They’ll explain degree requirements, course sequences, and how to balance workloads.
– Professors or professionals in your field: Ask about their career journeys and what skills are essential.
– Older students or alumni: They can share honest feedback about courses, internships, or job prospects.
– Family and mentors: They know your strengths and can offer perspective, but remember—you get the final say.
Pro tip: If you’re eyeing a specific career, try job shadowing or informational interviews. Spending a day with a software engineer or high school teacher can clarify whether the day-to-day work aligns with your expectations.
Balance Ambition with Realism
Ambition is great, but be honest about your capacity. For example:
– Course load: Stacking five tough STEM classes in one semester might lead to burnout. Balance hard courses with electives or lighter credits.
– Extracurriculars: Clubs, sports, or part-time jobs enrich your resume, but overcommitting can hurt grades or mental health.
– Timeline: If you’re aiming to graduate early, ensure your plan includes summer classes or AP credits.
Also, consider your learning style. If you struggle with math, a finance degree requiring advanced calculus might become stressful. That doesn’t mean you should avoid challenges—just create a plan that supports your growth (e.g., tutoring, study groups).
Think About Financial Fit
College is a huge investment, so weigh costs against potential returns. Ask:
– Does this degree require a prestigious (and expensive) school? For many fields, skills and experience matter more than the college name.
– Are there scholarships or accelerated programs? Some schools offer combined bachelor’s/master’s tracks or partnerships with employers.
– What’s the earning potential? A teaching degree might bring personal fulfillment but require budgeting. An engineering degree could offer higher starting salaries.
This isn’t to say you should chase money over passion—but financial awareness helps avoid post-graduation surprises.
Final Check: Does Your Plan Allow You to Grow?
A good degree plan isn’t just about checking boxes for a job. It should help you develop critical thinking, communication, and adaptability—skills that matter in any career. Even if you change paths, the right plan teaches you how to learn and solve problems.
So, is your degree plan good? If it aligns with your current interests, has room to pivot, and prepares you for both your dream job and the unpredictable future, you’re on the right track. Keep researching, stay curious, and don’t stress if your plan evolves. After all, college is as much about discovering yourself as it is about earning a degree.
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