Changing Majors

[Asia2000]

Has anyone here changed their majors when they were close to finishing with their original choice? I was wondering how this experience might have left someone who has done it.

I am considering switching to doing something I've always wanted to do. I've always entertained the idea but am kind of scared to pursue it and "waste" time in college as the type of classes it requires aren't easy for me.

However, my friend wrote this quote down that made me think:

"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." -- Earl Nightingale

I get all inspired, then I think: Is staying in school longer the best way to pass my time?

Ok, that's what's plaguing my mind currently (well, one of the many things) - Comments? Stories?

I am the Queen of changing majors!
Freshman year- Business
Sophmore year- Political Science
Junior year - Languages (wanted to work for the United Nations)
Senior year - Sports Management (wanted to work for a major sports team)

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you have the patience and funds for a 5th year of college which I of course had to do with all my major changes. - - all my changes may sound flakey but I can speak two languages, talk a mean game of sports, balance a corporations checkbook and talk politics with the best! I feel pretty well-rounded.

Go with your heart! You won't regret it!

[DreamCatcher]

Yes you should. That quote is so true. I stayed at my undergrad institution 2 years longer than I should have just so I wouldn't "lose any credits." Well, I just about lost my mind by staying. Spend your time retaking classes and enjoying yourself rather than staring at the clock waiting for graduation to arrive.

D.C.

PS--How is your whole project going? Are you able to give an update?

[SoCalGirl]

I changed my major the 3rd qtr of my 4th year! I can't recomend it enough.

My gpa rose, I stopped skipping classes, and I actually enjoyed my homework.

It's better/easier to do it now than go back to school in a few years because you decide you can't stand your career!

ps It only took me 4 qtrs to finish the new major. So I graduated the next spring.

[Asia2000]

Oops, my mistake. I really thought I put this in the chit chat board. Moderator, sorry, feel free to switch it.

[Asia2000]

If I change, it will set me back 2 years minimum. I should be graduating this fall, if I stay.

Funds, well, the gov pretty much pays for everything for me. About the only benefit to being poor! I will still qualify for aid if I change.

Thanks for the encouragement. I am still not sure. Scary!

PS -- And I could give an update but I really don't want to. I am so innundated with the whole process, I don't want to talk about it. It's all going well. Having a great time (exhausting, but great!).

[dc1]

Asia2000-
I too changed major.. from BioChem with a minor in Physics to, now, pre-law minor in Business...
It was a big jump, put me a few years behind schedule, but I feel it was worth it in the long run. What is a few years in comparison to decades of doing something I wouldn't want to do for a living.

I say make the change now, enjoy your time in school...

Best of luck

[canadajen]

Originally posted by Asia2000:
Has anyone here changed their majors when they were close to finishing with their original choice? I was wondering how this experience might have left someone who has done it.

I am considering switching to doing something I've always wanted to do. I've always entertained the idea but am kind of scared to pursue it and "waste" time in college as the type of classes it requires aren't easy for me.

Asia2000,

I am right up there with ISU_XO, when she called herself the "Queen of changing majors"

At my juco:
Yr 1 - Science
Yr 2 - Social Sciences
Yr 3 - History

University
Yr 1 - International Relations (econ, history, poli sci)
Yr 2-4 - Sport Management (same as ISU_XO!)

When I left International Relations (quite a difficult program to get into at my school), I transferred faculties - from arts into Human Kinetics & began the Sport Management program. At my school, this program is quite stringent on which courses you must take - I only ended up with 30 transferable credits, (which is equal to only one year of credit).

I am now just finishing my 'senior' year (up here in Canada we generally refer to it as our fourth year, though that isn't the case for me!), and will come back for one more term in the fall to finish up two more courses & to kill time before the Salt Lake City Olympics in February - I REALLY want (& plan) to be working there!

Asia2000, as you can see, university really has been a long road for me. Do I regret it? Would I do it again if given the chance? HELL YEAH!! I followed my heart when I essentially went from senior status in International Relations, back to 1st/2nd year status in Sport Management, and I've never looked back!

My best advice is to do what you are the most passionate about, do what makes you happiest ... I did & am SOO happy that I did - I ended up pledging AGD in the first year of my new program (I was 22 at the time)

The quote that your friend send you is so very appropos ...

"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." -- Earl Nightingale

If you can afford it, I say GO FOR IT if that's what you truly want to do. Besides, it will give you more time in your house (if you are in one). If it's what you truly want to do, then it is NOT a waste of your time --we only have one chance at this thing they call life, make every second count!!

Be sure to let us know what you decide

ISU_XO,

Call me a little naive, but what school did (do) you attend ... Iowa St?? I'd love to hear about your experiences in sport management ... what are you (planning to) do after grad? have you done any internships??
Feel free to email me

With much Greek love,

Jennifer
Delta Zeta '97
Alpha Gamma Delta
University of British Columbia

[This message has been edited by canadajen (edited March 14, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by canadajen (edited March 14, 2001).]

Hey Jen- I sent you an email - sounds like you and I took the same path!

Take care! Sue

Major Freshman and Sophmore year- Kinesiology and Sports Studies

Junior and Senior year- Business Administration

I graduated with majors in both, but no minors or teacher certification. Since I only had a few classes left with the Kinesiology. Plus, I have more options. If I get tired of the business world, I can go into teaching. I've been told it doesn't hurt to get a teacher's certificate on the side, if you have time. That way, you know you can almost always find a job somewhere.