You’re in the wrong major

(Photo by Cristina Ruchetta)
(Photo by Cristina Ruchetta)

Looking back, applying for university was one of the most stressful moments in my life. What do I want to go for? Will the work be hard? What if I hate it?

For numerous Laurier students, some worries about choosing a program became a reality upon starting their university careers. For some, the program they chose just wasn’t what they thought it would be. If you find yourself in this difficult position, you may want to seriously consider changing programs.

Doing this earlier rather than later can save you from extra years of schooling and a lot of wasted time. But how do you know if you really are in the wrong program? What if you are just having a bad day? There is a way to tell the difference between the two.

If any of the points from the list below apply to you, you should probably consider switching gears.

You’d rather stick needles in your eyes than do a reading
If you’re passionate about your program, your readings shouldn’t be always tedious. We all get that one professor who always picks the worst stuff to read, but for the most part, you should find your readings engaging. If you are not engaging with the materials, then maybe find what you would much rather read as course material.

You chose your program based on a family member’s opinion
If your parents really wanted you to be a successful CEO, but all you can dream about is being the next Justin Bieber (minus the multiple arrests), then chances are you chose your program based on opinions that were forced upon you, not what you actually want to do. Be your own person and enroll in the classes that you are passionate about, not what your parents expect of you. If they love you, then they will support you no matter what you want for a career.

You’re failing most of your required courses
Don’t get me wrong, we all slip at one time or another, but if you are truly passionate about what you’re learning, getting average marks shouldn’t be too far of a stretch. If you find your core courses for your program to be going way over your head, it may be time to reconsider the path you have chosen.

You hate all of your professors
Once again, we all at some point in our university careers get that one professor that we just don’t mesh well with, but if you find yourself hating every single professor that is in your program, there might be a problem. You should find yourself respecting your profs, and maybe even hoping that one day you’ll be as knowledgeable on the subject as they are.

Your program makes you unhappy
In my opinion, this is the grand ultimatum. You can be really good at something and even get good marks, but in the end, if it doesn’t make you happy, then why do it?

I know, I know, sometimes you have to be practical. A certain subject could have a really great job market, but if you’re completely miserable in that field, then the time is now to switch to something you’re a lot happier with.

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