How to choose majors and universities for undergraduate study in the United States? What do you recommend? "Choosing a major is like the college entrance examination every day", a professional "secret" circulating in China University, which is also applicable to foreign students choosing a major. As one of the important decisions in life, studying abroad is not only related to what students will learn, but also measures the value of studying abroad from the aspects of internship and employment.
Studying in the United States is not to follow the trend, but to choose schools and majors in a planned way, which is in line with personal development plans. In addition to the comprehensive ranking of institutions, we should pay more attention to ranking, popularity, employment prospects and students' personal sense of self-worth.
So, how to choose a major when studying in the United States? What should I pay attention to when choosing a major?
Of course, you have to know the settings and professional arrangements of American colleges and universities before you decide your major.
The premise of choosing a major
American universities often set up liberal arts colleges, engineering colleges, business schools and characteristic colleges. When applying for a major, you can start with understanding the institutions.
Familiar with university major
There are 26 majors in American universities, which are agriculture, architecture, biological science, commerce, education, engineering, health, legal research, communication, computer and information engineering, engineering science, English language and literature, family and consumer science, humanities, language, mathematics, interdisciplinary research, natural resources and protection, leisure and entertainment, physics and prevention.
Among them, each major will be subdivided into many categories. According to the statistics of CIP (Classification of Teaching Plans) in the United States, there are currently more than 1200 majors to choose from, among which there are roughly 200 majors in the undergraduate stage.
Sometimes the content of a word will vary widely, so you must be careful when choosing a major!
The importance of choosing a major
For undergraduate majors studying in the United States, you can choose a major from the aspects of the level of the institution you apply for, your own background, your interests, and the difficulty of admission. The chosen major will directly affect students' classes, internships and other links. If there is an error in course selection and time, graduation will be delayed by 1-2 semesters.
Tips
In many cases, during their stay in the United States, students will have about three opportunities to re-choose their major in employment, or they can choose their own major through minor and double major.
Since choosing a major is so important, how can we choose a good major?
1) Employment orientation
Studying abroad is not only to broaden your horizons, but also an important preparation stage for entering the workplace and getting a better future. Therefore, students can choose a major that can realize personal value and gain growth according to the current college rankings, professional rankings and popular majors. Such as engineering, computers, big data, blockchain, health management, preschool education and so on.
Many internships and jobs need professional counterparts, so you must be clear about your direction when applying.
2) Meet your own interests
If you want to turn your hobbies into future jobs, you can choose related majors and have more fun in in-depth exploration.
3) Explore your own interests
Suitable for students who have not yet fully determined their future major. You might as well find a major that suits you better while exploring in the general education class.
Tips:
Some universities require that the application form must indicate the major direction, so the major must be indicated when applying.
You can choose the "undetermined-undetermined" option when you are uncertain, but you need a general direction, otherwise the admissions officer will hesitate to admit students.
After the major is clear, there may be a phenomenon of changing majors due to the change of interest direction and professional courses, so make preparations in advance.
Recommended institutions and majors for studying in the United States
1, Princeton University
Dominant majors: economics, politics, mathematics, English language and literature, physics, history, philosophy, environmental engineering, sociology, computer engineering, ecology, textile light industry, information system, statistics, computer science, software engineering, biostatistics, operation management, chemical engineering, geophysics, atmospheric science, psychology, etc.
Recommended reason: one of the richest universities in America, so, you know; The admission policy emphasizes personal character and has little to do with personal background.
2. Harvard University
Advantages: African Studies, Anthropology, Mathematics, Physics, Archaeology, Architecture, Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, Engineering, English, European Studies, Politics, History, Linguistics, Music, Neurobiology, Oceanography, Philosophy, Psychology, Sanskrit and Indian Studies, Sociology, Statistics.
Recommended reason: the undergraduate professional education level is the top in the world, and the scholarship policy is the same; Your application status does not affect your admission chances.
3. University of Chicago
Advantages: anthropology, astronomy, earth science, economics, geography, history, linguistics, physics, statistics, sociology, theology, finance, strategy, international business, entrepreneurship, comprehensive management, economics, accounting, marketing, Latin, linguistics, Portuguese, Russian, Scandinavian, Slavic, South Asian, Spanish, history, etc. Jewish studies, religious studies, chemistry, physics, psychology, public policy analysis, anthropology, economics, geography, international relations, politics, sociology.
Recommended reason: in the paradise of intellectuals, you wouldn't expect the music department to learn calculus; One of the most competitive universities in America.
4. Yale University
Advantages: American studies, drama art, cultural studies, architecture, history, French, biochemistry, English, ecology, classical literature, astronomy, linguistics, biology, ancient Greece and music.
Recommended reason: don't put on airs, don't think about "Harvard" that is better than others everywhere; If you want to enter Yale, you must first ensure that your SAT score is not less than 700.
5. Columbia University
Advantages: arbitration, secondary education, intellectual property law, politics, English, medical school, psychology, primary education, physics, civil engineering, special education, tax law, marketing, biomedicine/bioengineering, production and operation management, sociology, social work, history, curriculum and teaching, economics, finance, financial economics, financial engineering, educational policy, educational psychology. Mechanical engineering, classical literature and ancient history, geography, earth science, education, law, public health, medical technology, clinical medicine, business and economy, engineering technology, life science, art and humanities, social science, clinic and health.
Highlight: If you want to receive a first-class education and experience life in the best city in the world, Columbia University is the best choice. Brother, you deserve a full scholarship!
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Advantages: Electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, economics, philosophy, political science, architecture and other majors.
Recommended reason: recognized as the best university of science and technology in the world, it attaches great importance to the teaching of natural science and engineering; Every MIT student knows what he wants and is passionate about life and career planning.
7. Stanford University
Advantages: computer science, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, environmental engineering, biological engineering, computer system engineering, product design, urban research, architectural design, mathematics and computer science, aerospace, energy and resource engineering, management and engineering, material science and engineering, biomechanical engineering, geological engineering, hydrology.
Highlight: The first real "American University" established by China people themselves; 79% of Stanford's courses only accommodate 29 students or less. ...
8. University of Pennsylvania
Dominant majors: biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, biochemistry, statistics, environmental research, earth science, biomedicine, accounting, management, marketing, business administration, health care management, real estate, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering, materials science and engineering, computer engineering, nursing, health care management, biomedicine, health and society, politics, etc.
Recommended reason: not only for the human body, but also for its soul; At Penn, no one feels guilty about playing ball.
9. Duke University
Advantages: biological science, statistics, humanities, computer science, political science, public policy, history, chemistry, electronic engineering, biomedical engineering, medical department, law school, business school.
Recommended reason: the most prestigious private university in the southern United States, there is no reason in the world that you can't fall in love with it; In Duke, there is only what you want to learn, and there is nothing you can't learn.
10, California Institute of Technology
Advantages: aeronautics, applied mathematics, applied mechanics, applied physics, astronomy, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer and network system, computer science, electronic engineering, engineering science, environmental engineering science, environmental quality control and measurement, geology, planetary science, humanities, material science, mathematics, mechanical engineering physics, social science, etc.
Recommended reason: the world's top scientific and technological institutions; One of the most important research centers in the world; Joining Caltech theoretically means that you are still four years away from your ideal life.