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TEST TAKING STRATEGIES
College is the opportunity to chart the course of the rest of your life. It begins with the important decision of "what to major in." Many students enter college with a major already selected. However, most students either change their major or are undeclared and have to decide on what to major. Either way, college is the time to explore your interests and determine what major or career area ignites your passion. Some steps that will help you find your major are:
Understand And Think About Your Learning Style - many majors require skills that correspond with particular learning styles. Knowing your style can help you narrow down or identify majors that suit your strengths versus those that will require additional skill building to enter it.
Take Your Core Classes - taking a variety of classes allows you to explore your interests and branch out into new academic areas. Take some courses in a field that has always held your interest.
Work Closely With Your Academic Advisor - begin discussions about your interests and potential majors, even if you have already selected one. Your advisor is knowledgeable about the breath of courses offered at the university and can assist you in making wise choices. Review the college catalog with your advisor and explore the various majors offered.
Work Closely With Faculty Members - faculty have a wealth of information regarding their academic areas and are able to explain the requirements of, and working conditions in, their field. Many faculty are also very interested in mentoring eager, talented students.
Take Career Assessments - meet with the staff at the Office of Career Development Services (215-204-7981) and take an interest inventory and the Discover Program. Review the Occupational Outlook Handbook to gain an understanding of various careers. Discuss your results with a staff member.
Talk With Someone In The Field - ask your contacts (advisor, faculty, Career Services, Alumni Relations Office) for the names of people working in the field. Introduce yourself, make and appointment, and discuss (in person or on the phone) what they majored in, how did they got such a position, what their job is like on a daily basis, what is enjoyable and not so enjoyable about the work, future trends, and other important areas/conditions surrounding the field. Find out what the job and field is really like.
Examine The Majors That Interest You - do your homework. Explore the requirements of the major, meet with a staff or faculty member in the department, and plan the sequence of course should you major in this area.
Tie It All Together - after gathering your information, doing your research, and meeting with individuals, where does this lead you? Consider, do the potential major(s) excite you - does the class content stimulate you? Does your interest and skills align themselves with your chosen major and future profession? If so, you may have found the right one.
Most importantly, do not decide on a major for the potential money, prestige, or job prospects, although they are definite considerations, there are other things to consider. This is your life and you are the one who has to live it out. Make a choice that leads you toward the life and profession that excites you - that you can spend the next 30 years doing.