Majors, Minors and Concentrations

Students are typically asked to choose a major when going to college. Understanding choices beyond a major allows students to broaden their area of expertise and interests.

Majors: Your major is defined as the specific, primary area of study you will focus on during your college career. Typically, you don’t have to declare your major until the end of your second year to graduate on time. Anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of your classes will be within this area of study. Your major selection will appear on your official transcript. Coursework will move from introductory classes, through the intermediate level and on to advanced senior level in a cohesive arrangement. 

Minors:  A minor course of study is a set of classes, from 15 to 18 credit hours, designed to complement and enhance your choice of major. Some college majors require a minor, but typically, the choice of minor is an individual one for each student to consider. A minor can be your opportunity to explore a new subject of interest or add coursework that enriches your choice of major. Many colleges permit more than one minor and will identify that minor on the official transcript.

Concentrations: This is a coordinated group of coursework that represents a sub-specialization or emphasis within a specific major field of study. Concentrations are defined within your major and allow you to customize your experience. The selection of your concentration, sometimes called a ‘track,' will provide a potential employer with more information about your specific areas of interest and expertise.

Most high school students have no clear idea of what they want to study in college – they just know they want to get into a great college that will help them realize their unique goals and ambitions. 

When looking at colleges, it is important to review each listing of academic majors available. Is there more than one that draws your interest? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 80% of college students change their major at least once. As a nod to the understanding that many young people are unclear about their choice of major, some colleges are creating programs designed to encourage exploration across the range of liberal arts disciplines. One more great possibility for some hard-working and talented students is the completion of two majors – this is known as a double major. Careful attention to graduation requirements is critical to successful completion. 

The opportunity to broaden your undergraduate career by selecting a minor is easily available to most students. Colleges often offer many minors, and several allow students to complete more than one. It is important to work closely with your advisor to be sure that you graduate on time. Two strong reasons for selecting a minor are personal fulfillment and professional enhancement. It also reveals to a prospective employer that you are knowledgeable about several fields, thus making you a more desirable candidate.

Students who resist being ‘put in a box’ will be excited to review concentration options within their choice of major. This gives students the chance to choose something that matches their interests, allowing them to explore and gain expertise in a sub-specialization of their major. Examples include Tourism and Hospitality Management with a concentration in Destination and Event Management, English with a concentration in Science, Medicine, and Literature, and Business Management with concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Accounting. 

Have you heard of Shakespeare’s metaphor about the world being your oyster? Well in this case, a college degree can be your own personal pearl - to be selected, enhanced, and completed through a variety of course offerings, all designed to create a customized degree program that will reward you with both personal growth and professional opportunities. 

Comparing College Financial Aid Offers

After months of anticipation, your child’s college admissions decisions have arrived with great news. Congratulations!  But, before making a college choice, many families still have one more very important thing to do: compare the financial aid offers from all of the colleges to which their student has been admitted. 

Your family should receive financial aid and scholarship offers from your child’s colleges by April 1. If you have not received a financial aid offer from a college to which your child has been admitted to by that time, call the financial aid office immediately. 

Once you have received all of your child’s financial aid letters, the following three-step process can help your family accurately compare the offers and make a smart decision about which college to attend.

Step 1: Determine your total cost of attendance for each college 

While colleges provide estimates covering tuition, room, board, fees, and additional costs like books and personal expenses, these may not align with your family's actual expenses. Certain majors or distant locations may incur extra costs (e.g., lab fees, and travel expenses). Research specific factors like airfare, major-related expenses, and local living costs. Don't rely solely on the college's estimate; create your own "estimated total cost of attendance" for accurate comparison when evaluating financial aid offers.

Step 2: Compare your family’s out-of-pocket costs for each school

Every college expects each family to contribute something to their student’s education.  To make sure you’re accurately comparing what each college will cost your family, compare each of the following items from each financial aid letter one by one:

Student Aid Index (SAI): The SAI is used as a guide by college financial aid offices to determine how much aid a student is eligible to receive. This figure is determined by parental and student income and assets declared on the FAFSA.

Student Loans: Most financial aid offers from colleges will include student loans.  You may choose to turn down loans or only accept part of the loan amount offered.

Borrowing a manageable amount to cover college expenses can be a good plan.  However, the keyword is “manageable.”  All loans are not created equal.  Federal student loans tend to have the lowest interest rates and, for some types of Federal Student Loans, interest does not begin to accrue until six months after you graduate from college. Some colleges include private loans in their financial aid offers. The interest rates on private student loans are significantly higher than Federal student loans. Use caution when considering taking expensive private student loans, even for a “dream” college.

You’ll want to carefully consider the types of loans each college has offered you and make sure you and your child understand the full cost of each loan, including loan origination fees and interest costs over the life of the loan. 

Parent Loans: To help parents pay their expected share of college expenses, the Federal government offers loans for parents called PLUS loans. PLUS loans, if used wisely, can help cover tuition, but keep in mind that interest and monthly payments begin as soon as you sign for a PLUS loan. Again, you can turn down any PLUS loans in your financial aid offers, but you will need to make up the difference out of pocket. Make sure to understand the terms and interest rate if you do borrow. 

Federal Work Study: Federal Work Study helps cover personal expenses and books by providing on-campus jobs. Students earn up to the awarded amount, contingent on finding a work-study job and working sufficient hours. Failure to meet the criteria affects the financial aid offer. Work Study funds are not available until the student begins working. Despite this, it offers valuable resume-building opportunities. Research indicates that students working 10-15 hours per week, the typical work-study commitment, often achieve better grades. Calculate the total of SAI, loans, and Work Study for each college, and subtract from the cost of attendance to determine the family's "out-of-pocket" cost.

Step 3: Consider the “free” money in each financial aid offer

After assessing out-of-pocket costs, focus on the "free" money offered by each college, such as grants and merit scholarships. Grants act as a discount on total attendance costs and don't require repayment. Be aware of GPA requirements for scholarships.

However, don't base decisions solely on grants and scholarships; prioritize total out-of-pocket costs from Step 2. The college with the most significant scholarship may not be the least expensive. Comparing offers accurately is crucial for an informed decision. Contact financial aid offices for clarification, and once you determine costs for four years, make a family decision for the most sensible choice.

What are you Doing this Summer?

Admissions officers want to see that students have spent some of their summer productively. As you explore options, remember to engage in something you are interested in or passionate about rather than choosing a program because you think it will look good on your college application.

With so many options, students need to keep in mind that there’s not one “best” summer activity. If you find something you are excited about doing, you’re likely to experience the kind of personal growth that makes for interesting college applications.

Some colleges allow high school students to attend summer sessions, where they can study subjects that are not offered in high school, explore possible college majors, and earn transferable college credits. 

Choosing a residential summer class housed at a university is a great way to experience life away from home. Living with a roommate and even doing one’s own laundry can help students feel more independent and self-confident. Many enrichment programs don’t offer college credit but do provide an opportunity for students to pursue their interests. Students who want to perfect their Spanish may want a homestay in Spain or Latin America. A budding engineer might enjoy a camp where they build robots. 

For others, community service is the way to create a meaningful summer experience. The Student Conservation Association sends crews of six to eight students with two adult leaders to national parks, forests, and urban green spaces to hike trails, build shelters, fight invasive species, and protect wildlife habitats.

Of course, you don’t have to travel across the country to be involved in community service. Many local organizations also offer the opportunity to stay involved throughout the school year.

Some students need or want to earn money over the summer. Having a job can help you learn how to work with people, prioritize tasks, and manage time. Earning a paycheck can also provide a wonderful boost to self-esteem.

Summer jobs can also offer opportunities to explore career interests. If a student wants to be a veterinarian, a job at an animal hospital is an excellent way to see what’s involved in being a vet. Working as a camp counselor is great for students interested in teaching or psychology.

Some students create their own summer programs. A prospective science major might contact professors at local colleges doing interesting research and see if they could use some help in the lab over the summer. This can be a way for a student to check out if microbiology is really where she’s headed, and if things go well, ask for a recommendation letter. Internship spots fill early; contact prospective mentors now.

There's Good Info in College Admissions Office Blogs

Reading an admissions blog can give both parents and teens an honest view of the admissions process at a particular college. Instead of listening to other parents or friends, whose information will not be comparable to your unique situation and therefore will be inaccurate, blogs give you facts from Directors of Admission and current students. They are a way to get an idea of what makes each college unique and interesting. Blogs can put a human face on the institutional facade.

Student blogs usually cover information and insights into student life, academics and the culture at the college. High school students who are reading about the experiences of their peers might feel less stressed and better manage expectations of what college life will be like. Knowing that others have overcome challenges and still achieved their academic goals can be inspirational.

The blogs written by admissions deans offer years of experience and help eliminate myths that a parent or teen may believe. Since the world of college admissions is constantly changing, blogs can inform readers with information on current trends. There may also be details about the application timeline, required documents, and tips for making a strong application.

Here is a list of reader-worthy blogs. Even if there isn’t a college that interests you in this sampling, it may be worth reading some of them to gain a better understanding of college admissions. Some of the blogs could even make you laugh. Realize that the blogs reflect the writer’s perspectives, and will vary according to their institution and experiences.

Georgia Tech Admission Blog

Admissions Blog at Illinois

Tulane University Office of Undergrad Admissions blog

Jon Boeckenstedt, Oregon State University

University of Virginia Admissions Blog

Tufts Inside Admissions

MIT Admissions

Steps to Success for High School Students

In the midst of worrying about college admissions, it can be easy to forget that your high school years aren’t just about getting into college. High school is an important time for developing the life skills necessary to do well in college and into adulthood. Here are five ways parents can help their high schoolers prepare for success in college.

Help your child choose the appropriate level of academic challenge. High school academics lay the foundation for academic success in college. However, this doesn’t mean that piling on a full slate of AP courses is right for every teen.  Encourage your child to make thoughtful course selections, taking into account both individual strengths and weaknesses, and a reasonable work-life balance. Also discuss how high school coursework aligns with what your student will be studying in college. For instance, strong quantitative skills are a requirement to do well in many college courses; taking math through senior year in high school can help make the transition to those courses go more smoothly, and is essential for all students planning a STEM major.

Cut the reins. It’s nice to be needed, but as your child nears the end of high school, your goal as a parent should be to be needed less. Gradually give your child more freedom to make their own decisions and manage their own schedule: for instance, making and attending a doctor's appointment alone, picking up a prescription from the pharmacy or dealing with a difficult coach. Sure, it’s likely that your child will make a few mistakes along the way, but it will be better to make those mistakes – and learn how to fix them – before going to college. 

Make reading a family affair. There are ways that you can help your child continue to develop the strong reading skills needed in college. Clip or email articles that might interest your child and suggest you discuss them. Ask questions about the books read in English class: What do you like about the book? What have you learned?  Better yet, get a copy of a few of the same books, read them yourself, and talk to your child about your thoughts and impressions of the books.  

Travel. College introduces students to many new ideas, cultures, and ways of doing things. Travel is a great way to help your teen get comfortable with new environments and people. You don’t have to go all the way to Europe on a fancy trip for your child to reap the rewards. Even a quick trip to a new city an hour or two from home can help your child begin to see how to approach the larger world that awaits them in college. 

Teach life skills. Academic success is important, but in order to live independently in college, your teen still needs to know how to do laundry, balance a checkbook, and make simple meals.   Make a list of all of the basic day-to-day tasks you do for your child today, and gradually teach your child how to do each one on the list. Along with practical skills, teens should also work on the communication skills that are essential when living with a roommate. Coping with their emotions and interpersonal skills are also important as they venture into their new environment. Don’t wait until the summer before college to get started. The sooner your child is able to confidently handle these tasks, the easier the transition to college will be.

Dealing with Deferrals

Early decision, early action, and priority applicants receive admission decisions in a time frame that coincides with the holidays. Some will be thrilled with acceptance, others disappointed by being denied, and still others left in limbo by a letter deferring the decision until a later time.  While disappointing, a deferral is actually a “maybe;” it’s important to stay positive and proactive. 

Understand that each college has its own institutional priorities. A deferral is their way of expressing that they want to measure you against the applicants who apply for regular decision. If this is a college that you are really excited about attending, understanding what the admission committee would like to see from you is essential.

Colleges may defer applicants because they need more information to make a decision.  Sometimes, the applicant’s grades may be in question; the admission committee would like to see some senior year grades before acting on your application.  A strong showing in challenging senior classes will help sway the committee to “accept.”  Have your mid year grades sent as soon as they are available to your designated admissions officer at your college.  Be sure to tell your school college counselor about any new achievements (academic and co-curricular) so they can mention these in their mid-year report.

Read the college’s deferral letter carefully; it will state exactly what type of updated information they would welcome.  Do not send information they are not seeking, and follow their requirements to the letter. If you’ve retaken the SAT or ACT in winter, have the testing agency send the new scores to the college.  If you have applied for Test Optional, inquire if other additional information might be helpful. Another strong recommendation letter (perhaps from a senior year teacher or an employer), copies of articles you’ve written for the newspaper, or other more recent evidence of achievement could be sent to support your application. But always send only what the college requests.

Sometimes, the decision is determined by circumstances that are beyond your control.  The college may be looking to increase diversity or, perhaps, has too many qualified applicants from your region.  You may be able to influence the final decision by letting “Deferral U” know your interest in attending. If appropriate, write directly to the admission officer in charge of your region, expressing your continued interest in attending and asking if any additional information would be helpful. 

Stay resilient and rethink all of your college options—many other colleges on your list are a perfect fit! Your journey doesn't end with a deferral; it can be an opportunity for personal and academic growth.

What's Next After Submitting Applications

Your applications are in and you are enjoying that wonderful feeling of relief that comes with the last early submission, but don’t put away those usernames and passwords just yet. Make sure to check your emails at least weekly, as well as the specific application portals for each college. Do not panic if you are notified that your application is incomplete, as the missing document probably has not been logged into the system yet by your high school. 

If you are applying for financial aid, make sure you are submitting required documents such as the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.

Be sure to keep up with schoolwork. Even if you have been accepted early at your favorite school, an offer of admission is always contingent upon successful completion of senior year. If your grades are significantly lower or you have lightened your course load, you could be jeopardizing your admission. Be sure to notify the admission office if you decide to drop a class or make any other changes to your schedule than what was noted in your application.

Some colleges will request interviews after you have submitted your application. Make sure to be prepared by practicing your interview skills. You may be asked to discuss your interests and experiences. Make sure you can answer the question about why you want to attend that particular school. It is also a good idea to have questions prepared for the interviewer. If you are invited to an interview and would like to prepare with your Journey Ahead counselor, feel free to text us or set a meeting to discuss.

Most importantly, celebrate your achievements despite the outcome of admission decisions. Be open to alternate plans. Sometimes they work out better than you expect.

It will likely be a few months before you learn whether you’ve been admitted. Try not to obsess about upcoming decisions. You have put your best foot forward, and it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work during high school.

Determining Academic Strength of a College's Major/Department

When considering which schools to apply to, it is important to understand that different institutions specialize in different fields of study. Understanding the academic direction you’d like to pursue is a key factor in selecting your future college, as some majors may be stronger than others in a particular school. Here are some pointers on how to determine the strength of a department at each college or university:

Courses: Look at how many undergraduate courses are offered through the department, as opposed to cross-listed courses from outside the department that still fulfill requirements. Are there courses dedicated to your department only as a way to ensure specialized time and attention is devoted to your major? Additionally, check if the department offers specializations and/or concentrations in the 3rd and 4th years. Research each concentration to see if it interests you. The availability of concentrations demonstrates the breadth and depth of the major.

Funding: Check to see if there are grants available for students to perform research within each department. If a department offers ample scholarship and grant opportunities, it not only reflects their budget, but also their commitment to allocating a portion of those funds to benefit students. Furthermore, research the sources of these funds (i.e. The National Endowment for the Arts or National Science Foundation). Certain foundations, due to their prestige, may generate more funding for department amenities and grants. You can compare grant and award availability by searching for your desired college or university on http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator.

Faculty: Research the faculty members in your desired department to determine if their work and experience aligns with your interests. You can check the department’s size to see if it consists of just a handful of members or a substantial team. It is also helpful to connect directly with the departments at various schools and set meetings with faculty. This can give insight into the accessibility of faculty members and their willingness to make time for students.

Publications: Publishing work is difficult and takes a substantial amount of time and effort. Delving into this realm to see which faculty members within the department have research published may sound meticulous, but it may be worth your time to determine the reputation of the school’s major and its professors.

Each department and each college or university is unique and possesses its own distinctive characteristics. Some may have strengths where others have limitations. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each college and university’s department in order to determine which is the best fit for you academically.