Locus of Control and Your Life

Locus of Control and Your Life Theories Personality Psychology Print Locus of Control and Your Life By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on May 25, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on December 07, 2019 Mami Gibbs / Getty Images More in Theories Personality Psychology Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Social Psychology Biological Psychology Psychosocial Psychology In This Article Table of Contents Expand Definition Internal vs. External Locus of Control Impact How to Determine Yours View All Back To Top Locus of control refers to the extent to which people feel that they have control over the events that influence their lives. When you are dealing with a challenge in your life, do you feel that you have control over the outcome?  Or  do you believe that you are simply at the hands of outside forces? If you believe that you have control over what happens, then you have what psychologists refer to as an internal locus of control. If you believe that you have no control over what happens and that external variables are to blame, then you have what is known as an external locus of control. Your locus of control can influence not only how you respond to the events that happen in your life, but also your motivation to take action. If you believe that you hold the keys to your fate, you are more likely to take action to change your situation when needed. If on the other hand, you believe that the outcome is out of your hands, you may be less likely to work toward change. What Is Locus of Control? A locus of control orientation is a belief about whether the outcomes of our actions are contingent on what we do (internal control orientation) or on events outside our personal control (external control orientation), explained psychologist Philip Zimbardo in his 1985 book Psychology and Life. In 1954, psychologist Julian Rotter suggested that our behavior was controlled by rewards and punishments and that it was these consequences for our actions that determined our beliefs about the underlying causes of these actions. Our beliefs about what causes our actions then influence our behaviors and attitudes. In 1966, Rotter published a scale designed to measure and assess external and internal locus of control. The scale utilizes a forced-choice between two alternatives, requiring respondents to choose just one of two possibilities for each item. While the scale has been widely used, it has also been the subject of considerable criticism from those who believe that locus of control cannot be fully understood or measured by such a simplistic scale. Internal vs. External Locus of Control It is important to note that locus of control is a continuum. No one has a 100 percent external or internal locus of control. Instead, most people lie somewhere on the continuum between the two extremes. These are characteristics of people with dominant internal or external locus of control. Internal Locus of Control Are more likely to take responsibility for their actions Tend to be less influenced by the opinions of other people Often do better at tasks when they are allowed to work at their own pace Usually, have a strong sense of  self-efficacy Tend to work hard to achieve the things they want Feel confident in the face of challenges Tend to be physically healthier Report being happier and more independent Often achieve greater success in the workplace External Locus of Control Blame outside forces for their circumstances Often credit luck or chance for any successes Dont believe that they can change their situation through their own efforts Frequently feel hopeless or powerless in the face of difficult situations Are more prone to experiencing  learned helplessness What Role Does Your Locus of Control Play in Your Life? Internal locus of control is often used synonymously with self-determination and personal agency. Research has suggested that men tend to have a higher internal locus of control than women and that locus of control tends to become more internal as people grow older. Experts have found that, in general, people with an internal locus of control tend to be better off. However, it is also important to remember that internally does not always equal good and external does not  always equal bad.  In some situations, an external locus of control can actually be a good thing, particularly if a persons level of competence in a particular area is not very strong. For example, a person who is terrible at sports might feel depressed or anxious about their performance if they have a strong internal locus of control. If the person thinks, Im bad at sports and I dont try hard enough, they might feel stressed out in situations where they need to participate in athletics, such as during a physical education class. If this person takes an external focus during such activities (The game is too hard! or The sun was in my eyes!), they will probably feel more relaxed and less stressed. Do You Have an External or Internal Locus of Control? Where does your locus of control fall on the continuum? Read through the statements below and select the set that best describes your outlook on life: Outlook 1 I often feel that I have little control over my life and what happens to me.People rarely get what they deserve.It isnt worth setting goals or making plans because too many things can happen that are outside of my control.Life is a game of chance.Individuals have little influence over the events of the world. If the statements above best reflect your view on life, then you probably tend to have an external locus of control. Outlook 2 If you work hard and commit yourself to a goal, you can achieve anything.There is no such thing as fate or destiny.If you study hard and are well-prepared, you can do well on exams.  Luck has little to do with success; its mostly a matter of dedication and effort.In the long run, people tend to get what they deserve in life. If the statements above best reflect your outlook on life, then you most likely have an internal locus of control. A Word From Verywell Your locus of control can have a major impact on your life, from how you cope with stress to your motivation to take charge of your life. In many cases, having an internal locus of control can be a good thing. It means that you believe that your own actions have an impact. If you tend to have more of an external locus of control, you might find it helpful to start actively trying to change how you view situations and events. Rather than viewing yourself as simply a passive bystander who is caught up in the flow of life, think about actions you can take that will have an impact on the outcome.

Juvenile Crime Essay example - 975 Words

Juvenile Crime Introduction nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Every year, millions of juveniles are involved in criminal activities. According to statistics, as of 1999, the arrest rate for juvenile crime has dropped from its peak in the mid-1990’s. Statistics about juvenile crime have shown a steady increase of juvenile arrests from 1987 to 1994. Although overall crime rates have decreased since 1994, they are still above what they were in 1980. The following paragraphs and charts show the crime rates of specific crimes committed by juveniles. Statistics on Juvenile Crime Rates In the year of 1999, law enforcement agencies made an estimated 2.5 million convictions of persons under the age of 18. There were 28,000 arrests for robbery,†¦show more content†¦Statistics on Juvenile Court Case Flow Of every 1,000 petitioned adjudicated delinquency cases handled in 1997, 177 resulted in formal probation and 94 resulted in residential placement following adjudication. In many formally handled delinquency cases that did not result in juvenile court adjudication, the youth agreed to informal services or sanctions, including out-of-home placement, informal probation, and other dispositions such as restitution. In a small number of cases (13 of 1,000), the juvenile was adjudicated but the court closed the case with a stayed or suspended sentence, warned and released the youth, or perhaps required the youth to write an essay. In such cases, the juvenile is not under any continuing court supervision. Although juvenile courts handled more than 4 in 10 delinquency cases without the filing of a formal petition, more than half of these cases received some form of court sanction, including probation or other dispositions such as restitution, community service, or referral to another agency. (http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ojstatbb/delinquencytotal.html) Note: All of the above graphs and charts were based on info from the OJJDP website. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Our group’s opinion on juvenile crimes is that we think that someone who commits a serious crime like robbery, murder, assault and rape, knows what they are doing is wrong. If a thirteen year old or even a ten yearShow MoreRelatedJuvenile Crime And Juvenile Crimes1437 Words   |  6 Pagestoday is juvenile crime. Today the juvenile involvement in crime occurs for many different reasons in many different places. Ages still in the single digits all the way through 17 are committing illegal juvenile acts each and every day. Some of these crimes are done on purpose and with an intent and some of the crimes are done on total accident. Juveniles all over America in all different places are committing crime today and as you read this there are juveniles somewhere out committing crimes. â€Å"TheRead MoreJuvenile Crimes And Juvenile Crime1620 Words   |  7 PagesJuvenile Crimes Juvenile crime occurs when a person violates the criminal law under the age of majority (in most states it’s 18). The juvenile system is way different than the adult system. When a juvenile commits a crime there are legal consequences for their actions depending on what he/she did. Sometimes the system can put them in rehabilitation or a detention center. If the offense is minor, the juvenile could be released to the custody of a parent or legal guardian. In the United StatesRead MoreJuvenile Crimes Of Juveniles1055 Words   |  5 Pagesof anyone who has been a victim of a major crime? I live near the nation’s capitol and our local news channel carries stories about people meeting this fate every day. The worst part is that the criminal is often under the age of eighteen. In 2016, in Washington, D.C. alone, there were 3,278 juveniles arrested for criminal activity (â€Å"Biannual Reports†). I find myself wondering if that criminal will be tried as an adult or merely spend time in juvenile detention. I wonder if the child understandsRead MoreJuvenile Crimes1247 Words   |  5 PagesJuvenile crime is a growing problem that endangers virtually every American. Juvenile delinquency is enormously damaging to the health and well-being of the nations families and communities. A juvenile crime can consist of DUI, robbery, rape, minor in possession, weapon in possession anything an adult can be charged with. Individuals under the age of eighteen who commit these crimes can be charged as a juvenile delinquent. Statistics show that most juveniles that commit crimes are in a gang; weatherRead MoreJuvenile Crime And Juvenile Delinquency1322 Words   |  6 PagesVersion). Juvenile crime, in law, term denoting various offense committed by children or youth under the age of 18. U.S. official crime reported that in the mid-1900’s â€Å"about one-fifth of all persons arrested for crimes were under the age of 18† (Funk Wagnalls, 2014). Such acts are sometimes referred to as juvenile delinquency (Funk Wagnalls, 2014. Offering constructive programs reduces juvenile delinquency and reduces recidivism. â€Å"From the beginning, the principal consideration of the juvenile courtsRead MoreJuvenile Crime And Juvenile Delinquency1458 Words   |  6 PagesDay in and day out residents and visitors to the Boston area are affected by juvenile crime and delinquency. Though the crime rates in MA and across the nation are on a steady decline, these juvenile crimes are still considered a serious matter that needs attention. It is thought that juvenile offenders do not cope as well with the criminal justice system as well as adults may be able to and therefore there needs to be a focus on how the system can better aid in the rehabilitation of these youthfulRead MoreJuvenile Sentencing : Juvenile Crime Essay793 Words   |  4 Pages Juvenile Sentencing Juvenile crime has skyrocketed to an all-time high, mainly in the big cities. The major problem is kids doing crimes and not being punish severely enough due to the lack of sentencing. Today’s generation knows how to beat the system because of the sentencing guidelines. Most of the kids in Florida knew that a simple misdemeanor charge they could be released the next day. During the years from 1997-2013 the amount of kids committed to juvenile facilities has dropped fromRead MoreCrime And Juvenile And Adult Crimes1019 Words   |  5 PagesStates, there is a lot of dispute between what the qualifications are for juvenile and adult crimes. Some believe that the only difference is age. Others say it is the severity of the crime. It’s obvious that when adults commit crimes, whether they are a misdemeanor offense or a felony, they pay for it. The confliction comes when a juvenile commits a crime. What exactly determines if they are tried as an adult or a juvenile? Does i t vary by state-to-state? Are there federal laws that govern that debateRead MoreJuvenile Violent Crime And Juvenile Crime Rates1720 Words   |  7 Pagesadults, depending on the crime they committed. Punishments even included death if the juvenile was deemed to be past the point of help. Later on courts were geared more towards rehabilitation than punishment. Reform movements came along and parents could send their children off to reformatories to live and work as part of their rehabilitation. Due to poor living and working conditions many of these places were closed down. Soon after the Progressive Era, the first juvenile court system was openedRead MoreJuvenile Justice : Juvenile Crime1035 Words   |  5 PagesStephani Portillo Honors English 10b Branson,6 May 19,2017 Juvenile Justice As juvenile crime increases over the years due to gang activity, bullying, etc. many offenders are given a life sentence without parole. There isn t a clear boundary that marks at what age should they be treated as adults because the severity of their action always effects that. Should a 6-year-old be convicted with life in prison or should they let them go? Is a 16-year-old enough to be charged with murder like an adult

Top Pros and Cons Essay Topics Secrets

Top Pros and Cons Essay Topics Secrets All the advantages and disadvantages listed will need no less than a sentence to present each. You're able to have a look at some tips for your benefits and disadvantages essay below. Deciding upon a debatable topic makes it possible for you to pick a balanced number of advantages and disadvantages. In the instance of achieving goals, it's worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of the competitive procedure. For instance, if you're writing about the advantages and disadvantages of having a dog, your conclusion might incorporate a sentence like I think that the benefits of having a dog far outweigh the cons. Whether to utilize Facebook can be a controversial subject of debate. Locating the perfect topic is step one. There's no location for any arguments or opinions here you just have to present the facts. While there are many benefits of Social networking both regarding connectivity and fame it can bring to you, there are only a few disadvantages of it, too. Globalization denotes the aspect of global integration. The 30-Second Trick for Pros and Cons Essay Topics Ideally, each point needs to be described by a few sentences for the reader to have no misunderstandings. Some folks argue that it ought to be eliminated from the present society while some argue that it ought to be legalized. Our crew of professional writers with the required experience and writing skills is always pr epared to fulfill your demands and exceed your expectations. First you are going to answer a string of questions regarding your situation and your targets. What Pros and Cons Essay Topics Is - and What it Is Not Our free tips can help you to receive through all kinds of essays. Citations and extracts from assorted sources have to be formatted properly. Even if you're a specialist in a particular field, don't be afraid to use and cite external sources. Anyway, direct and indirect quotes are necessary to support your understanding of academic writing style. Pros and Cons Essay Topics - Dead or Alive? The cost of an essay is dependent upon the total amount of effort the writer has to exert. Quite simply, the essay should say how you intend to get ready for class. The decision of your essay should have an overview of the chief theme. At exactly the same time, it's a terrific persuasive essay idea. Conclusion In conclusion it's my opinion that war is quite bad although sometimes likely to war is essential as a way to help people. A conclusion is, undoubtedly, the main portion of the argumentative essay because you can either support the great impression or destroy it entirely. Your conclusion should state the matter and the reason it is vital. It is the clincher and may take more than one paragraph. Finally, playing online games results in a severe gaming addiction that has been classified as a gaming disorder. Although it may cost a whole lot of money, gamers which are already hooked on the game isn't going to be afraid to waste a huge quantity of money to feel the satisfaction of gaining an achievement. Besides that, one of the benefits of on-line gaming is that teens can easily socialize over a mutual interest that is gaming. Moreover, another disadvantage of playing online games is the fact that it isn't a very good long-term investment. Get the Scoop on Pros and Cons Essay Topics Before You're Too Late Home-schooling kids also means students can prevent the violence and bullying often connected with schools. Parents and kids won't be in a position to communicate properly and conflicts may rise. Despite the fact that many students do know the way to use technology, many teachers don't and it's a foreign language to them, therefore there isn't any point in having and using technology in the classroom whenever your teacher won't understand what things to do with it and thus you won't understand what things to do with it. They tend to encounter the writing issues due to the lack of proper understanding. Write about the wellness issues American population face today and attempt to persuade the reader free medicine is the very best way out. In practice, it's quite simple to come back on the incorrect side of the hedge in warm blood. Another key bad effect of abortion is it can possibly result in health complications and sometimes to possib le deaths as a result of excessive bleeding. As a consequence the mental and social well-being of the woman and her spouse may be negatively affected. The Appeal of Pros and Cons Essay Topics For instance, all kinds of media offer information to the viewer or listener. As a way to distinguish the beneficial and negative sides you should conduct no less than a little research, analyze the matter and look at it from various facets. Out of all of the decision tools out there, pro-con lists are among the best known. On the opposite side, acquiring a list of good persuasive essay topics is insufficient.

My worse day ever Free Essays

My worst day ever was the day my brother fell out the window, and almost died. My brothers name is All. He was born on January 9, 2004 and Is the fourth child in our family. We will write a custom essay sample on My worse day ever or any similar topic only for you Order Now He was eight and a half years of old. It all happened on Tuesday September 11, 2012. My day began Like any other day not knowing what was hidden for me, I thought that this was going to be a great day. I had no Idea that my brother was going to fall from the second floor window and almost die. In this essay I will be informing you about how my day began, to how he fell and what happened at the end. I went to school like always and came home. When I arrived home we were told that guests might come over, so I cleaned the house and got dressed. After we completed cleaning we had our dinner. During the meal the children had made quite a mess under the table so I went upstairs to grab the vacuum. My room was next to the room where all the boys slept. There were five boys that slept in that room since we lived with our cousins. It was impossible to have beds so they had five mattresses on the floor but because we had to vacuum we put three against one wall and parallel to that wall and put the other two under the window. As passed through the rooms I noticed my brother All and cousin Mustang were throwing themselves and Jumping on the mattress from one wall to the other. As I grabbed the vacuum and left my room in the corner of my eye I saw my cousin Mustangs face. His face was red and he look like he was scared. I’ve never in my life seen a young child scared in that way. I sensed something wrong so, I began to look for All but, there was no sight of him. All I saw was the open window and oddly, the screen was half ripped off. I let go of the vacuum and ran to the window. I barely saw anything, al I saw was his arm, I felt my heart drop. If someone to hit me at that moment there would not have been even a single drop of blood that’s how ice cold and shocked I was. As I ran down the stairs I was at a loss for words. Without thinking I swallowed and yelled†All Fell Out The Window Yummy!! â€Å". My sister summer and I said It at the same time because she was down stairs and saw him from the downstairs window. My mother was In the kitchen doing the dishes, when she heard her face changed In color and she fell to the ground In tears not knowing what to do. My Aunt quickly ran stairs to tell my uncle who has just entered the shower after a long hot day at work. Everyone in the house was crying as if he had died. All was in the backyard laying face down on the concrete floor. No one wanted to go outside and see him for the fear of him being dead. I couldn’t Just leave him out there so I ran out. I opened the backyard door and went next to him. I began to cry as looked at him laying there. I felt as if the world had ended. I remember telling my self Hess alive. I felt him breathing but he was unconscious. Suddenly he woke up and began to try to get p so I picked him up in my arms and opened the door. SSL entered the house his forehead and his nose began to bleed. I went towards the living room and sat on the table with All In my lap and soon he began to cry because he saw everyone crying. My mother was hysterical so I yelled at her, and told her to get a towel and wipe the blood of his face. She did that while my uncle called the ambulance and my father. Hurt? â€Å". All replied in tears and a weak voice â€Å"l don’t want shots! I don’t want shots! â€Å". Through all that pain his only fear was to get shot. The police arrived and, a few seconds later the ambulance did too. They came in and wrapped All in a bed and took him. My mother went with, I wanted to go with her but the police kept asking me questions. They assumed that this had been purposely done and they wanted to keep us under surveillance. I had to tell the police everything and show them everything till they understood what happened and left. I was alone at home with all the kids, who were up stairs hiding in my room and crying from fear that All could have been dead. I went upstairs to comfort them and to tell them that All was â€Å"Okay’ ND to Just make dud for him to come home soon. After a long time of waiting impatiently my mom finally called my aunt and told her everything. My aunt looked different and her face became pale but she tried to act normal. When she ended the call I asked her what happened. She told me that All broke his back, neck and, cheek bone and that he might not be ever able to walk again. I began to cry then she asked me not to tell the kids or anyone. She also said that the doctors will be taking one final x-ray to decide the outcome. That night I spent it entirely making dud and exiting everyone I know to make dud and ask others to make dud. That night was extremely long, I couldn’t wait till morning to hear what happened. Morning came and no one called. I sat on the couch looking out the window and Just imaging All coming home all better then suddenly the phone rang. My uncle this time answered and he looked amazed for some reason. I waited till he hung up and then looked at him waiting for him to say something. Then he said â€Å"All is fine and is coming home tonight†. I looked at him and said â€Å"How? What do you mean by finer. He replied † Its a miracle ! Interrupting him I said â€Å"what is? â€Å"After the second x ray the doctors found nothing broken but his wrist. No one believed it, they had five doctors come in and check. â€Å". I was amazed † Allah had accepted our duds! † I replied. I felt that the time was going by slowly. They said they’ll be here befo re seven but it was now seven thirty. We waited till eight and then they finally came. When I saw my brother I began to cry my aunt asked me to stop so I went to wash my face and came back down stairs and, spent time with my family. That was my worst day ever. I guess it ended up alright since my brother didn’t die. How to cite My worse day ever, Papers

Small Business Idea

Abstract: This case study discusses a comprehensive business plan for a cafà ©. Instead of owning a franchise like Starbuck’s, my projected plan will put emphasis on a fun-themed coffee shop and harp on the premise of â€Å"nostalgia†, effectively recreating the dà ©cor and ambience from the 1970’s/80’s.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Small Business Idea specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This topic addresses various essentials of starting a successful small business which include the following: creating a unique selling proposition (USP), formulating the precise type of business model, setting up a premise and handling tax, legal and accounting implications. Proposal: A cafà © is a place where people of all age groups enjoy coffee and light refreshmentsm, that too in a soothing ambience where they can relax and share a conversation. Compared to multiple location franchises like Starbuck’s that have gone past their cafà © appeal to sell frugal food items like donuts, at its core, a cafà © should still be about a place which allows people to unwind themselves and not be rushed to place an order. Most entrepreneurs need to be at the helm of their creative process (Abrams Kleiner, 2003, p.10). For that reason, my USP is about a themed coffee store which essentially recreates the 1970’s/80’s glam rock era. Before the advent of the pop age (which is still fresh in the memories of many people), the 70’s/80’s represented a forgotten period of contemporary fashion and music which, however, will have immense nostalgic value for middle-aged consumers. The above period was marked by phenomenal events including psychedelic rock, guitars and drums, casual attire, afro hairstyles, mini skirts and marijuana use. Even teenagers, and those of the present generation, are well familiar with the cool values represented by that era. To dev elop the concept of the cafe, I will have to analyze different aspects of the proposed business model including establishing a brand logo, writing down brochures, flyers and more.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Making investment in retail ventures like a cafà © would require gathering information on a number of parameters including how many coffee shops are serving the neighborhood at any given point of time, how profitable they are, the demographic trends in the city and laws and regulations concerning food establishments (Abrams Kleiner, 2003, p.15). First, I would be taking the help of research services available on the Internet to learn more about parameters including competitors, potential customers, suppliers, articles, statistics and surveys (Abrams Kleiner, 2003, p.18). Some of the other research sources include the US governemnt Census Bureau, State Governm ent Sales Tax offices, community services, paid services like surveys and polling firms (Abrams Kleiner, 2003, p.19). Business organization type: One of the key steps here would be acquiring required funds for such a proposed venture. My plan would be to earn the seed capital based on internal accruals and savings from other income sources. The property, especially if in an upmarket locality, would have to be leased on a 10-year rental basis with the break-even objective to be achieved within the first year itself. I will also avail myself of microcredit from agencies which promote small businesses (Kimmel, Weygandt Kieso, 2006, p.141). If the funds available with me fall short of expected capital and operational expenses for a year, I would need to transform the cafà © venture from a sole proprietorship to partnership with an angel investor. There are several advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. Having your own establishment means a shorter time period to recover the loan amount, and the ability to achieve a greater percentage of profits (Abrams Kleiner, 2003, p.192). However, an angel investor brings greater financial potency to the overall venture and would allow the desired funds required for expansion into an upmarket locality; although, this would mean a relinquishing of controls.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Small Business Idea specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Financial statements, accounting and tax planning: Of course, no venture can succeed without doing proper arithmetic on the financial viability for key aspects of the business (Kimmel, Weygandt Kieso, 2006, p.47). To understand tax implications for a cafà ©, one needs to be in touch with the local sales tax office and municipal corporation who are able to offer tips and suggestions on various taxation issues for restaurants and food establishments. This would include guidelines on payment processing, property licensing and other important attributes (Kimmel, Weygandt Kieso, 2006, p.67). The taxation amount is to be deducted from overall profits that are being made, and will serve as a helpful guide towards preparing the first year cash flow analysis for a new business venture (Kimmel, Weygandt Kieso, 2006, p.121). Knowing the exact financial health of the business is critical if one wants to stay mindful of future expenses and if there are ongoing plans for expansion. It is recommended to hire the services of a chartered accountant who is in a better position to guide with financial planning. The objective for the first year should be to achieve positive cash flow. For this, it is important to ensure cash flow receipts are greater than overall expenses (Kimmel, Weygandt Kieso, 2006, p.122). With a firm financial foundation to lean on, a business venture is able to show more promise in future. A business venture, including a food establishment, has to comply with accounting im plications such as SOX and FASB because of corporate governance norms (Kimmel, Weygandt Kieso, 2006, p.171). The norms are certified by federal agencies who look into aspects affecting the financial health of companies. Business promotion activities: As discussed earlier, no business can sustain for a long run if it does not offer unique benefits to the customer. The proposed cafà © has been established on a 1970’s-style glam rock theme. If it suits the budget, it might be helpful to rope in popular artistes and celebrities, decked in the 70’s attire, who will help make the first call of promotion to the establishment.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is also possible to generate leads through newspaper advertorials and other food publications (Abrams Kleiner, 2003, p.31). Pamphlets, leaflets and brochures are a low-cost alternative to reach thousands of target customers in the neighbourhood. Since, the cafà © theme is simply about having a relaxing conversation, the ambience would recreate the tranqui, feel good environment. The importance of word-of-mouth publicity cannot be entirely overlooked. Organizing a special 70’s themed party may help attract the first customers. It is important to add value with service (Abrams Kleiner, 2003, p.32) which means there should be greater synergy between the food being offered and cultural expectations one has from the end consumer. Young people are often attracted to the establishment in the course of new age themes such as Goth. Being an establishment, there is also the possibility to launch weekend promotion schemes. Conclusion: The rationale for the proposed cafà © venture lies in the fact that even in a recession-driven economy, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to make profits through the average earning consumer. The food and beverage industry has shown consistent growth with each year, and the proposed plan will rightly fit consumer demands for a proper establishment. References Abrams, R., Kleiner, E. (2003). The Successful Business Plan: Secrets   Strategies. Palo Alto, CA: Planning Shop. Kimmel, P. D., Weygandt, J. J., Kieso, D. E. (2009). Accounting: Tools for business decision making. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons This case study on Small Business Idea was written and submitted by user Selah Vang to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Virtual War essays

Virtual War essays Virtual War by Gloria Skurzynski, who lives in Salt Lake City, was copyright February 1999. It is a book of the science fiction genre. It is based in the future around 2053. By now the earths population is only around 2 million because of disease, chemical and nuclear war-fare have made much of the planet unsuitable for living. Now citys people live in huge bubbles for ozone and toxin protection. They no longer fight wars. There are too few people. They instead wage virtual wars where a team of three of their finest fight for them. (They are now fighting for an island that has recently became safe for The main character, Corgan is a boy. He is only 14 years old and has lived in a aerogel box for all his life. The world he knows is all holographic. He was genetically made for one purpose, the virtual war. Corgan has acquired the traits of Loyalty, Honorability, and Trustworthiness from the box. He has genetically superior traits of coordination and quickness. He is to be the team leader. He does not know much of the outside world, except for what Mendor Corgans box provided him with everything he needed. A program was written to act as a mother and father to him, called the Mendor. It mended back and forth as parents depending on the situation. His team was of great excellence. The two chosen to be on his team are much different than he, however their roots are very similar. Sharla, he finds out, is to be his code breaker. She was from the same batch of babies as he was. She had golden blonde hair, and blue eyes. Corgan felt embarrassed but he liked her. She was unruly however, and escaped from her box many times as a result of being a code breaker. She was experienced and knew of the outside world first hand. She did not care for nobility and Honor like Corgan, she just ...

How to Choose a Major 5 Key Factors to Consider

How to Choose a Major 5 Key Factors to Consider SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips When it comes to choosing a college major, pithy truisms and conflicting advice abound. But whose advice can you trust? In this no-nonsense guide, we'll help you figure out how to choose a major in college based on what's important to you. After a brief introduction to the dilemma of choosing a major we'll reveal the most important part of choosing a major in college. Then we'll go over what work you should be doing to help you pick a major in a variety of situations- before college, during college, and if any special circumstances arise. Finally, we'll give some parting thoughts on major selection. What Major Should I Choose? Help Me! I imagine that if you are reading this article, you are feeling some level of uncertainty or anxiety about choosing a college major. This is completely understandable. As parents, teachers, and counselors have no doubt hammered into you, choosing a major in college is an important decision. It's one of the first big independent decisions of your academic and professional life. In many ways, choosing a major functions as a rite of passage in the process of becoming an adult. Some people know what to major in in college before they even start high school. However, most people don't, so if you have no idea how to choose a college major, don't panic. (Even if you're a second-semester sophomore in college!) With that said, neither I nor anyone else can tell you what major to choose. And if you do let someone else choose for you (like your parents), you're likely to be miserable. The truth is that the process of thoughtfully selecting the best major for you takes work- work that you need to put in yourself. While I can't do that work for you, I can tell you the foundational principles of investigating and ultimately picking a college major. Or just major in kitty cuddling and call it a day. The Most Important Task for Picking a Major The most important task for choosing a major in college is deciding on your own priorities and goals. Too much of the advice out there on how to pick a major assumes you have particular goals or tells you what your priorities should be. Even your own parents may be focused on particular priorities and goals that don't match up with yours. Family conflict around major choice is a common issue. This may be especially salient for you if your parents are paying for part (or all) of your education. It is reasonable to listen to your parents' concerns and advice. However, it's important to remember that it's ultimately your major. You will have to do the work and ultimately leverage that major as you transition into the workforce. If you are studying something you are not really interested in, you may not be very motivated to succeed (or maybe even to attend class). So you need to ask, "Which college major is right for me?" Here's some advice on discussing any change in your major plans with your parents. If your parents are paying for your education and they want input into your plans, you can also consider compromises like majors that are agreeable to both of you, double majors, or minors. For you to be able to choose a college major that makes sense for you, you first need to figure out what you want out of a college major. For some people, knowing they will almost always be able to find a job throughout their lives is most important. For others, being able to pursue a particular intellectual interest is the critical factor. Most people are motivated by some combination of factors that they weigh in balance. These factors will guide you towards the answer to the question "What college major is right for me?" Here are some factors you will probably want to consider when you go about choosing a major: #1: Your Interests Of course, your interests are an important part of picking a major. If you really dislike what you are studying, you will be miserable. Additionally, you won't be particularly motivated to complete your coursework. So it is essential that you are actually interested in what you are studying. As part of that, you should be able to envision yourself using at least some of the skills you are learning in your major in the workforce. With that said, people place differing premiums on how interested they need to be in their major. For some people, only studying their one true passion- be it Greek and Roman military history or tropical horticulture- will do. However, many people have several areas of interest that they could envision themselves pursuing. For example, I considered going to art school for a BFA. I also considered majoring in biology or in English. (I ended up majoring in folklore and mythology- more on that later.) The ultimate deciding factors in my major choice weren't necessarily related to what I was most passionate about, because I was genuinely very interested in everything I considered. Other factors came into play when I made my final decision. So your interests will likely guide you, but they may not be the primary deciding factor when you choose a major. You will also find that new interests arise when you get to college and you have access to more possible courses of study. When I arrived at college, I was able to take classes about religion and anthropology, which ultimately led me to the folklore and mythology program. So keep an open mind about your interests throughout the major selection process, especially once you arrive at school. Her intense love of potato chips led her to food science. #2: Your Abilities You should also consider what you're good at when you think about how to choose your major. This doesn't mean that you should definitely major in whatever you are best at in high school. For one thing, you will probably discover new talents in college as you take courses in areas that weren't available to you in high school. For another thing, the thing that you're "best" at is not necessarily what aligns best with all your other priorities and goals. The main principle here is that it's probably not a great idea to major in something that you know you are pretty weak in. If you've barely pulled C's in math all through high school, being a math major (or a similarly math-heavy major like engineering or physics) is probably not the best move. The bottom line is that you should be confident that you will be able to do well in most of your coursework in your area of study. #3: Future Employability When you think about how to pick your major, it makes sense to consider what kind of job prospects you will have once you have your degree. Will you be able to find a job? How hard will it be? Will you have to move to where the jobs are, or are there jobs everywhere? There are a few ways to approach these questions. You can research professions facing shortages to get an idea of areas where you would be likely to find employment. Professions facing shortages include nursing, engineering, various computer science disciplines, accounting and finance, and teaching. In addition to looking at shortages, you can look at growth industries. (Of course, there's overlap here; if there aren't enough skilled workers available to fill these growth industries, there will be a shortage! But it's a slightly different angle). Some industries currently experiencing growth include nursing and other allied health professionals, finance, and data science. Within those groups, there are tons of different kinds of jobs available, and a variety of potential majors could lead you into those industries. Note that there may or may not be a very clear link between a certain major and a certain job or industry. For some majors, it's fairly clear what sort of job(s) the degree will lead to. A degree in teaching will lead to teaching, a degree in nursing to nursing, and so on. For others, it's less clear. A degree in communications or sociology or public policy could lead to a variety of jobs. Thus, in terms of future employability, don't just think in terms of what job title you will be qualified for, because those things shift all the time. Think about the skills you will learn in your major, and how much those skills are in demand. For example, as data becomes a super-important part of the economy, skills related to data and data analysis are super-valuable. This includes skills in statistical analysis and database construction and architecture. Majors in statistics and computer science are good choices if you are hoping to meet that demand. Note also that employability and salary aren't one and the same. Teachers are notoriously underpaid, but if you do become a teacher, you will almost certainly be able to find a job. What does all this mean for you? Research the employability prospects associated with a particular major. Think about the skills you will learn and the potential jobs you could have, and check out the employment prospects for those skills and jobs. While this is far from foolproof- predicting job shortages and growth isn't 100% accurate- it still provides valuable information that can give you at least a general idea of whether you are likely to find a job easily or whether it will take more work and require more flexibility in location etc. on your part. The school you go to also plays somewhat into your general employability. At Ivy League and other top-ranked schools, most students are generally able to find jobs (even ones that are totally unrelated to what they studied) regardless of what they majored in. This is not as true at less selective schools, where graduates may struggle much more to find a job in some less marketable fields than in other more marketable ones. Job?! Where? #4: Future Income Potential You will probably also want to consider your future income potential at least somewhat when you think about how to pick a major. This is far from an exact science but still a valuable exercise. If having a high salary is important to you, you need to be realistic about your interests; professions like teaching and social work typically pay very poorly so those may not be the best bet for a major. By contrast, majors like computer science and engineering tend to have a sunny salary outlook. You can find lots of data on the median salary of graduates with particular majors. This is a valuable starting place. As you can see from the PayScale data, engineering, computer science, mathematics and finance-focused degrees dominate the list of best-paying majors. But it also includes physician assistant studies and government. By contrast, the lowest-paid majors tend to be concentrated in education, service industries, pastoral and religious studies, and social work and counseling. But the median and mid-career salary data here doesn't necessarily tell the whole story. For one thing, in some of these professions, there is a high degree of income variability: graphic designers, for example, are low-paid in general, but the highest paid graphic designers can easily command six-figure salaries. You certainly can't assume that you will be among the highest-paid in your field, but you should know when higher salaries are at least possible. Additionally, sometimes your ultimate income potential depends a lot on graduate school. Psychology majors are low-paid unless they get advanced degrees, in which case they get a huge salary bump. So if you're already intending on graduate school, this is something to keep in mind as you choose a major. You can use sites like PayScale and Glassdoor to investigate the income potential of various careers that might follow from majors that you are considering. Again, it's hard to predict exactly what your salary could be solely based on your major, especially long-term. But doing research can at least keep you in a realistic frame of mind. #5: Particular Career Interests You might also have a very specific goal, like becoming an astrophysicist, or a doctor, or a lawyer. Some (but not all) very specific career goals require specific majors, or at least specific courses and activities. For example, if you want to be an engineer, you have to get an engineering degree. If you want to be a doctor, you need to fulfill your med school prerequisites, or else you might have to complete an expensive post-baccalaureate pre-med program later. On the other hand, if you want to be a journalist, there are lots of majors that can accommodate that goal. And if you think you might want to go to business or law school, you have plenty of leeway in your choice of undergraduate major. If you do have a very specific goal that requires a particular academic path, that probably needs to be your top priority in how to pick a college major. Heart set on designing airplanes? You probably need to major in aeronautical engineering. How to Choose a Major: Before College There's a good chance that you will change your mind about your major at least once you get to college. You'll be exposed to a lot of options you didn't consider before. You'll also grow and change. However, there are still some things you can do before college that will help you figure out how to pick a major. Start Exploring Majors Early Your high school schedule may be pretty rigid, filled up every year with math, science, English, history/social studies, gym, and maybe a foreign language. This often leaves you with very few electives. However, there are still things you can do to explore different academic and career areas: Shadowing and interviewing: Shadowing and interviewing adults you know who have careers you are interested in is a great way to figure out what you might want to study. It can also help to learn how these people got to where they are now from their college days, since many people shift around throughout their careers until they are doing something quite different from what the originally studied! Reading books and articles: Reading nonfiction books and articles on a variety of subjects can also help you figure out what excites you academically. What topics do you find super-engaging, and what topics bore you to tears? This can give you some clues as to what you might want to investigate further in college when you are choosing a college major. Podcasts are another great resource for exploring different topics, especially because you can listen to them while you do chores or other mundane tasks! Summer activities: The summer is a great time to do a deeper dive on things you think you might be seriously interested in pursuing. Internships, camps, classes at community colleges, and volunteering opportunities are all excellent chances to become more immersed in subjects you may not regularly study at school. Volunteer at the arboretum! Take a photography class! Do a robotics camp! There are tons of possibilities. Lectures and events at local colleges: If you do live near any colleges or universities, you can take advantage of their open-to-the-public lectures and events! It's a good chance to hear professors talk about their work, which can help you consider if you might want to do similar academic work. With all that said, don't feel too panicked if you can only do mostly surface-level exploration into choosing a college major at this stage. High school is a high-pressure endeavor; you will be able to consider your interests as you get to college (and throughout your life!) Just do what you can and remain thoughtful and curious about possible courses of study. Major benefit to shadowing a vet: cute animals. Plan If You Have a Specific Long-Term Goal If you do have a very specific long-term career goal that typically requires particular schooling at the bachelor level (like engineering, teaching, or nursing), you will have to be more mindful about choosing a major and school while you are still in high school. If you already know you are interested in a particular major, it makes sense to apply to schools with strong programs in that area. Additionally, at many schools, you have to specifically apply to a certain major or academic area. While you should certainly keep exploring and keep an open mind, it's typically easier to transfer out of competitive divisions like engineering or nursing than to transfer into them. So it makes sense to apply to those divisions and then transfer out if you change your mind later. Select Schools and Programs Wisely Since we have tons of advice out there on choosing a college, I won't belabor this point. But when you are choosing schools, you should keep the following principles related to choosing a college major in mind: The less sure you are of your interests, the more flexibility you want at your school. If you have no idea what to major in, it's not a great idea to go somewhere where you have to declare what you are studying going in. You're better served going to a school where you can explore for at least two semesters before you have to declare. If you are very sure of your major, you should still consider what your situation will be if you change your mind. If you go to a school that is highly ranked for one program and poorly ranked for everything else, think about what you might do if you want to transfer out of that highly ranked program. Will you transfer schools? Or are you fine with the possibility of finishing in a less prestigious program than you started in? Or maybe you are just very, very confident that you won't change your mind! This also applies to things like going to art school; if you get there and decide the whole thing is not for you, your only real option is typically to transfer (at least within University divisions, if not to a different school completely). This isn't a reason not to do it, but it is something you should be aware of. Choices here, there, and everywhere. How to Choose a Major: During College Once you get to college, here's our six recommendations for how to pick a major: Find Out Your School's Process The first thing to do is to determine what is your school's process and timeline for declaring a major. You need to be aware of how much time you have to consider your options, and how to make it happen once you've made a choice. Note that at some schools, different majors may even have different deadlines for officially choosing a major, so be sure to look into this. Of course, if you had to declare a major going in, you've already done that process. In that case you should find out what the process is for switching majors in case you need to use it. Keep Exploring Now that you are actually at college, you will have even more chances to explore different potential areas of study. Your coursework can help you investigate subjects and departments of interest, of course. But you will also have opportunities to explore through on-campus events, lectures, and speakers. Many departments specifically host open houses and other events for prospective majors. Go to anything that seems intriguing, and try to keep an open mind. Note as you explore that there are lots of college major quizzes on the internet. Some universities even have their own "how to choose a major" quizzes, like this college major quiz from Marquette or this one from Loyala University in Chicago. While a how-to-choose-a-major quiz can definitely be a useful way to get some ideas, you'll need to do additional research on any majors you uncover this way. You'll want to make sure that the information from any "What major should I choose?" quiz is accurate and that the major ideas you get from it really align with your priorities and goals. So the bottom line on college major quizzes is that they are definitely a useful tool but hardly the be-all end-all of the major selection process. Make Your Schedule Multi-Task Many students spend their first semesters fulfilling some of their general education requirements. If you can, try to use those requirements to explore academic areas you may be interested in. If you have flexibility in the classes you can take to fulfill requirements, try to take ones taught by professors in departments you are interested in. Classes with a multidisciplinary focus are great for this, too. When I was a freshman I took a combination gender studies and English class about romance literature, and another combination East Asian studies and religion class about Buddhism. Both of these multidisciplinary courses helped me refine my interests- efficiently. Even if you don't have much control over your general requirements, try to view your requirements as an opportunity to explore academic areas you haven't examined before instead of just something to slog through. This will help you narrow possibilities when choosing a college major. Simon's class in botanical illustration let him explore his interests in art and biology at the same time! Meet With Advisors I'm using the term "advisors" broadly here. There are lots of people you can meet with who might have valuable insights about choosing a major. You probably have at least one school-assigned advisor. They can definitely be helpful, but you'll also want to seek out advice from people with more specialized knowledge about the programs you are most interested in. This includes: Department advisors: Most departments have advisors available to meet with prospective students in that major. Of course, they will probably try to sell you on their department, so they may be a little biased. But you can still get valuable information from them, like info on course requirements, advising structures, research opportunities, and so on. Current students in the program: Current students in majors that you are interested in can provide valuable information. They will give you the truth about the pros and cons of the program. They can tell you what you can expect from the major in terms of course load, advising, class sizes, teaching quality, and other things that can impact your experience. Additionally, you should speak with seniors in the program about their goals and what's next for them. This can help you get an idea of the possibilities available to recent graduates. Alumni: Take advantage of your school's alumni network. You can talk to alumni who have careers you find interesting and ask them what they studied and how they got where they are. You can also talk to recent alumni who majored in programs you are considering and ask them for their thoughts on the program. Most schools have alumni directory sites with contact information. While some graduates may be too busy to talk to you, many will be receptive. Some schools even have mentoring programs where you can get an alumni mentor who is a working professional in a field that you are interested in. Keep Refining Your Priorities Keep thinking about what you are looking for in a major. It's likely that your priorities will shift over time, especially as you get more information and experience in college. So continue doing research about potential industries, careers, skills, and so on that you might want to pursue, and keep thinking about what's most important to you. It might be helpful to keep some kind of journal with all of your thoughts on potential majors and careers, as well as your goals. Be Realistic About Downsides Every major does have some downsides, and it's important to be realistic about the negative things about any potential major. Here are some things to consider: How large are most classes? If you have a preference for small courses but you'll be required to take many large lectures, it may be hard for you to get the most out of that course of study. How robust is advising support? Are advisors accessible and receptive, or hard to reach? How is job placement for the department? Is there adequate support for students trying to find jobs or go to graduate school? How prestigious is the program? At some universities, there's lots of variation between departments in prestige. You can most likely get lots of this information by talking to current and former students of a given department. You can also do your own research into things like program prestige and job placement. Downsides certainly don't have to be deal-breakers- they are just things to be mindful of as you go about choosing a major in college. After all, no major is all upside. Lots of early classes in your department? You may need to hit the coffee hard. Special Situations for Choosing a College Major In this section, we'll discuss some special situations about picking a major, including changing majors in college, double majoring (and minoring), and creating your own major. Switching Majors How do you know when switching majors in college is a good idea? There's no hard and fast rule as to when changing majors is a good move, but here are three things to consider: How Sure You Are If you know that you aren't happy in your current major but you aren't sure what you want to switch into, it may be best to take some time off. During that time off, you can figure out what you want to study through things like internships, shadowing, MOOCs, reading, and other exploratory activities. Otherwise, you risk spending some very expensive semesters dithering around on campus while you try to figure out what you're really interested in. It doesn't make sense to spend seven years getting your bachelor's degree because you switch majors every semester. How Close You Are to Finishing If you are a senior and/or very close to finishing your program, it may make the most sense to finish out your degree and pursue graduate studies in whatever your new interest is. In other words, switching majors late in college is not always the best choice. It's usually better to spend six years in school and end up with a bachelor's and a master's than to spend six years in school and just end up with a bachelor's. Most fields do have graduate degrees for people who are just entering into the field, and you can typically (though not always) command a slightly higher salary with a Master's degree as compared to just a bachelor's. So do your research into your prospects with respect to graduate school. How Expensive It Will Be Remember that no matter what, you can't recoup the cost of what you've already completed. Acting to try to protect what you've already spent is known as the sunk-cost fallacy. So if it won't cost you much more going forward to change degrees, there's not really much downside. But as we mentioned above, if it will be as expensive to finish a different bachelor's as it would be to get your current bachelor's and then a master's in what you really want, it may be a better use of your money to finish out the bachelor's and then get the master's. But, again, do your research on the relative return-on-investment of a bachelor's vs. an entry-level master's in your new desired field. We go into this a bit more in our analysis of when it's worth getting a master's degree here. Your education is a valuable diamond. And possibly as expensive as one. Double Majors and Minors Are you torn between two pretty different fields? Double majoring may be the answer. If you're interested in investigating this possibility, here are some things to find out: Do you have to integrate the majors in any way? Some schools that allow double majoring require students to integrate the two courses of study in some way, often through a thesis or other project. If you are really interested in both majors, you may consider this a feature, not a bug. Of course, some majors may be harder to integrate than others: Religion and history? Great! Math and English? More of a stretch. Can you waive or double-dip on requirements? Can you count classes towards both majors? Depending on how different the majors are, this might be difficult anyways, but it's worth finding out. Also, sometimes departments will let you waive some requirements if you are a double-major (typically departmental electives). That makes double-majoring less difficult. Can you make the schedule work? Because of the increased burden of requirements, you'll need to pay close attention to your schedule. You'll also need to do a lot of advance planning to make sure that you can actually fit in all of your requirements for both majors. It's not uncommon for people who double-major to spend an extra semester on campus to finish everything up. So if spending an extra semester of tuition is a concern, it's extra-important to make sure you can fit in everything in time. If double-majoring is too onerous or impractical, another way to accommodate multiple interests is to minor in something. A minor typically requires 4-6 classes in a given academic area and typically shows up on your diploma. It's a good way to get some grounding in a different field without the commitment and rigidity of double-majoring. As with double majors, however, it's important to plan carefully if you want a minor to make sure you can meet all the requirements you need to. I was actually one class away from two different minors, but because I didn't plan very well, I didn't end up getting either. One of my final classes in my major conflicted with my remaining requirements for each of the minors. Creating Your Own Major Some schools allow you to design your own major. At most schools that allow this, you need to have a pretty specific, cohesive plan about what that major will be. So you can't just use this option to avoid actually selecting a course of study. On the contrary, this option is the best for people who have a very clear idea of what they want to study and want to closely hone in on a topic. I knew people who designed their own majors in things like global migration and climate change. These are very particular topics that lend themselves to a create-your-own major situation. Some schools do allow you to major in something very vague like "liberal arts" or "humanities." These courses of study often have few requirements and offer lots of flexibility in coursework. While this may be appealing, you do run somewhat of a risk of seeming like an aimless dilettante (both to employers and graduate schools). Daphne wants to major in the interpretation of oracles. Parting Thoughts: Your Major Choice Is Not Your Destiny While you should not take choosing a college major lightly, don't allow the weight of the decision to keep you frozen in place. It's great to ponder questions like "What college major is right for me?" or "Which major should I choose?" But if you're thinking anything like "What if I change my mind later and I'm stuck forever" or "Will choosing the wrong major ruin my life" take some deep breaths. Your choice of major will have some repercussions for your professional life, and pretending otherwise is unrealistic. However, it absolutely will not lock you into a particular destiny for your entire life. As a point of personal experience, I majored in Folklore and Mythology, worked in the health insurance industry after graduation, and then got a Master's degree in Public Health. I don't regret my choice of major at all, and I still think I made the right choice. But it was also pretty clearly not the defining decision of my academic and professional life. It did not set me on one fixed path forever. The truth is that it's often hard to predict exactly where a particular degree will lead. New jobs will exist when you graduate that didn't exist when you started college. (Of course, lots of old jobs- like teacher- will still exist, too.) The bottom line is that while you should choose a major thoughtfully, you shouldn't be worried that your choice of major will lock you onto a particular life track that you can never deviate from. Don't be trapped by the idea that you might make the "wrong" decision. You'll learn valuable skills in college- and beyond- no matter what your major. Your major is not a trap! Key Takeaways: How to Choose Your Major If you've been asking yourself "What should I major in in college?" we've got the advice that you need. The truth is that there's no one foolproof method for how to choose a major in college. The most important thing is to figure out your own priorities and go from there. Here are some factors you might want to consider when you go about choosing a college major: Your interests: what do you find enjoyable and interesting? Your abilities: what are you good at? Future employability: How easy (or hard) will it be for you to find a job? Future income potential: Are you aiming for a particular income bracket Particular career interests: Do you have a specific professional interest that requires particular coursework or a particular major, or do your career interests allow for more flexibility in your major? Here are some things you can do while you are still in high school to prepare for choosing a college major: Start exploring majors early: use your free time, extracurriculars, and summer activities as a chance to explore subject areas you are interested in. Plan if you have a specific long-term goal: if you know you have a specific career goal, plan your major and program choice in advance. Select schools and programs wisely: if you are less sure of your major, look for more flexibility in declaring a major at your schools of choice. And here's how to pick a major in college in six steps: Find out your school's process for declaring a major (and any deadlines!) Keep exploring potential majors and departments. Make your schedule multi-task by using requirements to investigate potential majors. Meet with advisors, current students, and alumni to get the scoop on the departments you are most interested in. Keep refining your priorities and doing research to make sure the majors that you are considering align with your goals. Be realistic about the downsides of potential majors- no major is all upside. We also discussed switching majors, double majors and minors, and creating your own major! You're all prepared for this major decision now. What's Next? We have more information on the best-paying college majors and the majors with the worst financial and employment outlook. If you're just looking for a low-stress major, don't worry- we have a guide for that, too. Interested in becoming a doctor? Want to study law? Or is teaching (or becoming a professor) more your style? We have guides to help you pursue your interests! Need help choosing colleges? We have a guide to making a college list. We can also recommend the three best college finders and which college ranking lists you should read. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? 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