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Query from reader: “Changing my major freshman year. I am currently pre-med and majoring in Neuroscience, but I am considering switching to psychology. I am feeling uncertain about my life path, and I’m worried my parents will be disappointed in me. I’m taking many difficult courses this year and I don’t know what to do. How do I know what I should do?”
So, you're thinking about changing your major. You're not alone. According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 30% of undergraduates in associate’s and bachelor's degree programs change their major at least once in their first three years. In STEM programs, which cover fields in science, technology, engineering and math, that figure rises even higher to 35%. Here at IU, more than 60%, of students change their major at some point during their undergraduate education.
From what I hear about neuroscience, it’s an incredibly demanding program. One of my friends in my Bible study is a neuroscience major on a pre-med track, and she is always so busy! Her schedule is full of labs, studying and exams; it can be a lot to keep up with.
There is something to be said for learning how to do difficult things well and persevering through challenges. After all, some of the most worthwhile things in life are achieved through great difficulty.
However, not all difficulties are necessary. In many cases, such difficulties can be a sign that we are truly meant for something else — something that aligns better with our natural strengths and passions. The challenge is figuring out which situation you are in.
If you’re feeling uncertain about your life path, you’re in the right place to figure that out. The good news is, you don’t have to have that figured out right now. Life is complicated, sometimes arduous and confusing. It’s tempting to feel like you must have it all planned out, from today to retirement. Realistically, it doesn't work out like that. The best thing we can strive for isn't the perfect plan, it’s the next right thing.
Since you’re a freshman, medical school is still a long way off. Don’t think of yourself as a future medical student or doctor just yet. Think of yourself as a current neuroscience student. Start by asking yourself why you wanted to become a doctor in the first place. Everyone wants to help others, but why medicine? And why neuroscience? Examining your motives can help you determine what the next steps could be, and the answers to those questions can tell you whether this major is helping you grow or just draining you.
If you are considering switching to psychology and dropping pre-med, you’re right to think carefully about how it will affect your future options. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can open doors, but on its own, it may not be enough for certain career paths that require certification or licensure. If you are still interested in graduate school, just not medical school, a multitude of opportunities rests right at your fingertips. A master’s degree can often be completed in half the time it would take to go through med school. With no residency requirement, you could save years of time and significant money.
I know you value your parents’ opinion; otherwise, you wouldn't be telling me about it. But at the end of the day, it’s not your parents walking across the graduation stage: it’s you. And you are the one who must do the work to get there. If you do decide to change your major, be honest with them about why you believe this is the right choice for you. If they support you, that’s wonderful. If they don’t, that’s okay too. You are allowed to choose the path that is best for you.
I had many of these same concerns when I changed my major during my freshman year. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the thought of disappointing my loved ones. I was scared I was somehow falling behind. But changing my major turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. It allowed me to pursue something I am genuinely passionate about, which made my college experience much more meaningful and enjoyable. If you are feeling lost right now, know that it’s okay to pivot. Your major is just one part of your story, not the whole thing. Give yourself permission to explore, to make mistakes and to choose the path that feels right for you — not just the one you think others expect you to follow.
To submit a question or tell me what’s on your mind, fill out the Google Form here, or email me at askainsleyatiu@gmail.com. I’m only an ask away!
Ainsley Foster (she/her) is a senior studying elementary education and children’s mental health.
