It’s the most common question asked of college students: “What’s your major?”

You might be able to get away with responses like “I’m not sure,” or “I’m keeping my options open.” But eventually — thanks to your school’s academic rules, your parents’ incessant nagging or even your own impatience — you’ll have to make a choice.

Thousands of college students around the country go through the same anxiety-producing experience every year, often around mid-semester when they have to choose their courses for the following semester (and they’ve already taken all their general or core courses).

Are you in the “I have to pick a major — now what?” mode? If so, don’t panic. If you’re like many college students, the major you select won’t have a huge impact on your future career anyway. But even if it will, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself make a sound decision.

Meet with a Campus Career Counselor.

Your school’s career counselors know your institution’s majors well, and they have a good general sense of where those majors might take you with respect to your career. Perhaps more importantly, though, many campus career centers keep detailed statistics on the types of jobs their schools’ graduates have landed with various majors. Typically, these statistics appear in the career center’s placement report, which you can ask for and then read to find out where different majors might take you in the future.

Read Your Undergraduate Bulletin and Related Publications.

Maybe you don’t need to actually read the entire undergraduate bulletin, but at the very least, page through it and look at all the majors available at your institution. You never know when you’ll stumble upon one that really fits your interests.

If browsing your institution’s undergraduate bulletin sounds far too boring, stop by your school’s admissions office and ask for briefer major-related publications that might be available.

Talk to Professors and Students in Various Majors.

Start by asking your friends and acquaintances what they’re majoring in and why. What do these students like and dislike about their majors? And what can they tell you about the courses in their majors and the careers their majors might lead to?

Similarly, ask professors in various academic departments to briefly describe their majors. Tell them you’re interested in learning more about what previous students in the department have gone on to do, career-wise. Professors will gladly tell you in most cases, if you ask.

Check Out “What Can I Do with a Major in ______?” Materials.

There are lots of ways to answer the question, “What can I do with a major in _______? “ You can use the Major to Career Converter tool to get an initial sense of which majors lead to which types of careers.

Dozens of major-related books are available to you as well, often at your school’s main library or your campus career center’s library.

Page through Guides to College Majors.

Several publishers have developed books that offer extensive descriptions of various college majors and what careers those majors might lead to. JIST, for instance, offers The College Majors Handbook, which features information (based on a survey of some 150,000 college graduates) on 60 different majors. Ferguson Publishing, meanwhile, offers College Majors and Careers, which also describes 60 majors in detail.

There’s no need to fly blind when it comes to researching and then choosing college major, especially in this day of the Internet and easily accessible information. The more you talk to knowledgeable people and read about various majors, especially those you know little or nothing about, the better chance you have of picking the one that best fits both your short-term needs and your long-term career goals.

Without a doubt, figuring out how to pay for college can be a pretty stressful experience. You might be considering a financial aid consultant to help you through the college cost maze. Financial aid consultants provide advice and services to make the financial aid process a little easier. But before you choose a consultant, there are some things you should consider.

When to Use a Financial Aid Consultant

Financial aid consultants can take the frustration out of filling out forms, but not everyone needs one. Use these tips to decide whether you really need an expert or whether you can solve your problems on your own.

Do get a financial aid consultant if you don’t have the time to fill out the FAFSA, are unfamiliar with financial terms or have special circumstances that make the FAFSA hard to complete. Applying for financial aid can be complicated, so if you’re pressed for time or are confused, an advisor can assist you. The advisor should also help you with the CSS/Profile.

Don’t get a financial aid advisor if you have the time or have a straightforward income situation.

Even if you find you need more assistance, don’t rush to hire a private consultant. Basic questions may be easily answered by any number of free services available to you. Start by checking at your school or local library to see if they offer free workshops on filling out the FAFSA. If you have specific questions, call the free Federal Student Aid hotline at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243 or TTY 1-800-730-8913).

 Don’t Get Taken for a Ride

If you choose to hire a financial aid consultant, find a qualified professional. To avoid getting stuck with a bad consultant,

• Call your campus financial aid office for their input. They probably won’t recommend a consultant, but they will tell you if they’ve had trouble with any consultant in particular.
• Consider the consultant’s qualifications. A consultant who has worked in a university financial aid office or is a Registered Financial Consultant will have more expertise than someone without that specialized training.
• “Find out how long they’ve been in the industry,” “Experience matters – you want to be sure you use the services of someone with breadth of knowledge and experience, especially with something as complex as financial aid administration.”
• Never use a consultant who encourages you to do something unethical. If you lie about your assets, you’ll end up paying a big fine – or in jail.

Be aware that some consultants charge reasonable fees ranging from $500 to $2000, while others charge anywhere from $2500 to $30,000. Advisors who charge big amounts will usually “promise” you the world and don’t deliver. The FAFSA is a free application. A financial aid consultant can charge a fee for helping you fill out the FAFSA, but you don’t have to use their services to apply for federal student aid. If you are just looking for help filling out the FAFSA, you should pay no more than $125.

Figuring out financial aid can be a headache, so it’s nice to know there’s help. But before you choose a financial aid consultant, get the facts and find out what they will do for you and your student.

Ask Yourself

If you foresee yourself logging a lot of hours over the summer, it makes sense to do it in an environment you enjoy. Ask yourself some of these questions as you consider summer work:

• Do you have any financial or personal goals you’d like to achieve?
• Do you prefer to work autonomously or as part of a team?
• Would you prefer to work indoors or outdoors?
• Do you enjoy interacting with the public?
• What sort of jobs have your friends or siblings held? What did they like or dislike about them?
• What special skills and talents do you have?

After you’ve thought about a work environment that fits your personality you’ll have a better handle on what type of work will be right for you. You might not find a job that fits your criteria precisely, but you should find something that has qualities that are important to you. 

The Best Jobs

Landscaper, receptionist, cashier, waitress and librarian were just a few of the jobs website users contributed when asked to submit their best summer job. While the types of jobs varied, students’ attitudes about the jobs shared some common traits. The people working them enjoyed the environment, liked their coworkers and loved what they were doing. 

Alexandra Colella enjoyed working as a lifeguard at a country club. She says, “Working outside at the pool was great. Not only did I get a great tan, I also met a lot of interesting people. You get paid higher than minimum wage because of the responsibility the job holds, yet you have fun while working.” 

For Janice Delmonte, her summer job at a jewelry store was the best. “It was like experiencing Christmas everyday. I loved helping people find new jewelry for different occasions,” she says. 

Kevin Murphy spent volunteering at a children’s day camp helped him realize that he “was great with working with kids,” he says. That helped drive his decision to pursue a career as a pediatrician, something he’ll start when he enrolls at the University of North Carolina.

The Worst Jobs 

For all of the positive work experiences out there, many students have had the agony of working a terrible job. Bad jobs aren’t just about low pay, long hours, mind numbing boredom or tyrannical bosses. Some jobs are downright dangerous for unqualified or underage workers.

On their web site, the National Consumers League (NCL) lists the five worst teen jobs. This list is compiled through surveys, news reports and government statistics. According to the NCL the five worst teen jobs are: 

1. Agricultural Fieldwork and Processing. Due to the number of injuries caused by farm machinery, animals, chemicals and other risks, agricultural work is the most dangerous industry for young workers. 

2. Construction and Work at Heights. Construction sites are filled with hazards and according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, “youth 15-17 years of age working in construction had greater than seven times the risk for fatal injury as youth in other industries.” 

3. Outside Helper: Landscaping, Grounds keeping and Lawn Service. Outside helpers work with dangerous hand tools and chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers which can cause injuries. 

4. Driver/Operator: Forklifts, Tractors and ATVs. Drivers are at risk of vehicle rollovers, being struck by a vehicle, being pinned by a forklift, and other hazards. 

5. Traveling Youth Crews. Often unsupervised, these crews travel to unfamiliar neighborhoods to sell candy and magazine subscriptions door-to-door.

Keep in mind there is nothing inherently negative about these jobs — they have been categorized as “worst” because of safety factors only. If you are one of the thousands of teens that already holds one of these jobs, we would encourage you to do what you can to make sure you are properly supervised and to stay safe at work!

The Right Fit  

Summer jobs generate cash-flow, work experience and good memories for young students every summer. Look for positions in safe environments where workers are properly trained. Beyond that, consider your own personality and tastes to find summer work that keeps you happy.

1. You’re not thrilled about your current job.
   It’s easy to fantasize about leaving your less-than-dream job and going to graduate school, but think carefully about your motivation for getting an advanced degree before you hand in your letter of resignation. Graduate school is a lot of work and a big investment. If your motivation for going to graduate school is more to escape your unfulfilling job than because you want to pursue an interest that you are passionate about, you should reconsider. First, address what’s wrong with your career or a few years from now you may find yourself in another crummy job but with an advanced degree.
2. You’re having trouble finding a job.
   You’ve sent countless resumes, sat through dozens of interviews, and still haven’t been offered a job that excites you. While some fields, like law or medicine, require advanced degrees to get ahead, in many fields a graduate degree is not a prerequisite. If you lack valuable experience, it may take time to land a job in your field even if you have completed graduate school. An advanced degree won’t necessarily solve all your employment issues. It could be more worthwhile to continue your job search. Assess your career goals and evaluate if returning to school now is the best move.
3. You really like academics.
   You like taking classes, you like interacting with other students and professors, you even like studying. Continuing your studies at grad school and earning a Ph.D. makes sense, right? Maybe not. Just because you enjoy being a student, doesn’t mean pursuing a career in academia is the best idea. Get a more realistic picture of the challenging aspects of a career in academia before you commit to a program. Additionally, when it comes to post-graduate study, you need to focus on one area of study that interests you and have a clear sense of how an advanced degree will help you reach your academic and career goals. If you enjoy academics but don’t have a clear sense of what you want to study or what your chances for a fulfilling career in academia are, take time to weigh other options.
4. Everyone’s doing it.
   Your roommate is sending in applications, your old lab partner just finished their first semester at grad school — it seems like everyone is earning an advanced degree. You may not have been considering graduate school before, but now it seems like you’ll be left behind if you don’t. Are you making a mistake entering the job market? Probably not. Enrolling in grad school right now might not be the best decision for your career and academic goals. Grad school may make sense for your friends but not for you. Don’t let what your friends are doing persuade you to make the wrong decision.
5. Your parents want you to go.
   Many parents take an active role in their children’s educational and career decisions. Your parents’ influence may be subtle or could be more in-your-face, but don’t let them decide your future for you. Chances are you’ll end up miserable in a job your parents like more than you do. Figure out whether the career you’re considering — and the advanced degree that goes with it — is your idea or your parents before you enroll in grad school.

At Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, the biology department offers an undergraduate fisheries major through which students can be certified as associate fisheries scientists.

Students at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth can get bachelor’s degrees in ranch management.

A love for horses can lead to a major in equestrian science or equestrian business management for students at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. The major is designed for students who want to work professionally in a horse-related field.

Dance the night away at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) in Birmingham, Alabama, where students can major in dance education.

Though some of these majors may sound like fun and games, many have tough prerequisite and core classes.

Green Mountain requires all students who want a bachelor’s in adventure recreation to take classes in outdoor emergency care and leadership skills.

Before TCU students can take any ranch management classes for their major, they are required to complete a business minor. Business classes include economics, accounting and finance.

Required courses for fisheries majors at Mansfield include ichthyology (the branch of zoology that studies fish) and limnology (the study of fresh-water life).

In addition to taking riding classes, Stephens students majoring in equestrian science or equestrian business management also take classes in business and management, horse nutrition and applied equine anatomy.

BSC students in the dance education major must complete all the dance major requirements before they can earn a teaching certificate.

Students who graduate with a degree in an unusual major have a variety of job options to choose from after they graduate.

Fisheries program grads can find jobs with private fish farms or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for example.

Equestrian graduates can earn livings as barn owners or managers, horse trainers, riders and teachers. Graduate school is also an option for equestrian majors. Some students earn an MBA or go to veterinary school.

Benefits

Undergraduate research can help motivate students to further pursue their area of interest. “It’s very useful to actually work on a project and know exactly what that type of research is like,” says Justin, a graduate student at Cornell University who did undergraduate research with liquid crystals. “It gave me a solid foundation and inspiration to do the master’s in engineering. It also gave me a lot of useful laboratory skills.”

For James Burkhardt, a graduate of UCLA, his undergraduate research on Latino community formation in LA got him his job as a field deputy for an LA city council. “My research experience helped me develop my writing skills and understand public policy and politics,” Burkhardt says.

“What Kind of Research Can I Do?”

Although the options are limitless, there are two common avenues:

• Independent research. Many schools offer the opportunity to design and execute your own research projects, either as an independent study course or as part of a school-wide research program. To find an appropriate project, pick a subject that you’re passionate about and explore what’s been done in the past. Discuss ideas and potential projects with your professors. They can help you design a manageable project and plan how you’re going to complete it.
• Assist professors and university staff. Some professors have extensive research projects that require dozens of people to assist, including undergraduates. Opportunities like this help you develop a sense of “belonging,” or “rite of passage” into your chosen discipline. Research of this nature can also provide valuable networking experiences. But don’t expect to be splitting the atom on your first project. “In some labs, it’s hard for an undergraduate to do truly independent research, but they can help and observe,” says Barbara Knowlton, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Getting Guidance

The key to undergraduate research is finding a professor or faculty member who will assist you. To find the best mentor, follow three steps: 1) identify your potential mentors, 2) learn about their background and interests and 3) contact your best prospects.

To identify potential mentors, check out who’s available on your campus. Start by seeking information and advice from teachers whose courses you’ve enjoyed. Attend lectures in areas that interest you. Check departmental Web sites for faculty research interests and publications. Find out which faculty members have supervised undergraduate research in the past. Teaching assistants can be great sources of information.

Once you’ve assembled a list of potential resources, learn something about the faculty member’s area of interest. This will help you ask intelligent questions and justify why you have come to this particular person.

Your next step is to contact potential mentors. “The best way to do this is to knock on doors and talk to professors,” Justin says. “Professors love talking about their own research.” Remember to be persistent. “Even if you swing and miss the first time, you shouldn’t be afraid to go right down the hallway and find someone else,” Justin says.

Getting Funding

Funding for undergraduate research can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Organizations like the Council on Undergraduate Research help undergraduate students in all settings of science, mathematics, and engineering education find funding for research. Your professors or department heads can also be good resources.

Getting Credit

One you’ve found a project, talk to the department head about getting credit for your work. There may be an official program that covers undergraduate research. Or you might need to set up an independent study. You might even use it as work-study or as part of a grant that either you or a professor has won.

Keep in mind that earning an “A” for your independent study doesn’t mean your research has to be successful from initiation to publishable conclusion. “Your final grade is based more on how you work through the data on the research, and how you interpret your research,” Justin says.

Research can enhance your undergraduate experience by allowing you to take the skills you have learned and apply them to real situations. No matter where your academic interests lie, undergraduate research is well worth considering.

Answer: Be specific in your accomplishments. Use numbers whenever possible.

If you were an employer looking at a college student’s resume, which of the following entries would impress you more?

• “Wrote news releases”
• “Wrote 25 news releases in a three-week period under daily deadlines”

Clearly the second statement carries more weight. Why? Because it uses numbers to quantify the writer’s accomplishment, giving it a context that helps the interviewer understand the degree of difficulty involved in the task.

With a little thought, you can find effective ways to quantify your successes on your resume. Here are a few more examples:

• “Wrote prospect letter that brought in more than $25,000 in donations”
• “Managed a student organization budget of more than $7,000″
• “Introduced 17 student-service-improvement proposals as residence hall representative for student government”
• “Recruited 25 members for a new student environmental organization”

Question: How specific should my “Objective” statement be?

Answer: It is best to use broad categories of desired jobs and internships so that you can be considered for a wide variety of positions related to the skills you have. This is particularly important if you’re not sure what career field you’re planning to enter.

However, if you have a specific internship or career that you really want, such as “art therapist with the mentally handicapped”, then you should state that.

Question: Should I include my GPA on my resume?

Answer: If you are a student or recent graduate, list your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. Consider including a lower GPA if you are in a very challenging program. Add your major GPA if it’s higher than your overall GPA. If your school doesn’t use the standard 4.0 scale, avoid confusion by listing the scale (e.g. GPA: 4.1/4.5). As your career progresses, college GPA becomes less important and can be removed.

Question: What do I do if I don’t have much professional experience?

Answer: Students and new grads with little related work experience can use the education section as the centerpiece of their resumes, showcasing academic achievements, extracurricular activities, special projects and related courses.

For example:

ABC College, Macon, Missippi
B.A. in communications, concentration in advertising
Anticipated graduation: June 2008

• Senior Project: Currently completing mock advertising campaign for Coca-Cola (billboard/print/TV/radio ads, direct-mail campaign and press releases).
• Related Coursework: Advertising, Advertising Writing, Direct Mail and Telemarketing, Media Plans in Advertising, Marketing and Advertising, Public Relations, Broadcasting

Question: Should I include any information from high school (honors, activities, etc)?

Answer: No

President elect Barack Obama has vowed to make education a top priority. But what does that mean for you?

According to Education.com, America lags behind many nations in the world when it comes to making college affordable.

To make college more affordable for Americans, Obama plans center around two goals: his American Opportunity Tax Credit and freeing up more money for aid by using public instead of privately funded loan providers.

Obama said his tax credit will ensure that, “The first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university,” he says. “And by making the tax credit fully refundable, my credit will help low-income families that need it the most.”

Additionally, Obama says he wants to make math and science education a national priority, noting that 80 percent of the fastest growing occupations are dependent upon a knowledge base in science and math, yet studies show American students do not graduate with the skills needed for these fields, Education.com reported.

According to Obama, “A truly historic commitment to education — a real commitment will require new resources and new reforms.” He said, “It will require a willingness to break free from the same debates that Washington has been engaged in for decades — Democrat versus Republican; vouchers versus the status quo; more money versus more accountability. And most of all, it will take a President who is honest about the challenges we face — who doesn’t just tell everyone what they want to hear, but what they need to hear.”

Obviously, the economy is President elect Barack Obama’s main focus as he takes the reigns from Bush in January. However, let’s not forget that Obama has many other initiatives he hopes to tackle during his presidency. If you haven’t heard by now, Obama wants to make college more affordable for all Americans and his plans to do so will soon affect you. So…what are his proposals for change in the collegiate sector?

American Opportunity Tax Grant
Under Obama’s American Opportunity Tax Grant, all Americans will receive $4,000, fully refundable, for their college education. This amount actually covers 2/3 of a first year at a public university and one whole year in community college costs. But you don’t just get $4K for going to college; there is a 100 hours community service requirement.

Simplify the FAFSA
Insert huge sigh of relief. Obama proposes to replace the complicated FAFSA from with a check box on all tax forms that authorizes the use of tax information for financial aid purposes.

Early Assessment Program Funds
Some states have developed Early Assessment Programs for juniors in college. Basically, these programs assess the individual junior and determine whether he/she is prepared for college. If not, the program provides resources to get that student up to speed. Obama hopes to encourage EAP and will provide $25 million in matching funds for states that develop the programs.

Increase in Pell Grants
During his term as president, Obama hopes to maximize the Pell Grant to the amount of $5,400.

Community College Partnership Program
Three-fold plan:

• Conduct more analysis on types of skills and technical education that are in high demand from students and local industries

• Create new associate of arts degree programs

• Reward institutions that graduate more students and also increase number of transfers to four-year institutions

Student Loans
Obama hopes to eliminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program, which has a focus in private student loans and is more expensive.

You finally get that long-awaited letter from your top-choice school … and you haven’t been accepted or rejected, you’ve been wait-listed. Suddenly you’re in admissions limbo. Here’s what you should do while you wait to learn your admissions fate.

Don’t Let It Get You Down

It’s easy to view being placed on the wait list as a rejection. While it’s no easy task getting off the wait list, it’s not impossible either. Colleges use wait lists when they’ve accepted the maximum number of applicants, but still view some applicants as well qualified. The wait list is a safety net colleges use to fill their class if not enough accepted students enroll.

Don’t get down if you’ve been placed on the wait list. “Don’t beg or plea” – that’s not helpful for an admissions counselor. While you shouldn’t feel dejected, keep in mind that your chances of being accepted from the wait list are slim. Instead of wasting time feeling down, take action to get off the wait list.

Decide Whether You Want to Stay on the Wait List

You have the option to remain on or remove yourself from the wait list. If you want to stay on the list, return the form indicating your interest to the college as soon as possible. If you’ve been placed on several lists, there’s no reason why you can’t stay on more than one.

Find out What Your Chances Are

The number of students on wait lists varies. On average, 27 percent of all students who were wait-listed eventually gained admission, according a National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) report.

Check if the college ranks its wait list and ask if you can know your rank. If your school doesn’t prioritize its list or won’t tell you your rank, look at how many students were accepted from the wait list in the past. You can request information on how many students were accepted from previous wait lists, according to the NACAC “Statement of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admissions Process.”

Let the College Know you’re Interested

Don’t just wait out the wait list – make an active effort to get onto the roster of admitted students. “When a student receives a letter saying that they’ve been put on the waiting list, they should respond to the college immediately.”

Write the admissions office and emphasize your sincere desire to attend their school. Don’t have your parents or counselors contact the school on your behalf. “It’s really important that colleges hear directly from the student at all times and not from the parent.”

Find out who represents your region in the admissions staff and send them an email explaining your situation and expressing your growing interest in attending their institution. Be specific and name courses, professors, extracurricular activities, sports teams and other features of the college that you’re excited about and that match your goals.

Continue to Brag

Keep the admissions office updated on your latest grades, achievements and honors. Maintain email contact with your regional admissions representative, but don’t swamp them. “Sending an email on a weekly basis saying the same thing dilutes the significance of whatever that student is sharing, “If it’s not new, don’t email the admissions counselor.” Send in a new letter of recommendation that shows you in a different perspective. You may be reevaluated on this new information and it shows the college that you are serious.

Get On With Your Life

Make plans to attend another school. Send in your deposit to secure a place at your second-choice college. “This whole waiting list thing is about expectations and once students are able to let that expectation go, then they really find the value in the other college,” Even if you’re disappointed, you’ll probably find yourself happy at your second-choice school.

What to do if you are accepted

Congratulations, all your hard work paid off, but being admitted late will cost you. If you end up being accepted from the wait list, you’ll have to forfeit the deposit you made at the college where you enrolled. Students admitted from the wait list may not have the same financial aid or housing opportunities of those accepted during the first round. NACAC’s statement of student rights requires schools to answer students’ questions on how being on the wait list will affect housing and financial aid. Reevaluate the school and decide if you’re still interested enough to back out of the school where you’ve already committed.