10 Ways to Help Your Teen Choose a College Major (Without the Pressure)

As a parent, guiding your teenager through the process of choosing a college major can feel like walking a tightrope. On one hand, you want to support their interests and encourage exploration. On the other, you worry about long-term job prospects, tuition fees, and the practicality of their chosen path. This is a normal tension felt by parents, especially in education-obsessed societies where academic choices are closely tied to career ambitions and societal expectations.

However, with a thoughtful, collaborative approach, choosing a college major can be a journey of self-discovery for your teen, and a chance for parents to step into the role of mentor rather than manager. Here's how to support your teen in making a confident and informed decision.

1. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Many parents feel the pressure for their child to have their entire academic and career plan figured out by the time they enter university. But according to research data, about 80 percent of undergraduates change their college major at least once during their studies. In fact, some students switch multiple times.

In Asia, where many systems (including Singapore’s) stream students early, the flexibility to change majors later might seem limited. However, international universities in countries such as Australia, the UK, and the US offer broad-based education in the first year, giving students time to explore. As a parent, remind yourself and your child that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away.

Encourage curiosity, exploration, and open-mindedness. This mindset shift helps your child build resilience and confidence in their decision-making.

2. Reflect on the Past to Understand the Present

One of the most effective ways to discover a suitable college major is to look at your child’s past interests and strengths. What activities have they consistently enjoyed? When do they feel most engaged or fulfilled?

A teen who was always the one helping friends navigate their emotions might thrive in psychology or counselling. A student who loves tinkering with gadgets could pursue engineering or design. Encourage your teen to think about these patterns, not just what subjects they’re good at, but what energises them.

Tools such as personality and career assessments (like the MBTI or RIASEC tests) can help uncover possible alignments between interests and careers. In Singapore, the MySkillsFuture portal offers such tools for students exploring post-secondary pathways.

3. Prioritise Skills Over Titles

In a rapidly changing global job market, the most in-demand skills—such as adaptability, critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy—aren’t necessarily tied to a specific college major. Employers are increasingly looking for well-rounded individuals who can learn quickly and collaborate across disciplines.

A humanities major who can analyse complex information and write well may thrive in roles traditionally filled by business graduates. Likewise, an engineering student with a strong portfolio in project management and teamwork could move into leadership or consulting roles.

Remind your child that the college major is not the end goal; it’s one piece of the larger puzzle. Focus on what they want to learn and what skills they’ll gain from their studies.

4. Compare Course Structures, Not Just Names

Not all degrees are created equal, even when they share the same title. For example, a “Business Administration” degree in one university may emphasise finance, while another focuses on entrepreneurship or international trade.

Encourage your child to review course catalogues and degree structures. Look at:

• Core modules and electives
• Internship or project requirements
• Opportunities for overseas exchange
• Double degree or minor options

In Asia, top international schools and universities often publish detailed syllabi on their websites. Discussing these details with your teen can help narrow down choices based on actual course content rather than assumptions.

5. Use Academic Advisors and Career Counsellors

Many schools now provide access to university counsellors and career services. In international schools across Asia, these staff are often trained in advising students applying to universities across multiple countries.

Encourage your teen to meet with these professionals. Academic advisors can help align degree plans with academic strengths and career counsellors can offer guidance on industry trends, internships, and networking opportunities.

Parents can also play a key role here by asking questions such as:

• “What skills do you want to develop?”
• “Which subjects make you feel challenged—in a good way?”
• “What does your ideal workday look like?”

These conversations, when held without judgment, can offer clarity and direction.

6. Learn from Recent Graduates and Professionals

One of the best ways to gain real-world insight is to speak with someone who has already walked the path. Suggest that your teen interview recent graduates or young professionals working in areas they’re interested in.

Ask:

• What did they study, and why?
• Did their degree prepare them for their job?
• What would they do differently?

You can also tap into your own network. Platforms like LinkedIn or alumni associations can be helpful to identify professionals who are willing to share their experiences.

7. Explore Interdisciplinary Options

As the lines between disciplines blur, more universities are offering interdisciplinary or customisable majors. A student interested in sustainability, for example, might combine environmental science, economics, and policy studies.

Double majors, minors, and elective-rich programmes are becoming increasingly common in Asian universities as well. However, pursuing more than one major requires good time management and sometimes extends the duration of study, so evaluate this option carefully with your child.

8. Be Realistic About Time and Cost

Changing college majors can sometimes mean extending university years, which affects tuition costs and graduation timelines. It’s important for both parents and students to understand the implications early.

Questions to discuss:

• Will a change in major require summer courses or extra semesters?
• Are scholarships or financial aid affected by the switch?
• Is the investment worth the long-term career satisfaction?

In the Singapore context, where tuition grants are available for local students in public universities, additional semesters may not be subsidised. This is something families should factor into their financial planning.

9. Support, Don’t Steer

It’s natural to have preferences, especially if you believe a particular path (like medicine or law) offers more security. But placing your dreams onto your child can backfire, leading to disengagement or burnout.

Instead of prescribing a path, ask open-ended questions. Stay curious about what your child values and resist the urge to fix or decide for them. When your teen feels trusted and heard, they’re more likely to make thoughtful, self-aware decisions.

10. Keep the Conversation Going

Choosing a college major is not a one-time decision. It’s part of an evolving journey of self-discovery. Revisit the conversation regularly, celebrate growth, and acknowledge when plans change.

Whether your teen ends up in their “dream course” or takes a winding route to get there, your support makes all the difference. After all, success isn’t a straight path, but a meaningful one.

Elizabeth Ann

Community Ambassador; as someone who was raised in a rather privileged family, I hope to address the inequity in educational outcomes based on the circumstance of birth. Bounced around between Australia and Singapore a fair bit.