College is a multi-dimensional adventure: a synthesis of social, academic and extracurricular experiences that result in a period of extreme personal growth. While different people will look at each component of college with varying weight, I strongly believe that determining one’s college major is one of the most defining, most important parts of the college experience.

Your major hits all of the major elements of college. It influences who you meet, since you’ll taking classes with those people, it dictates the type of classes you will take, and it can steer you towards taking part in certain clubs and organizations related to your field.

And while your freshman and sophomore years good opportunities to explore the different realms of academia and the various classes that SMU has to offer, it’s important to keep in mind potential majors you might pursue.

Be intentional in making your schedule, and keep track of the prerequisites required for you to move from a “pre-major” to an officially declared major. Make sure you communicate semi-regularly with your advisor, and ask other people about their experiences and their majors. Ask about the drawbacks, the professors, the other kids in class.

Most importantly, though, major in something you’re interested in. Don’t pick a major because you think it is what you think people want you to do, or you think it will look impressive. Your major should be a reflection of your interests and your goals, it should reveal what you are passionate about, and shed some light on what you hope to pursue someday after you finish with college.