A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right Major

How to Choose the Right University Major With Confidence

Choosing your university major is one of the most important academic decisions you will make in high school. It shapes the courses you take, the skills you build, and the opportunities you explore during university. However, this decision does not need to feel overwhelming or irreversible.

Your major is a starting point, not a permanent commitment. It is a tool that helps structure your academic journey, clarify your interests, and prepare you for what comes next. Many successful students adjust their path as they learn more about themselves and the academic environment.

At Myls Interview, we have guided many students across Canada through the process of choosing a major. Whether you are undecided, choosing between two programs, or reconsidering your current plan, this guide outlines a practical and reflective approach to finding the right academic fit.

Step 1 - Understand Yourself Before You Choose a Program

Before researching university programs or reading course calendars, the most important work happens internally. Choosing a major starts with understanding who you are, how you learn, and what genuinely interests you.

Ask yourself:

• Which school subjects do I genuinely enjoy
• What topics do I explore outside of class
• What types of assignments do I perform best in, such as labs, essays, presentations, or design projects
• Do I prefer structured problem solving or open ended exploration
• Do I gain energy from collaboration or independent work

These questions help reveal patterns. For example, a student who enjoys biology and community organizing may find public health or health policy more fulfilling than a purely clinical pathway.

You are not looking for a perfect answer. You are identifying themes that point toward environments where you will thrive rather than struggle.

Step 2 - Understand What University Majors Really Involve

University majors often differ significantly from high school subjects. Many undergraduate programs introduce entirely new disciplines such as data science, global health, urban studies, kinesiology, or environmental design.

To make an informed choice, research:

• First year core courses
• Whether the undergraduate program is direct entry or declared after first year
• Types of learning involved, including labs, writing, group projects, and fieldwork
• Co-op, internship, or experiential learning opportunities

Canadian universities vary widely in structure. Some undergraduate programs allow early specialization while others emphasize exploration. Understanding these differences helps avoid surprises after enrolment.

Beyond websites, it is valuable to watch student course reviews, read discussion threads, and speak with people who have firsthand experience in the program.

Step 3 - Align Your Major With Your Long Term Goals

Once you understand yourself and the academic landscape, the next step is alignment. Your major should support your academic goals, career direction, and personal priorities.

Ask yourself:

• Am I considering graduate school such as medicine, law, or research
• Do I want direct employment after graduation
• What type of work environment do I imagine
• Which skills do I want to develop, such as analytical thinking, technical expertise, creativity, or communication

Some majors such as engineering, accounting, or nursing are highly structured and career specific. Others such as political science, biology, or philosophy offer flexibility but may require further specialization.

Neither path is better. The key is understanding the tradeoffs and planning intentionally.

Step 4 - Prioritize Flexibility and Exploration

It is common for students to change majors during university. Choosing the right programs that allow flexibility can reduce stress and preserve options.

Look for programs that:

• Allow broad course sampling in first year
• Make it easy to switch majors or add minors
• Offer interdisciplinary programs or combined degrees

For example, arts and science programs at Canadian universities often allow students to explore multiple disciplines before committing. Even structured programs increasingly include electives and design streams to personalize learning.

If you are uncertain, choose an environment that supports exploration without penalty.

Step 5 - Learn From People Who Have Lived the Experience

One of the most effective ways to choose a major is to speak with current students, graduates, and mentors who understand the reality behind course descriptions.

Ask questions such as:

• What surprised you about this major
• What do students often misunderstand before joining
• What kinds of projects or internships are common
• How did this major shape your thinking or career

A short conversation can provide clarity that no ranking or brochure can offer. These insights help you visualize yourself in the program and assess fit realistically.

How Myls Interview Mentors Help You Choose With Confidence

Choosing a major is not just about collecting information. It requires reflection, comparison, and guidance. This is where Myls Interview plays a critical role.

Myls Interview mentors are current students and graduates from top Canadian programs. They understand the difference between official descriptions and lived experience.

Myls Interview helps students:

• Clarify academic identity, connecting interests, strengths, and values to suitable majors
• Compare similar programs across universities, identifying meaningful differences
• Ask better questions, focusing on teaching style, culture, and workload rather than rankings
• Design flexible academic paths, including minors, certificates, or combined programs
• Reflect with structure, using guided exercises and conversations to gain clarity

Whether you are choosing between Life Sciences and Health Sciences, Business and Economics, or Data Science and Engineering, mentors help you evaluate options thoughtfully and confidently.

Instead of guessing, students make decisions based on self understanding and informed comparison.

Final Thoughts Choosing a Major Is About Fit Not Pressure

Choosing a university major is an important step, but it does not define your entire future. Students succeed when they choose environments that align with how they think, learn, and grow.

You already have the raw material needed to make a good decision. With the right guidance, reflection, and perspective, confusion turns into clarity.

Sign up for free with Myls Interview to practice mock interview and book a session to speak with mentors who understand Canadian university pathways and can help you move from uncertainty to confidence in choosing your academic future!