How to Compare University Majors and Choose the Right Path

If you are in Grade 11 or Grade 12 and beginning to think seriously about Canadian university applications, you have likely heard conflicting advice. Some people tell you to follow your passion. Others emphasize choosing something practical or employable. For many students, neither suggestion feels complete.

Choosing between STEM, Business, Arts, or Health related fields can feel overwhelming, especially when you are being asked to commit before fully understanding what each path actually involves. The decision is not about picking a single correct answer. It is about finding a field that aligns with your interests, strengths, learning style, and long term goals.

At Myls Interview, we help students approach this decision strategically rather than emotionally. This guide explains how to compare major academic fields in a realistic and structured way so you can choose with confidence rather than pressure.

STEM Programs Logic Innovation and Problem Solving

STEM programs are often a strong fit for students who enjoy structure, logic, quantitative thinking, and building systems.

Common STEM majors in Canada include Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.

What STEM programs typically involve

Students can expect problem based learning, technical coursework, labs, coding projects, design challenges, and applied analysis. Many programs emphasize learning how systems work and how to improve or optimize them. STEM degrees often have clear industry pathways, particularly in technology, engineering, and research focused careers.

STEM may be a good fit if you

• Enjoy working through structured problems step by step
• Are curious about how biological, mechanical, or digital systems function
• Prefer objective evaluation through problem solving rather than subjective interpretation
• Are interested in careers related to engineering, technology, research, or innovation

A strategic note

Many successful STEM students complement their technical degree with business, communication, or design coursework. Pairing Engineering with Management or Computer Science with Economics can broaden career flexibility after graduation.

Business Programs Strategy Leadership and Real World Application

Business programs appeal to students who enjoy collaboration, leadership, decision making, and applied problem solving in real world contexts.

Common business majors in Canada include Commerce, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management.

What business programs typically involve

Business degrees emphasize case based learning, group projects, presentations, and strategic thinking. Students learn how organizations operate, how markets behave, and how decisions affect outcomes. Many Canadian business schools integrate internships, co op programs, and networking opportunities directly into the curriculum.

Business may be a good fit if you

• Enjoy discussing ideas, analyzing situations, and persuading others
• Are interested in entrepreneurship, consulting, finance, or leadership roles
• Prefer applied learning over purely theoretical study
• Want a degree that combines quantitative skills with communication and teamwork

An important application consideration

Top Canadian business programs such as U of T Rotman Commerce, Ivey AEO, York Schulich BBA, Queen’s Smith Commerce, and UBC Sauder often rely heavily on supplementary applications and video interviews. Academic performance matters, but communication and judgment are equally important.

Arts and Humanities Programs Ideas Expression and Society

Arts and humanities programs are ideal for students who are drawn to ideas, language, culture, ethics, and social analysis.

Common arts majors include English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Global Studies, and Psychology in arts streams.

What arts programs typically involve

Students engage in reading, writing, discussion, and critical analysis. - These programs focus on understanding how ideas shape societies, how people communicate meaning, and how power, culture, and values interact. Arts degrees often offer greater flexibility to explore different subjects before specializing.

Arts may be a good fit if you

• Enjoy asking big questions and examining multiple perspectives
• Are a strong reader, writer, or speaker
• Are interested in law, public policy, education, journalism, or graduate study
• Value intellectual exploration and adaptability

A strategic note

Arts students increasingly strengthen their profiles by adding data literacy, policy analysis, or digital skills. Combinations such as Political Science with Data Analytics or Philosophy with Computer Science can be especially powerful.

Health and Life Sciences Programs Systems Care and Impact

Health and life sciences programs attract students interested in biology, chemistry, human health, and helping others.

Common health related majors include Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Biomedical Science, Nursing, and Psychology in science streams.

What health programs typically involve

These programs usually include intensive science coursework, labs, and structured first year requirements. Many students pursue these degrees as preparation for medical school, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, or public health. Academic rigor and competition are common.

Health sciences may be a good fit if you

• Are motivated by impact and service
• Are comfortable with heavy academic workloads
• Enjoy science and evidence based reasoning
• Are interested in patient care, research, or health systems

An important distinction

Not all health programs are the same. Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, Health Sciences at McMaster, and Queen’s BHSc differ significantly in teaching style, assessment methods, and competitiveness. Program structure matters as much as program name.

Cross Field Pathways and Academic Flexibility

Many students do not fit neatly into one category. That is increasingly normal.

• Canadian universities now offer more flexibility than ever through
• Combined majors across faculties
• General first year programs that allow exploration
• Minors, certificates, and interdisciplinary options
• Co-op and experiential learning pathways added later

University success is not defined solely by what you choose at seventeen. It is shaped by how you combine fields, adapt over time, and apply what you learn.

How Myls Interview Mentors Help Students Choose With Confidence

Choosing a university field is not just about reading program descriptions. It requires reflection, comparison, and real insight into what academic life is actually like.

At Myls Interview, our mentors are current students and graduates from top Canadian universities across STEM, Business, Arts, and Health programs. Myls help students move from uncertainty to clarity by providing perspective that cannot be found on a university website.

Our mentors help students

• Compare similar programs across universities based on curriculum, culture, and flexibility
• Understand the lived experience of different fields, not just the marketing language
• Clarify long term academic and career goals
• Design hybrid or interdisciplinary pathways
• Prepare strategically for competitive supplementary applications and interviews

Whether you are deciding between Engineering and Computer Science, Commerce and Economics, Psychology and Health Sciences, or simply exploring your options, our mentors help you make informed decisions grounded in reality.

Connect with a mentor to start building an academic path that fits who you are and where you want to go. Sign up for free at Myls Interview to practice admission interviews!