What Your High School Subjects Say About Your Future Major

Your Subjects Might Know You Better Than You Think

Choosing a university major can feel like guesswork, especially when you’re interested in several different things or unsure what careers actually match your interests. But one of the best places to start is right in front of you: your high school transcript.

The subjects you enjoy, the ones where you lose track of time, the ones where you consistently perform well—these aren’t just academic wins. They’re clues. When you examine them closely, they can help you choose the right undergraduate degree, whether that’s a Bachelor of Arts, Science, Commerce, or Engineering.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to interpret your own subject preferences and strengths, and how to use that insight to select a university major that matches both your interests and potential.

The Connection Between High School Courses and University Majors

Why Your High School Performance Matters

Your subject choices in Grades 11 and 12 don’t just influence your eligibility for certain programs—they reveal what type of academic work energizes you. For example:

• Enjoy chemistry but dread memorizing biology? A physical sciences degree may be a better fit than life sciences.
• Love English and visual art? You may thrive in media studies, design, or humanities programs.
• Strong in math but not sold on calculus? Consider majors like economics, accounting, or data analytics.

A university major isn’t just a continuation of a subject—it’s a deep dive. So your enjoyment of the learning process is just as important as your grades.

How to Read the Clues in Your High School Subjects

Humanities & Social Sciences Strengths

If you love writing essays, analyzing arguments, and exploring big questions about history, society, or culture, you may thrive in majors like:

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Philosophy
• History
• International Relations
• Law and Society

These undergraduate degrees often lead to careers in public policy, law, journalism, education, or non-profits. They focus on research, communication, and critical thinking.

STEM Subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Strong performance in math, physics, chemistry, or computer science can open the door to:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Life Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Actuarial Science
• Biomedical or Health Science

If you enjoy problem-solving, quantitative analysis, or building things, these majors develop applied technical skills that are in high demand at top universities.

Business & Economics

If you enjoy both math and writing—or liked running a school club or fundraising event—you might be wired for business. Related majors include:

• Business Administration (BBA or BComm)
• Economics
• Accounting
• Management
• Marketing
• Finance

These degrees often mix quantitative work (stats, financial analysis) with communication and teamwork. Co-op and internship pathways are common.

Arts & Creative Pathways

Do you excel in art, music, drama, or creative writing? You may find your home in majors like:

• Fine Arts
• Media & Communication
• Film Production
• Graphic Design
• Theatre & Performance
• Writing or Publishing

While these degrees are sometimes seen as niche, they can lead to careers in media, advertising, content development, UX/UI, and entrepreneurship—especially when combined with internships or a minor in business or tech.

What About Students with Mixed Strengths?

Interdisciplinary Majors Are for You

If your transcript shows strong grades across both the sciences and humanities, consider majors that combine both:

• Cognitive Science
• Global Health
• Environmental Studies
• Commerce with a concentration in tech, law, or sustainability
• Science and Business (offered at universities like Waterloo)
• Digital Humanities or Human-Centered Computing

These programs are increasingly popular at top universities because they prepare students for the complex, hybrid careers of the future.

What Your Grades Might Be Telling You

High Grades in Certain Subjects

Consistently high grades in a subject are an obvious signal of potential. But don’t stop there—ask why you’re excelling. Is it the teaching style? The way the subject is structured? The type of thinking it rewards?

Lower Grades in a “Required” Subject

If you love science but consistently struggle in AP physics or AP calculus AB, it’s worth exploring whether your preferred major has alternative entry routes. Some health or science-related programs allow biology and chemistry strengths to shine without requiring physics-heavy content.

Passion Without Performance?

If you love a subject but your grades aren’t strong, it may be a sign you need more support before committing to it as a major. That’s where tutoring, summer prep, or gap-term enrichment can make a big difference.

How Myls Tutoring & Myls Interview Helps You Connect Subjects to Majors

Choosing a university major is easier when you understand what your academic track record is already telling you. At Myls Tutoring and Myls Interview, we help students:

• Assess academic strengths and map them to real degree options using our Knowledge Map system
• Explore Course Spaces in university-level subjects to test fit before choosing
• Get personalized feedback on what types of majors best match your style and strengths
• Build customized course plans to prepare for competitive programs at top universities
• Receive mentor support in your chosen major through first-year tutoring in business, economics, science, and more

Whether you're still deciding or ready to apply, we help you make confident academic choices—and support you every step of the way.

Book your session today and discover what your high school subjects are already saying about your future!