Don’t Ask This Question of Your High School Senior

Whether you are gathering during the holidays or some other time of year for family events, there will undoubtedly be upcoming conversations with the young adults in our lives. Asking about their future plans, dreams and what they want to do are usually welcomed and expected conversations.

Upon arrival at any and all of these festive occasions, there are hellos, hugs, greetings and then it happens. It sounds something like this, “What will you major in?” or maybe “What is it you want to do?” I have to admit, I’ve asked these questions myself. But once my children started graduating from high school, I instantly wanted to apologize to all of the other kids that I had asked those questions.

The reason these questions are so loaded is two-fold or maybe three-fold. First, it assumes that they know what they are going to major in. However, did you know that an estimated 20-50% of incoming freshman have not yet declared a major? Second, 80% of all college students change their major at least once (both of my boys did). Third, perhaps this student is not yet confident in the major or school they are considering and they aren’t quite ready to say it out loud.

This isn’t meant to be judgmental or hard on anyone who asked these questions (remember I already outed myself on this one). But I do want the adults in the room to be more mindful of how these questions require 18 year olds to have their whole lives figured out already. Now, I’m not sure about you or the people in your circle, but I know 35 year olds who are still trying to figure that out.

Choosing a major can be a very complicated decision. As of the writing of this article, most colleges require students to choose a major by the end of their sophomore year. If you remember, freshman year is filled with core classes and a few electives. My youngest son found his major after taking a random elective when others were already filled. There are additional things that contribute to students finding themselves or declaring a major while attending their college of choice, like joining for example. Some schools allow students to audit classes. This means they can sit in on a class without being officially enrolled. Still other students may decide to attend community college for 2 years and use that time to find and decide on a major, then transfer to a four year university to complete their studies in the major chosen. Others may head to a trade school and begin working sooner than their counterparts.

So, back to this conversation with the young adult you are so proud of. You may be thinking, “Well what do I ask this student in my attempt to show interest and encouragement?” I’m so glad you asked. Consider asking any of these 5 questions instead:

1. Where are you headed? (Remember, some high school graduates may not be headed straight to college).
2. If you know they are going to or are already in college, consider asking, “What was it about the school that drew you in?”
3. What are you most looking forward to now that high school is about done?
4. Have you met your roommate yet?
5. How far from home will you be?

And here’s a bonus, just say, “Congratulations. We’re so happy for you!”

These are just a few questions to move us from requiring an 18 year old to know what they want to major in, where they will intern and the job they will end up with to provide for the family they have yet to even think about. Focus on questions that don’t require this 18 year old to define him or herself based on work. And what if they have more than one interest? This is one reason a gap year has become more and more popular with high school graduates. It’s an opportunity for them to explore travel, different cultures and being on their own.

Now I am well aware that no one means any harm when asking any of the above questions and because of that, I coached my own children on how to respond if they were ever asked these questions.

Here’s what we came up with:

• “I haven’t completely decided yet but I’m excited about what’s next”
• or “Lucky for me there are so many great majors and professors at my school so we’ll see.”
• And my personal favorite, “No idea, just happy to be on my way!”

Let’s remove the pressure that comes with having to answer those types of questions and engage in a conversation with this student about their wonderful and amazing upcoming accomplishment. Be sure to let them know that whatever they decide to do, there’s a village at home cheering them on.