How to Test Major Fit Using Real Classes (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discussing resale value is a concept we usually apply to cars or homes, but it applies to your bachelor’s degree foundation too. If you pick a major that doesn’t fit your learning style, the “resale value” of your time and effort drops significantly because you may struggle to finish or feel disconnected from your studies. I have spent 14 years helping students navigate the maze of higher education, and I have found that the best way to avoid a “lemon” of a degree is to test it in a real classroom. Many students choose a major based on a title they saw in a brochure, only to realize two years later that they dislike the actual coursework.

During my own undergraduate journey, I was convinced I wanted to be a biologist. I loved nature documentaries and the idea of scientific discovery. However, once I sat in a 200-level Organic Chemistry lab, the reality hit me. The “resale value” of my interest vanished when I realized I preferred writing about science more than performing experiments in a basement lab for six hours a week. By testing that major through a real class early on, I was able to pivot to a Bachelor of Arts pathway that allowed me to focus on communication and education. This saved me a full year of tuition and a lot of stress.

In this guide, I will show you how to use real classes to see if a major is the right fit for you. We will look at the structure of different degrees, how to “shop” for classes, and why the syllabus is your best friend.

What are the different bachelor’s degree options?

Bachelor’s degree options include the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and specialized professional degrees. These pathways differ in their focus on broad liberal arts versus technical depth. Understanding these foundations helps you choose a curriculum that aligns with your natural academic strengths and long-term educational goals.

When you start your search, you will notice that most colleges offer two main paths: the BA and the BS. A Bachelor of Arts usually requires more “breadth.” This means you take a wide variety of classes in subjects like history, languages, and literature. It offers more room for electives, which is great if you want to add a minor or a second major.

A Bachelor of Science is more about “depth.” It usually requires more credits in math and science. If you choose a BS, your schedule will be more “locked in.” You might have fewer choices for electives because your major requirements take up more space. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), most bachelor’s degrees require at least 120 credit hours to graduate. How those credits are used depends on the degree type.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): Focuses on humanities and social sciences. High flexibility for double majors.
• Bachelor of Science (BS): Focuses on technical, mathematical, or scientific fields. Lower flexibility for outside electives.
• Specialized Degrees (BFA, BSW, BSN): These are professional degrees for arts, social work, or nursing. They have very strict course sequences.

Comparing Bachelor’s Degree Foundations

How can you use introductory prerequisites to test major fit?

Introductory prerequisites are foundational courses required for a specific major or general education category. They serve as a low-risk way to sample a field of study. By enrolling in these classes early, you can experience the teaching style and subject matter before officially declaring your major.

Building on the idea of degree types, the first way to test a major is through “101” classes. Most colleges require you to complete General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. These are classes in different categories like “Natural Sciences” or “Social Sciences.” Interestingly, many of these Gen Ed classes also serve as the first step for a major.

For example, if you think you want to major in Psychology, you can take “Intro to Psychology” to fulfill a social science requirement. If you love it, you are on your way to a major. If you hate it, you still earned credits toward your graduation. This is a “no-lose” scenario. I often tell my mentees to pick Gen Ed classes that double as “major trials.”

• Step 1: Look at the major requirements for three different subjects you like.
• Step 2: Find the “Intro” course for each.
• Step 3: Check if those courses count as Gen Ed credits at your school.
• Step 4: Enroll in one or two during your first semester.

Why should you audit upper-level lectures?

Auditing a lecture means attending a class without being officially enrolled for credit or a grade. This allows you to see the “end goal” of a major by watching advanced students and professors interact. It provides a realistic view of the complex topics you will face in your junior and senior years.

While intro classes are great, they don’t always show you what the hard work looks like later on. To really test a major, you should see where the path leads. I once mentored a student who wanted to be an Engineer because he liked building things. He excelled in his intro math classes. However, I suggested he sit in on a senior-level “Fluid Mechanics” lecture.

After 50 minutes of watching complex equations fill the chalkboard, he realized he didn’t enjoy the high-level theory. He switched to a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, which was more hands-on. By “testing” the future, he avoided a major that would have become overwhelming in his third year.

• Ask a professor for permission to sit in on one lecture. Most are happy to say yes if there is an empty seat.
• Observe the students. Do they look engaged? Does the work they are doing seem interesting to you?
• Look at the textbooks they are using. Could you see yourself reading those for hours?

How does a “Syllabus Deep Dive” reveal academic fit?

A Syllabus Deep Dive involves carefully reviewing the course outline, reading list, and grading structure before the semester begins. The syllabus acts as a contract between the student and professor, detailing exactly what will be required. This analysis helps you determine if the work matches your learning preferences.

As a result of my experience, I always advise students to get their hands on a syllabus before they commit. You can often find these on department websites or by emailing a department secretary. A syllabus tells you the “hidden” truth about a major.

For instance, a Bachelor of Arts in History will likely have a syllabus filled with 20-30 pages of reading per night and long research papers. A Bachelor of Science in Physics will have a syllabus filled with weekly problem sets and lab reports. If you are a person who thrives on writing but struggles with repetitive math problems, the History syllabus will feel like a gift, while the Physics one might feel like a burden.

What to look for in a syllabus:

• Grade Weights: Is the grade based on two big exams or ten small assignments?
• Reading Load: How many books or articles are required each week?
• Project Types: Are you expected to do solo research or group presentations?
• Learning Objectives: What skills does the professor say you will gain?

Can you use the “Shopping Period” to finalize your major?

A “shopping period” is the first week or two of a college semester when students can add or drop classes without penalty. This timeframe provides a live-action window to test multiple subjects simultaneously. It is the final safety net for ensuring your chosen classes and major feel right in practice.

Most universities have an “Add/Drop” period. This is usually the first 7 to 10 days of the semester. During this time, you can attend different classes to see how they feel. I recommend “over-shopping.” This means you register for five classes but attend six or seven during that first week.

This allows you to compare different departments side-by-side. You might find that the “Intro to Sociology” professor is incredibly inspiring, while the “Intro to Economics” class feels dry. Since your major is essentially a four-year relationship with a department, these first impressions matter.

• Attend the first day of a “backup” major class.
• Compare the energy of different departments.
• Check the “vibe” of the classroom. Do you feel like you belong there?

How do you build a flexible foundation for the first two years?

Building a flexible foundation means choosing courses that count toward multiple potential majors or degree types. This strategy protects your 4-year graduation rate by ensuring that a change in major doesn’t result in “wasted” credits. It focuses on the overlap between BA and BS requirements.

Many students feel pressured to pick a major on day one. However, data from the Department of Education suggests that about 30% of undergraduates change their major at least once. To protect yourself, focus on the “Core.” Most bachelor’s degrees require a core of English, Math, and Science.

If you are stuck between a BA and a BS, look for the “overlap” classes. For example, almost every degree requires a basic Statistics or Calculus class. By taking these foundational courses early, you keep both doors open. A flexible start is the best way to ensure you graduate on time, even if you change your mind.

• Credit Goal: Aim to complete 30 credits per year to stay on track for a 4-year graduation.
• The “Rule of Two”: Try to take two classes for your “maybe” major and three classes that count for any major.
• Advisor Check: Meet with an academic advisor once a semester to ensure your “testing” isn’t putting you behind.

Best tools for exploring bachelor’s degree options

To make these decisions, you need the right data. While you are testing classes, use these resources to see the structure of different pathways.

1. The College Scorecard: Use this to see the graduation rates of different programs at your specific school. A high graduation rate often means the department has good support for its students.
2. University Course Catalogs: This is the most important tool. It lists every class required for every major. Read the descriptions of the 300 and 400-level classes to see if they sound interesting.
3. BigFuture by College Board: This tool helps you compare the requirements of a BA vs. a BS in the same field across different colleges.
4. Academic Advising Checklists: Most colleges provide a “degree audit” or “major map.” These are one-page guides that show exactly which classes you need to take each semester.

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing a major

When you are 18 or 19, it is easy to make decisions based on the wrong factors. Here are a few things I have seen students regret over the last decade.

• Choosing for a Friend: Don’t take a class just because your best friend is in it. Your academic strengths are unique to you.
• Ignoring the “Hard” Classes: Every major has a “gatekeeper” class—a course that is notoriously difficult. Don’t ignore it. Test it early to see if you can handle the challenge.
• Overloading Your First Semester: Don’t try to test five difficult majors at once. You will burn out. Pick two areas of interest and balance them with easier Gen Ed requirements.
• Fearing the “W”: If you test a class and realize it’s a terrible fit, it’s okay to withdraw (if it’s early enough). A “W” on a transcript is often better than a “D” in a subject you hate.

Action Plan: Your first 12 months of major testing

To find the right bachelor’s degree foundation, follow this step-by-step plan during your first year of college.

• Months 1-3 (First Semester): Take two introductory courses in different fields. Pay close attention to which assignments you actually enjoy doing.
• Months 4-5 (Winter Break): Review the course catalog for the next three years of those majors. Look at the 400-level course titles. Do they excite you?
• Months 6-9 (Second Semester): Audit one upper-level lecture in your favorite subject. Talk to a junior or senior in that major about their workload.
• Months 10-12 (Summer): Finalize your choice. Look at your degree audit to see how your “test” classes fit into the graduation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between a BA and a BS?

The main difference lies in the curriculum’s focus and flexibility. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) typically focuses on the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts, offering more elective space for minors or second majors. A Bachelor of Science (BS) is more technical and specialized, requiring more credits in math, science, and major-specific labs. Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer a broad education or a deep, technical one.

Can I change from a BS to a BA later on?

Yes, it is usually easier to switch from a BS to a BA than the other way around. This is because the BS often has more rigorous math and science requirements that can count as electives or Gen Ed credits for a BA. However, switching late in your college career (after your sophomore year) may require extra semesters to complete the new major’s specific requirements.

Does it matter if my degree is a BA or a BS for my future?

In many fields, the distinction matters less than the skills you gain. However, for technical roles in healthcare, engineering, or hard sciences, a BS is often preferred because it proves you have completed advanced laboratory or mathematical coursework. For roles in communications, business, or the arts, a BA is perfectly standard and highly valued for its emphasis on critical thinking and writing.

How do I know if a class is “testing” a major or just a Gen Ed?

You can find this out by looking at the “Major Map” or “Degree Audit” for a specific major. If a class like “Intro to Sociology” is listed under the “Major Requirements” section, it is a test for that major. If it only appears under “General Education,” it is a broader elective. The best classes to take are those that appear in both sections.

Is a specialized degree like a BFA better than a BA?

A specialized degree like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) is better if you are 100% certain of your career path. These degrees are “pre-professional,” meaning they skip a lot of broad electives to focus entirely on your craft. The downside is that they are very difficult to change once you are two years into the program.

What should I do if I hate the introductory class for my “dream” major?

Don’t panic. This is exactly why you test classes. If you hate the intro class, look at why. Is it the professor, or is it the subject matter? If you find the subject matter boring or too difficult, it is a sign that the major may not be the right fit. It is much better to find this out in your first year than in your senior year.

How many majors can I “test” at once?

I recommend testing no more than two potential majors per semester. You still need to complete your basic requirements like English Composition and Math. If you try to sample too many different fields, you may end up with a “scattered” transcript and take longer to graduate.

Can I audit a class if I am still in high school?

Many colleges allow high school students to visit campus and sit in on a lecture, especially during “Preview Days” or “Open Houses.” You can also look at “Dual Enrollment” programs where you take a real college class for credit while still in high school. This is the ultimate way to test major fit before you even move into a dorm.

How do credits work when I test classes?

Most college classes are worth 3 credits. To graduate in four years, you generally need to complete 15 credits per semester. When you test a class, those 3 credits will almost always count toward your 120-credit graduation total, either as a major requirement, a Gen Ed, or a general elective.

What if my college doesn’t have a “shopping period”?

If your school doesn’t have a formal add/drop period, you can still “test” a major by visiting the department office. Ask to see a sample syllabus or ask if there are any student ambassadors you can talk to about the daily workload. You can also look up the required textbooks at the campus bookstore to see if the material looks interesting to you.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Matthew Ellison. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)