More Than Medicine, Tech, and Business: Rethinking Majors and Careers for Your Teen

I talk to parents every day who want what’s best for their kids. You want security. Stability. A solid career.

So what do we tell them?

Go pre-med. Get into business. Study engineering. Learn computer science.

But here's the truth:

Those majors aren't the right fit for every student. And pushing them into one “just to be safe” can backfire.

I've seen it happen.

A student applies to a top college for computer science. Strong GPA. Good extracurriculars. Rejected.

Another student applies for psychology or environmental studies at the same school. Accepted.

Same GPA. Similar background. But the choice of major made a huge difference.

Why? Because some majors are way more competitive.

The 4 Majors That Get Overcrowded:

• Pre-med
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Business

Colleges are flooded with applicants in these disciplines. That means your child could get rejected from a great school—not because they’re not qualified, but because they picked the most crowded lane.

Now imagine they pick a major aligned with their strengths and curiosity instead.

What happens?

• Stronger applications
• Better chances of admission
• Less stress and burnout

Here’s the other problem: students who pick a major they don’t care about often struggle in college.

They change majors multiple times. They feel lost. They delay graduation. They lose confidence.

We have to do better.

We have to help our teens choose majors with intention.

Not just what we think is best—but what matches who they are.

The AI Factor

Artificial intelligence is changing everything. Fast.

Industries like medicine, finance, engineering, and even law are being reshaped.

Your teen’s future career might not even exist yet.

So we have to ask:

• Will their major prepare them to adapt?
• Are they developing critical thinking and emotional intelligence?
• Will they be able to pivot and thrive?

That’s why overly narrow majors are risky. They don't always build adaptable skills.

Majors Worth Considering (That You Might Not Have Thought Of):

Let’s expand the list.

Here are real, viable majors with strong job prospects:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Community Wellness
• Data Science
• AI Ethics
• Supply Chain Management
• Marketing Communications
• Information Systems
• Environmental Studies
• Psychology (HR, Organizational Development)
• Education Policy
• Human Development
• Urban Planning
• Cognitive Science

These majors lead to careers in:

• Tech
• Government
• Education
• Non-profits
• Advocacy
• Business (yes, still business—but in a smarter way)

Your teen doesn’t have to choose between passion and practicality. With the right guidance, they can have both.

How We Help

At Strategic Admissions Advice, we work with families to:

• Discover your teen’s strengths and interests
• Explore major and career paths that align with them
• Build a college list based on fit, not hype
• Develop an intentional application strategy

You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to do this alone.

Let’s make a plan.

Book a Free Discovery Call

We’ll walk through your teen’s goals and help you find the right path.

Schedule a Free Call → www.callwithsaa.com

There’s no pressure. Just guidance.