What's the difference between undergraduate education in the United States and that in China? The advancement of American undergraduate education system lies in its liberal arts education concept. This educational concept stipulates that American college students must receive a considerable degree of general education before they can receive professional education. General education for undergraduate students studying in the United States includes art, humanities, social sciences, philosophy and natural sciences. If students enter the liberal arts college or liberal arts college of a comprehensive university (commonly known as Big U), the proportion of general education credits is generally around 50%, and students begin to study professional courses from the third grade. However, if students have a clear ambition to enter some more professional colleges, such as engineering colleges, such as medical schools or business schools, the concept of general education still requires these students to have at least 25% credits in these basic fields.

This benefit is self-evident: through two years of general education, students have a clear understanding of themselves, society and their goals, so their major choices will be more rational.

Of course, another benefit is also easy to understand: science and engineering students who have received comprehensive education in humanities and arts will understand people's needs more easily and know how to cooperate with others. That's why undergraduates studying in the United States can often soar by starting their own businesses, while university education in China can train some eccentric programmers, but there are few such cases.

Attachment: Three Mistakes in the Choice of Undergraduate Major in American Universities

Myth 1: I have decided my major, which also determines my future career path and life.

This should be the most common misunderstanding of freshmen, especially China students. In American universities, it is common for undergraduates to change majors. In fact, 60% of American undergraduates have no idea what they want to learn when they first enter the campus. In addition, 50% of American undergraduate graduates have never engaged in professional-related work; The remaining 50% graduates also changed jobs. On average, every American adult has worked in three different fields in his life. From the first job he just graduated to retirement, he will change specific positions 15 times on average.

So, if you have no idea about the major you want to study and the occupation you are engaged in, don't worry at all! Everyone else is just like you!

Myth 2: There is only one chance. Once you make a mistake, you will be stuck in it for life.

The liberal arts subjects in China have restricted students' choices since high school. However, if so many students are hesitant about what they want to learn in the future at a young age, wouldn't it be wiser to give them more time to think? American universities are well aware of this, and it is not until the spring of junior year that students are required to determine their majors. It is based on this policy that 70% of American undergraduates change their majors at least once, and 50% change their majors twice or more. Few students have ever changed their major!

Myth 3: The only way to choose the right major is to try it yourself.

This misunderstanding is actually not completely wrong, and practice is indeed the only way to test the truth. This can also explain why so many undergraduates change their majors as mentioned above. However, this strategy takes time and energy? To know what to major in, you need to sign up for an advanced course that almost all students will take. Such courses can help you understand the ideological core, value system, research habits and cultural essence of this academic field. In order to take this kind of course, you need to take some preparatory courses first. However, you may not have time to attend preparatory courses, especially if you are hungry for knowledge and want to experience five or six different majors before you finally decide your major.

In fact, everything has risks, and choosing a major is also a good opportunity to teach you how to take high-yield risks. Try some courses, but not too many; Keep your interests diversified, but know which ones are best for you. The most important thing is? Communicate with others more! Your classmates, seniors, professors, school counselors and deans will be happy to lend you a helping hand.