What a major trial actually looks like
A real look at the structure, the tasks, and the reflection system — before you decide.
What is a major trial?
It is not a quiz or a personality test. It is a short, structured experience that puts you inside the actual work of a field — so you can feel whether it suits you before committing to it.
One trial
Takes 30–60 minutes
No login needed
Delivered as a document
Not automated
Reviewed by a human
Not graded for ability
Testing fit, not skill
The structure of every trial
Every major trial follows the same five parts, so you can compare across fields clearly.
What the major actually is
A clear description of the field — what it is really about, and what kind of thinking it demands.
What students in that major study
The actual coursework, skills, and habits students build — not a marketing summary.
A realistic mini-project
A task that mirrors what a first-year student in this field would actually do. Real work, not trivia.
Reflection questions
Structured questions about how the task felt. Your answers inform your personalized summary.
Related careers
A grounded list of roles this major leads to — with brief notes on what each actually involves day-to-day.
Why reflection is part of the product
After every trial, you answer structured questions specific to the task you just completed. Your responses are reviewed alongside your work to produce your personalized summary.
There are no wrong answers. Students are encouraged to report what they actually felt, including boredom or frustration, because those responses are equally useful.
Did the task feel engaging or like an obligation?
Did anything about the task surprise you?
Was there a moment where you thought more carefully than expected?
If this was part of your daily work, would that feel appealing after one year?
Is there anything you want to know more about after completing this?
Students choose titles.
PathHarbor helps them choose work.
Most students choose a major based on the name of the field, not on the actual work it demands. The title attracts them. The work tests them — usually in year one or two of a degree.
PathHarbor is built on one principle: before committing to a major, spend one hour doing the kind of work it demands. That hour tells you more than any quiz.
- Choose based on the name of the field
- Assume interest in a topic means fit for the degree
- Rely on what a parent or counselor suggests
- Pick based on salary expectations, not actual work
- Discover the mismatch in year one or two
- Switch majors and lose time, money, and momentum
- Experience the actual work of the field before deciding
- Reflect on how it felt, not just what you think you want
- Get a personalized summary based on what you did
- Compare multiple majors side by side with real data
- Make the decision with confidence, not guesswork
- Start university already knowing the work suits you
Ready to try it yourself?
The free version gives you the assessment and top 3 majors. Paid packs include the full trial.