Does everyone wonder if they should have tried harder in college?

Many individuals reflect on their college years, contemplating whether different choices or more effort could have led to a different outcome. This kind of retrospective thinking is a common human experience, particularly when evaluating significant life periods. It often stems from a natural desire to optimize past decisions, even when current circumstances are perfectly fine.

A 2019 survey by Zapier found that nearly 60% of college graduates wished they had studied something different, indicating widespread retrospective evaluation of academic choices.

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<h1>Am I the only one who wonders if I should have tried harder in college?</h1>

Am I the Only One?

Is it normal to wonder if you should have tried harder in college?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to wonder if you should have tried harder in college?

Is It Weird?

Why do I wonder if I should have tried harder in college?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

and the letter, it said i was "exceptionally promising. …

settling regret

I’m up again and it’s the same old tune, that clock ticking like a drip in the sink and you know, sometimes I just stare at the ceiling and wonder how I got here, but not in a dramatic way, more like… …

settling regret

I’m sitting here, 2 AM again, staring at the ceiling of this penthouse apartment I bought with the bonus money. …

settling regret

I saw this ad for some volunteer thing in Bhutan, like for lawyers, pro bono work, and it just hit me, like a brick to the head, because I remember that email, that exact opportunity, came across my… …

settling regret

empty quiet. …

settling regret

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to regret my college major?▾
Yes, it's very common for people to reconsider their college major later in life. As careers evolve and personal interests shift, many find themselves wishing they had pursued a different field of study.
How do I stop regretting my past college decisions?▾
Focusing on the present and future can help. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, consider what you've learned from those experiences and how you can apply those lessons to current opportunities and goals.
Do most people feel they wasted time in college?▾
While some individuals may feel they didn't make the most of their college experience, most people do not feel their time was entirely wasted. Even unexpected detours or perceived missteps often contribute to valuable personal development and learning.

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