2026 University Admissions: Choose a major based on your abilities or chase market trends?

Every college admissions season, the question that most worries parents isn't how many points their child scored, but rather: "What major should my child study so they won't regret it later?" In recent years, with the rapidly changing job market and constantly shifting "hot" majors, this worry has become even more apparent. Some years a major is hailed as "trendy," only to become saturated a few years later. Other majors, seemingly less popular, are sustainable and have a long-term standing. Therefore, the question "should we choose a major based on ability or trend?" is not just a concern for students, but a very real worry for many parents as they stand at the threshold of their children's future.

Should you choose a "hot" major or a suitable major?

This question was frequently mentioned in college admissions counseling programs in 2026. Many students shared that they were torn between their preferred major and a major considered to have "easy job prospects."

From an educational perspective, Dr. Le Thi Thanh Huong – Vice Rector of Dai Nam University – stated: “What makes many students struggle during their studies is not because the field of study has poor prospects, but because that field of study does not suit their abilities and learning style.”

In reality, many students drop out midway or study with a heavy heart simply because they chose their major based on trends or the advice of others, instead of basing it on their own abilities.

A field of study is only truly "good" when it: matches an individual's abilities, personality, and interests, and provides a learning environment that helps them develop their strengths.

The right mindset for choosing a major: Don't chase trends, but focus on the long term.

From a parent's perspective, the most important thing isn't what "prestigious" field their child studies, but whether their child can do it, whether they can see it through to the end, and whether they can make a living from that profession later on.

A field of study might be "hot" today, but if students lack the necessary skills or it's not a good fit, they can easily become discouraged, study half-heartedly, or even drop out midway.

Conversely, a field of study that matches one's abilities, offers structured training, and has a clear career path will help students go the distance, develop sustainably, and confidently establish their careers.

Dai Nam University supports students in choosing the right major.

At its 2026 admissions counseling programs, Dai Nam University consistently emphasized one principle: not following trends, not chasing quantity, but focusing on helping students understand themselves before choosing a major.

With a system of 36 training programs in various fields:

- Health

- Engineering - Technology

- Economics - Business

- Social Sciences - Humanities and Linguistics

Dai Nam University creates conditions for students to choose the right major that suits their abilities, family circumstances, and long-term career aspirations.

In particular, the school is committed to not increasing tuition fees throughout the course, has a scholarship fund of over 55 billion VND each year, a stable and transparent learning environment, and clear and long-term student support policies.

These are the factors that give parents peace of mind when supporting their children throughout their college years.

Learn to be able to do the job - not just to finish learning.

One of the things parents are most concerned about is: "What will my child do after finishing school?"

At Dai Nam University, the training program is designed to be streamlined and practical, with over 50% of the time dedicated to hands-on experience and internships, closely linked to businesses and real-world needs, shortening the study time and allowing graduates to enter the workforce earlier.

Students not only learn specialized knowledge, but also develop: work skills, communication skills, professional thinking, and the ability to adapt to the working environment.

As a result, many students can start working early, feel confident upon graduation, and avoid the situation of "struggling to find their way after graduation."

Advice for parents and students born in 2008

Choosing a major shouldn't be about following the crowd or chasing what's currently trending.

Most importantly, it's crucial to understand what suits your child, choose a responsible educational environment, and select a long-term development path.

With a student-centered training philosophy that emphasizes substance and outcomes, Dai Nam University not only helps students obtain a degree, but more importantly, provides them with a clear and sustainable career path.

Choosing the right major, studying the right way, and pursuing it long-term—that's the wisest choice for your child's future.