When picking a major, know what your ultimate career goal is. Certain professions require you to major in specific subjects. Teaching is one good example. In many states, if you want to be a teacher you need to pick two majors: one in education and another in a subject such as English, history or math. Another field where picking the correct major is important is medicine. If you want to go on to graduate school and medical school you need a background rich in math and science.
In many other fields, your specific major is less important post-graduation. Follow your passion. If you like business, you can choose a major such as marketing, economics or international business and still get your foot in the door at a prestigious company. The exact name of your major is not quite so vital. Broad majors can take you in several directions after you graduate. A degree in communications can lead you towards a career in radio, public relations, journalism or fundraising.
As important as it is to do something that you love, you should also speak to a career counselor and research the predictions for the future of the job market. Major in something headed in a lucrative direction. However, you don't have to give up on your dreams; you can pick two majors or have a major and a minor. Maybe you can be the person who beats the odds in your chosen field, but even if you're not, you will still have your other area of study to fall back on.
Don't feel the pressure to send in your college acceptance paperwork with your major declared. Many freshmen go in undeclared. Most major colleges and universities give students until the end of their sophomore year to pick a major. In the meantime, you can begin to take core classes. You can also take electives to learn what subjects interest you the most.