When preparing for a F1 student visa interview, one of the questions you will be asked is "Why did you choose this major?". The question is mainly asked by the visa officer to verify that the student is a genuine student and is committed to their field of study. It is vital to have a well-thought-out and concise answer for this question, as it demonstrates your drive and commitment to your academic pursuits.

To successfully answer this question and how to choose a major for F1 visa, consider using the following techniques:

Technique 1: Explain your passion for the field and share any related research or projects.

Your answer can include details such as why your are interested in the field, what drew you to it, and how you developed your interest. This could be through classes you took in high school or college, extracurricular activities, internships, or personal experiences. If you have any research experience related to your major, this is an excellent opportunity to share that information. This will demonstrate your level of engagement and commitment to the field.

Sample Answer 1:

"I chose to major in civil engineering because I have always been interested in designing and building structures that improve people's lives. During high school, I volunteered with a nonprofit organization that built schools and community centers in underserved areas, and I realized that I wanted to make a career out of creating infrastructure that benefits communities. In the US college, I will take courses in mechanics, materials, and structures, and I will complete internships with construction firms to gain hands-on experience. I am particularly interested in sustainable design and hope to work on projects that incorporate renewable energy and green infrastructure. After my graduation, I plan to work for a civil engineering firm such as Advanced Engineering Company and Versatile Engineering Group that focuses on community development and infrastructure projects in my home country."

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Technique 2: Emphasize the importance of the major to your future career aspirations.

You can explain how the major aligns with your career goals and how it will prepare you for your desired profession. This will illustrate that you have a clear plan for your future and that you know the value of your major in achieveing your goals.

Sample Answer 2:

"My goal is to work as Cyber Security Expert in the banking sector of my home country, Sri Lanka and this major best prepares me to achieve this goal. Courses like Computer System design and analysis, Cyber Security, Data and Disaster Recovery, Java Programming Languages, Operating Systems, Network and Communication, etc will provide me valuable knowledge to understand every aspect of Cyber Security. Moreover, research and internship opportunities at the university and outside will provide me hands-on experience on Cyber Security field. This major best prepares me to achieve my goal as Cyber Security Expert, therefore, I chose this major. "

Cross-Questions:

A cross-question is a follow-up question asked by the interviewer in response to the answer given by the interviewee. Visa officer can ask a cross-question to clarify, expand, or challenge the information provided by the student, and to explore their thoughts and ideas in greater depth. For Sample Answer 1, visa officer can ask these cross-questions to understand more:

1. That's great that you have a passion for designing and building structures that improve people's lives. Can you give me an example of a specific project or structure that you find particularly inspiring, and why?

2. It's interesting that you want to focus on sustainable design and incorporate renewable energy and green infrastructure into your work. What steps do you think civil engineers can take to promote sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure projects?

3. You mentioned that you plan to work for a civil engineering firm that focuses on community development and infrastructure projects in your home country. Can you tell me more about the specific infrastructure needs in your country, and how you think civil engineering can help address those needs?

Similarly, for Sample Answer 2, visa officer can ask these cross-questions:

1. You mentioned that your goal is to work as a Cyber Security Expert in the banking sector of your home country. Can you tell me more about the specific challenges that the banking sector faces when it comes to cybersecurity, and how you plan to address those challenges?

2. You listed several courses that you believe will provide valuable knowledge to understand every aspect of Cyber Security. Can you give me an example of a specific topic or skill that you are particularly excited to learn about in one of these courses, and how you think it will help you in your future career?

3. You mentioned that research and internship opportunities at the university and outside will provide you with hands-on experience in the Cyber Security field. Can you give me an example of a specific project or experience that you are particularly looking forward to, and how you think it will help you achieve your career goals?

To answer these cross-questions, you need to understand exactly what you are talking about. Based on your answer, you can list down what are the cross-questions that the visa officer may ask in a note. With this list in hand, you can then prepare thoughtful, well-researched responses to each question. Conducting thorough research and gaining a deep understanding of your major is a key element in successfully navigating cross-questions about your major during a visa interview.

Preparing for an F1 student visa interview requires a well-prepared answer for the question "Why did you choose this major?" A concise answer is crucial to demonstrate commitment and drive for academic pursuits. Two techniques can be used to answer the question: explaining the passion for the field and emphasizing the major's importance for future career aspirations. Visa officers may ask cross-questions to clarify, expand or challenge the information provided by the student. To answer these cross-questions, students must conduct thorough research and gain a deep understanding of their major, allowing them to prepare thoughtful, well-researched responses.