Beyond the notes
Do you self-identify as a Swiftie? Did you go through a brief Folklore phase in 2020? Can you at least admit that you know all the words to one or two of her songs? Whether you’re into her early country, 2012 millennial era, or indie record revival, here’s my best shot at predicting your college major.
1. Debut – Geology (Or some other small, obscure degree)
There are some bangers on this album, but it’s no one’s favorite. If this is your favorite, that’s definitely respectable though. You have some specific niche interests, which is why you chose a specific niche major. Geology (or your other small obscure major) is awesome but you’re a little weird! That’s cool!
2. Fearless – Economics
Fearless is a classic. Safe choice. It was her first popular album. It was probably the first one you ever heard, and it was the first re-record. Like Fearless, Econ is a reliable choice. Not a bad one, a very good one in fact, but you’re not taking a lot of risks there.
3. Speak Now – Sociology
You are excessively kind and you care an intimidating amount about social issues. You’re also an emotional mess. (“Mine” into “Dear John” into “Enchanted” into “Last Kiss”? Insane.) You watched the Hannah Montana movie every other day in 2009 and you might be a horse girl at heart. You honestly have good taste. This album was a huge part of your childhood, and maybe it sparked a certain interest in human nature (and hatred for John Mayer).
4. Red – Gender Studies
Red used to be a very popular choice. It’s definitely very good – it contains some of her most well-written songs, but it’s not her best album by a long shot. The only people I know who have this as their favorite album in 2023 are millennials. Gender studies is something a millennial would enjoy. Not in a bad way at all—love Red, love gender studies—it just does.
5. 1989 – Psychobio (Pre-med in a sorority)
Similar to a Speak Now fan, you’re really really nice. Maybe you’re also a little basic (nothing wrong with that). This album is fun, energetic, and lighthearted overall. It’s awesome–has some of T’s best work. I can imagine you dancing to “Blank Space” and secretly listening to “Shake It Off” on your walk to class, but also having the brain capacity to appreciate “Clean” and “You Are In Love.” You probably don’t think that “Wonderland” was written about Dianna Agron though.
6. Reputation – Political Science (Pre-law, watches a lot of true crime documentaries)
You’re angry at the world a little bit. Rightfully so! But you need a Taylor album that speaks to your angst. This is a pretty great album. You probably don’t like “Look What You Made Me Do” very much and announce that quickly after revealing yourself as a Reputation fan. “Getaway Car” is your favorite song.
7. Lover – Computer Science
This isn’t really a good choice, unfortunately. Yes, “Death By a Thousand Cuts” hits, and maybe a few others deserve praise. Other than that, I’m not too sure. Not that computer science isn’t a valid major, because it is arguably the most valid major. I would rather code for 20 hours than listen to this album and I got a 20% on my PIC10A final. Anyone who is willing to subject themselves to staring at a screen all day as a career might find themselves enjoying this music. Maybe you’re really smart and you know something I don’t.
8. folklore – Psychology (Wants to learn more about your own mental illness)
Let’s be real, this album is a lot of people’s favorite. And like Fearless, it’s a safe and well-informed choice. It’s full of beautiful melodies and amazing lyrics, and it sounds similar to the other indie albums you probably like. You were REALLY excited when you saw that Phoebe Bridgers was featured on Red (Taylor’s Version). This is my favorite Taylor Swift album and I’m a Cognitive Science major. But I picked Psychology to try to encompass as many people as possible because this is probably the favorite of at least half of everyone reading this article, and Psychology is a very popular major.
9. evermore – Film (All of your friends are art/music/film majors too)
You’re cool. More people should be like you. Underappreciated here at UCLA. Or maybe you just think you’re cool? Alternative maybe? I think you’re cool. This album is so great, and, like your major, also underappreciated. It’s a lot like folklore, but you like “ivy” and “champagne problems” more than “august” and “cardigan.” You wish Taylor would acknowledge this album.
10. Midnights – English
You have a strong opinion about this one. This is your FAVORITE. I don’t agree with you but I’ll listen. You like pop music and that’s okay! You are a strong proponent of this album as one of her greatest works of lyrical genius, and you care about that stuff. You want to be an author or journalist one day.
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