A study was done to examine the role of self monitoring in choice of college major. A self monitor is an individual who adopts a social orientation so that he/she can manage self presentation. Self monitors are likely to modify their academic choices to fit social situations or others' expectations. Subjects of the study were 38 male and 54 female volunteer general psychology students, including 52 freshmen, 24 sophomores, 9 juniors, and 7 seniors, 31.5 of whom had changed majors at least once. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire that explored background, a self monitoring scale, a personal freedom versus social conformity scale and a friendship scale. Results indicated that self monitoring played a role in selection of college majors. However, data also indicated that the direct influence of close friends was not what most persuaded self monitors with regard to choice of major. Rather, broader social conformity factors such as the major's reputation, image and prestige attracted high self monitors to a major. The study also found that high self monitors were attracted to majors requiring low social intelligence suggesting that self monitors prefer enterprising but not necessarily social occupations where they, not others, can be the center of attention. Included are 23 references. (JB)