Can I go to college without knowing my major?

In many cases, though not all, your college or university will not require you to declare a major as a high school senior. You may even be encouraged to wait until the end of your sophomore year of college to choose an academic concentration.

Is it OK to not know your major?

This freedom can feel quite liberating at first, but it often evolves into worry — when you can do anything, sometimes it's hard to pick just one thing. We're here to tell you that it's not worth that worry. Not only is it totally normal to not know what to major in, but it's completely, 100 percent okay to not know.

Can you apply to college without knowing your major?

Many students apply to college undecided, meaning they haven't decided on or declared a major yet. If the university accepts you, you'll be admitted as an undeclared major. Some students may also be listed as undeclared if they haven't been admitted to the program of their intended major yet.

Do you have to know your major before college?

It's ok to be undeclared

But you still might have no clue what you want to study, which is completely ok. Most colleges have the option to enroll as an undeclared major. Before it's time to decide a major, you have the chance to take a variety of classes in different fields to get a feel for what your interests are.

Can you go through college without a major?

Yes. There are many points in time when a college student can declare an academic major. Prospective students can do it on their application, first year students can do it after taking a course or a few, but ultimately you don't have to declare a major in order to enroll or start your general education courses.

how not to pick your university major

What's the easiest major to get into college?

Is it better to pick a major or apply undecided?

Suppose you are interested in a traditionally competitive major, such as engineering, and your high school GPA does not reflect your full potential. In that case, it may be advantageous to apply as undecided. This is especially the case if your high school GPA is weak in that major's core fields.

What if I don't know my major?

If you still aren't sure what to major in, don't be afraid to start as undecided! About a third of all students change their major at least once. Taking some general education courses and talking to your advisor can help you refine your interests and put you on the right path.

Is it OK to go to college undecided?

In short, being undecided is probably one of the very best ways to enter college – and college is certainly one of, if not the very best investment in exploring the world's offerings and a student's suitability for those offerings.

How long can you be undeclared in college?

You will need to check your university requirements or your academic advisor to see how long you can be undeclared. Most universities will allow you to remain undeclared for up to one year or two semesters. Starting your college career undeclared can also save you some hassle later on down the road.

What percent of students don't know what their major is?

You're part of the 75 percent of American college students who either start their college career as undecided or change their major at least once. It's all part of the process of exploring your options.

Why is it okay if you decide to go to college without declaring a major?

Being undeclared is just a fancy way of saying you're not sure what you want to major in. Being an undecided college major is temporary--no one makes it to the end of college as an undeclared major.

What is it called when you go to college without a major?

Colleges and universities use the terms “undeclared”, “undecided”, and “exploratory” for students who have not yet chosen their official academic major. These students have been accepted and are enrolled in the university but must still choose their final major or degree.

What are the best colleges for undecided majors?

Small liberal arts colleges (such as Bates College and Haverford College) and Colleges of Arts and Sciences at universities (such Lehigh University and the University of Virginia) typically enable students to pursue any of the majors offered within that College and are good choices for undecided students with interests ...

Which majors make the most money?

Students who pursue a degree specifically in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or economics — mostly STEM disciplines — earn the most overall, according to a new analysis of bachelor's degrees and median earnings by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Do 75% of American college students start college undecided or change their major?

It's estimated that 20 to 50 percent of students enter college undecided, and an estimated 75 percent of students change their major at least once before they graduate. If you have any negative feelings as an undecided student, remember that you're not alone.

What is the most broad major?

What to do if I don't know what major to choose?

Choosing your major can be difficult, but it's not the end of the world if you don't know what you want to do after graduation. Take classes that sound interesting, find an internship or part-time job, and talk to professors to get a better idea of what you would like to do in the future and what you should major in.

Is it normal to doubt your major?

Are you having second thoughts about your major? You are not alone. Many people experience the same thoughts during their college career at least once. It is common for people to switch their academic path and oftentimes their institution as well.

When should I know my major?

In general, most schools require you to declare a major by the end of your sophomore year. Some students may start college with a declared major or undecided. Individual departments may also set their own rules, so it's critical you ask ahead of time about deadlines for choosing a major.

What is the hardest major to get into?

What major is the hardest?

What are the cons of undecided major?

Searching for colleges is a bit harder. Many students start their college search by researching schools that excel in the major they're interested in. If you haven't selected a major yet, however, it's a bit harder to find the ideal college for what you want to study.

What is the happiest major in college?

What is the happiest major? According to a 2022 ZipRecruiter survey, people were happiest with their college major if they had majored in computer and information sciences, criminology, engineering, nursing, health, business administration, finance, or psychology.

What is the least useful major in college?