Is it better to apply undecided or with a major?

If you have a competitive college concentration in mind, your academic profile – your GPA, in other words – will be key. If your high school GPA does not reflect your full potential and you would like to use your first year of college to correct this issue, it likely makes sense to apply as an undeclared major.

Should I apply undecided or with a major?

For most colleges, choosing “undecided” as your major will not affect your chances of getting accepted.

Does it look bad to put undecided on a college application?

Admissions boards understand how important this decision is. They also know their students, including incoming students, are likely to change their course of study at one point or another. So, there is no reason for a school not to accept an applicant solely because they are undecided.

Is it worth going to college undecided?

In reality, college is a great investment if you're undecided because there's no place on earth with more opportunities to explore your passions and discover your strengths. President Jo Allen, '80, shares her thoughts on the benefits of being undecided as you embark on the college search.

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.

Is Applying For An Undecided Major A Benefit? (2024 College Admission Tips)

Is it easier to get accepted as undecided?

Most admissions experts agree that in most cases, there's no harm in putting “undecided” on your college application. Admissions counselors know that choosing your major is a tough decision, so they're not surprised when some students just aren't sure about what they want to study.

Why is applying for undecided bad?

Applying to college as an undeclared major generally does not hurt your chances of getting into college. It can help you if you do not meet the initial GPA prerequisites for a specific department or program.

What percent of people apply undecided?

While having undecided listed as your major may seem like a big deal, it's more common than you think. 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.

Can you change your major after applying?

In the US, your major (or study program) determines the type of classes you take, academic requirements for graduation, and most importantly, your career path — but what happens when you are not happy after choosing your major? You can change it! Changing your major is common at US colleges and universities.

Does it matter what major you apply for?

Declaring a Major

For freshmen applying to a major in the College, your choice of major will neither help nor hurt your prospects for admission. In fact, a large number of freshman applicants apply as undeclared.

What are the 4 mistakes to avoid when applying for a college?

Is it bad to apply to college as an undeclared major?

You're not alone

This typically won't be seen as a detriment to your application. It can demonstrate that you are thoughtful and intentional with your intended field of study. In fact, it shows that you are part of the 75% of students who either enter college as an undeclared major or change their major.

What are the best colleges for undecided majors?

How many colleges should you apply too?

In general, most students apply to between 8 and 12 colleges. This is a good range to aim for, provided that the applications you submit represent a broad variety of colleges. Ideally, you want to apply to at least two safety, four target, and two reach schools.

How do I choose a major if I am undecided?

Should I put undecided major on resume?

Do not specify career field if undecided. Try to highlight skills instead. Include clubs, community activities, and honors. Omit high school info.

Does your GPA reset when you change majors?

A change of major does not change grades or GPA. If you change majors and previous courses do no apply to your new major requirements, you most likely count previous coursework at electives.

What if I put the wrong major on my college application?

Is That Important? If you've put the wrong major on your college application, we have some good news: for the vast majority of people, this isn't a big deal. You don't need to contact the schools to make changes, and it's something you'll easily be able to change later, after you've decided which college to attend.

Does your major affect your acceptance?

Some majors are more competitive than others and may affect your chances of admission. Some of the most competitive majors today include Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Biology, and Nursing. Generally, students interested in studying pre-med gravitate toward biology programs.

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.

How many years can you go undecided in college?

At a 4-year college, you can be undeclared or undecided until you earn 30 credits or reach your second year of college. Undeclared and undecided students can explore careers and courses in their first year of college while earning general education credits.

Why is an undecided major good?

Pressure's off. Without a major, there is less pressure to make something work that just doesn't. As a successful student, when you put your mind to something, you're likely to work hard and stay after it.

Is it better to declare undecided?

If you have a high GPA, strong test scores, extensive extracurricular involvement, and excellent application essays, applying undecided will most likely have little impact on your admissions chances.

Can I go to college without a major?

By entering college without a declared major, you may obtain these skills as you search for your chosen field. There is no right or wrong answer regarding whether you should enter a college without chosen major. The decision must be made on an individual basis.

Can you apply to Harvard as undecided?

If I can leave you with any piece of advice, it would be to come into college with an open mind. A lot of students think that they need to have it all figured out before they even step foot on campus, which isn't true at all! In fact, a large portion of Harvard students come in being undecided about their majors.