Is it better to pick a major or apply undecided?

For most colleges, choosing “undecided” as your major will not affect your chances of getting accepted. Admissions officers understand that some students won't be ready to commit to a degree path right out of high school.

Is it better to declare a major or apply undecided?

You can declare a major, or apply as undeclared, on your UC application form. 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.

Is it easier to get accepted as 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.

Do colleges care if you put undecided?

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.

What major should I choose if I am undecided?

If you have no idea what you want to do after graduation, a liberal arts or interdisciplinary studies major may be right for you. In these types of majors, there tends to be a lot more flexibility in your choice of classes, and you can take classes on race, gender, sexuality, foreign language, culture, and more.

7 Most Useful College Majors (2023)

Does it look bad to colleges if you apply with an undecided major?

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

What are the cons of undecided major?

Cons for Undeclared Majors

Stress levels high: Exploration can be fun, but it's also a big task. Not to mention that social and family pressure to choose a major can weigh on you and start to affect your continuing education. The sooner you decide, the sooner you can be free of that anxiety.

Is it bad to apply undecided to Ivy League?

Avoiding true uncertainty and demonstrating enthusiasm for learning and growth are essential in presenting a strong application to top colleges. As long as students can convey their clarity of purpose and drive, applying undecided will not hinder their chances of being admitted to the college of their dreams.

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.

Do schools admit by major?

At some colleges they do and at others they don't. MIT just accepts or rejects you and you have no major until sophomore year. Other colleges have differing standards for different majors some may be over subscribed and have higher standards. Finally some schools are split into different colleges.

What are the least popular majors?

How many colleges should you apply too?

Additionally, it would be difficult to research so many schools. Still, you also should avoid applying to too few colleges. In general, it's a good idea to apply to a minimum of five schools. Submitting more applications increases the likelihood of an acceptance and the odds of receiving financial aid offers.

Do you choose your major after being accepted?

Typically universities will ask for your intended major, but allow changes once you are enrolled. The majority of students officially declare a major during sophomore year, although it's not unusual to change it even past then.

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.

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

As long as it is within your first two years of college, you can change your mind without falling behind. While you are in college, you may discover topics or specialties you never even knew existed. An undecided major gives you the best opportunity to explore those options before you declare.

How long can you have an undecided major?

So, while it's perfectly alright to take a couple of semesters to explore your options, talk to students and faculty, and do a bit of self-discovery, it's typically advised that you make a declaration of major within the first three semesters of your undergraduate career.

Is undecided major good or bad?

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. This is a particularly good idea if your high school GPA is weak in the major's core field or fields.

Can I go to college without knowing my major?

Most college applications ask you to indicate a major. But if you're like many college frosh, you're checking "undecided." And that's just fine. Not knowing what you want to study in college is normal, and it has its advantages. You get time in college to explore programs and see where you fit in.

How do you pick a college when you are undecided?

As an undecided student, search for colleges and universities that offer a vast array of majors, minors, and other programs. The more classes and majors a school offers, the more opportunities you'll have to explore subjects you may not have been exposed to in high school and find courses you excel in or enjoy.

Is it bad to apply to Harvard undecided?

In fact, a large portion of Harvard students come in being undecided about their majors. As a result, a large part of the first-year experience is exploring different fields that you may be interested in and trying to narrow down the list of potential majors. Remember, nothing is set in stone!

Can you get into an Ivy with bad extracurriculars?

But if you want to get into an Ivy, a strong extracurricular resume alongside an outstanding academic record is a must. So find a balance of activities you're passionate about and good at. Aim as high as you can to earn awards, join high-level groups, and succeed at competitions to help set yourself apart.

Does GPA matter to Ivy Leagues?

For Ivy League schools, however, a competitive GPA and application are best. Admission rates at Ivy League schools may be low, but it's possible with a well-rounded application. One influential factor is your GPA, as it shows how well you're doing in high school.

Why choose undecided?

It provides an opportunity to explore your interests.

This is an excellent opportunity to explore various subjects, experiment, and discover your interests while earning valuable credits. If you are undecided about your major, this gives you even more flexibility to choose the right path.

What does BS stand for in college?

The BS (Bachelor of Science) degree is offered in Computer Science, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, and each of the natural sciences. In contrast to the BA, one earns, for example, a BS in Astrophysics.

Does being undecided hurt your chances?

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.