What to do if you are still undecided at college?

Students who are undecided about their college major should take time to reflect on their personality, interests, values and academic strengths, and to talk to trusted adults (parents, teachers, counselors, etc.) about how these could relate to a future career.

What to do if you are undecided in college?

How long can you be undecided 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.

Is it harder to get into college if you are 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 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.

how to pick a college major | tips & advice

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.

What is the best degree to get if you are undecided?

Liberal Arts/Interdisciplinary Studies

If you have no idea what you want to do after graduation, a liberal arts or interdisciplinary studies major may be right for you.

Is it better to go undecided or pick 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.

What classes do you take in college if undecided?

Whether or not you have a declared major, there are some basic courses you will be required to get just about any undergraduate degree. Those will include Science, English, Math, Speech, Psychology, etc. First, check with the school you plan to attend. Find out what majors they offer.

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 easiest major to get into?

What happens if you don't declare a major?

You Can Still Be Successful

With an undeclared major, you can still find success in college. You can gain the general education and life skills you need for the future without the pressure of knowing what your career path is going to be early in your college career.

How many people go into college with an undecided major?

Some students may also be listed as undeclared if they haven't been admitted to the program of their intended major yet. An estimated 20-50% of students enter college undeclared. What's more, around 75% of students change their major at least once in their college career.

What to do if I'm undecided?

How long can you be undecided?

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.

How many college students actually know what they want to do?

So about 40% start college knowing what they want to do.

What degree is most useful?

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.

What percent of people go to college undecided?

If you're struggling to pick a major to mark on your college applications, you're not alone. An estimated 20-50 percent of students enter college undecided, and up to 75 percent report having changed their major at least once.

Can I go to 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 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.

What is it called when you don't have a major in college?

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 major is the most flexible?

What is the hardest degree to go for?

Do undecided majors get scholarships?

Generally, being an undeclared major does not impact financial aid or scholarship eligibility, however, some scholarships may be specific to certain majors.