Expert advice from real admissions officers and college counselors |
Issue #15 |
Does It Matter If You Don't Know Your Major?
BACKGROUND
For many college-bound students, uncertainty about choosing a major is a big issue. Maybe it's hard to imagine going off to college without knowing exactly what you are going study. Maybe you are worried that colleges expect you to name your major when you apply and that being "undecided" will work against you. Maybe you are simply not sure what you need to do to figure it out. So, is it a major problem not to be sure about your major?
THE QUESTION
Do students need to choose a major before applying to college?
WORD FROM THE EXPERTS
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Students really do not need to choose a major before they start college, and in most cases, they don't need to choose one immediately upon entering college. The process of choosing a major is a big step and one that many students revisit more than once because they didn't think it through thoroughly. Your college years are ones of exploration and intellectual inquiry.
If you feel pressured to make a choice, say that you are undeclared and have a number of academic interests that you are considering. Having a list of such interests can be very helpful as you choose your first and second year courses. Take your time and enjoy the process. The journey to your major is just as important as the final destination.
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Arlene Cash
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA
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"What's your major?" This is what people often ask when they don't know exactly what to ask about your college plans. And, of course, you feel pressured to have an answer! If you have an intended major and feel comfortable talking about it, great! If you don't, it's just fine to say "undecided." The key is feeling good about that. Many students enter college undecided and then use their first year and a half to try things and find their academic home. That's a great strategy, and one you shouldn't feel defensive about.
One of the most challenging parts of the college admission process is seizing control over things you can control and not feeling pressured to make a commitment when you are not ready.
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Most high school students have not had enough exposure to the academic fields they are considering to make any clear commitments. Most college students will end up changing their major anyway! Whether students think they know what they want to study or not, it will serve them well to attend a liberal arts college with strong advising staff and opportunities to explore multiple fields. Even if students think they know what they want to do, this is a solid approach to beginning college.
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Greg Kern
Associate Director of Admissions
Hope College
Holland, MI
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In general, students are more likely to choose a "right fit" college when they have narrowed down their interests to a few different academic areas. This leads to a targeted college search and a good enrollment decision. At some schools students must apply to a specific major, in which case it is imperative to choose a course of study early in the process. Students should know that it is really common, however, to change majors while in college!
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It is a rare 17- or 18-year-old who knows what they want to major in. Students might know what subjects they like, but declaring a specific major as a freshman can be too restrictive. Here's where a great, comprehensive university comes into play. Students can explore all their interests, and even dabble in new ones.
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JoAnn Miller
Associate Director of College Counseling
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
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It's fine if you have a major, but it isn't required. Many high school students know what they want to study in college, and that's great. If you are confident in your choice, use that information to sort out which colleges to apply to. If you're not sure, you'll want to choose a college where that program is strong, but which has other good options in case you change your mind.
If you have no idea what you want to study, say so — this is important in choosing a college. Many colleges are designed to give you more time to choose a major, so you'll have almost two years at college to try out new courses — and that's exactly what you need! Colleges like this love students who don't know right now.
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Patrick O'Connor
Director of College Counseling
Roeper School
Birmingham, MI
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No one expects every 18-year-old to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Choose a course of study that includes something you are passionate about. You may not know what exact major you want, but if you pursue your interests you can find out what really matters to you. Then you can invest yourself one hundred percent in whatever that is! So take core courses in writing if you love to write or biology courses if you love science. This approach will be helpful as your decision about a major evolves.
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Needing a major to start college is one of the most pervasive college admission myths around, causing unnecessary anxiety among students and parents alike. Students who are unsure should seek colleges that will aid them in exploring their options. However, for every rule there are exceptions. Students who are contemplating majors such as engineering, pharmacy, architecture, business, and visual and performing arts do need to seriously consider their educational and career options. Many of these majors have highly structured curricula that must be started freshman year.
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THE LAST WORD
If you haven't yet picked a major, you are not alone. In fact, "Undecided" is the most common major of incoming freshmen! The breadth and depth of college-level instruction will exceed what you have experienced in high school, and you will encounter subjects and potential careers you had no idea even existed! So it makes sense to explore the academic terrain before you commit to a path. Truth be told, many students who are sure of their majors when they begin college change their minds once they start taking courses and learning about other options. If a college asks about your intended major when you apply, it's important to understand why they want to know. In some cases, it's simply for informational purposes, a non-binding statement of interest. If they are looking for a firm commitment, be sure you understand what that might mean. If you are not ready to commit, that college may not be the right choice for you.
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About COLLEGEword
Advice provided in COLLEGEword reflects the views of the individual admissions officers and college counselors offering the advice. Information in this newsletter is of a general nature. It is provided for educational purposes only and may not apply to you or your situation.
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