2 answers
Megan
Student
Radcliffe, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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Is it better to start college with an undecided major or to go in with your major already declared?
I'm wondering what would be the most fiscally sound way to enter college in regards to my major. Thanks!
#college #major #college-major
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2 answers
Aly Halvorsen
Learning and Development Specialist
4
Answers
Updated
Aly’s Answer
Hi Megan!
I think it depends on the college you are going to and whether you are already 100% sure on your major. Most colleges have deadlines by when you need to declare a major; many are Spring semester Sophomore year. You should confirm with your college when their deadline is.
I went to a liberal arts college, which means you are required to take general courses aimed at imparting a broad general knowledge. If you are unsure about what you want to major in, and if your college is also liberal arts, I would recommend taking advantage of those requirements and taking several different courses that are required (i.e. a finance class, humanities, psychology, science, economics, math, etc). This way, you can get a general introduction to several different topics, and see if any of those help a) solidify your chosen major or b) point you in the right direction for a major. During this time, I would also recommend taking classes related to your major (if you have one in mind), again, to ensure it's actually a good fit for you.
I went to college to be a high school math teacher, and ended up changing my mind halfway through college. Taking classes outside of my chosen major helped me see that being a teacher wasn't for me, and helped point me in the right direction. Fortunately, I was able to complete my new major in 2 years, so I still graduated on time. But I had to take summer and winter courses in order to so, which cost extra money outside of the typical school year. That's why I'm recommending to you to take advantage of the required courses, to dabble in a variety of courses, to ensure you've chosen the correct major or to help you chose one.
You can also check out these articles I found:
http://www.bestchoiceschools.com/faq/when-is-it-necessary-to-declare-a-major/
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-experts/2011/05/25/when-do-i-need-to-choose-a-major
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/articles/2016-03-07/pros-cons-of-applying-to-college-as-an-undecided-major
https://www.petersons.com/college-search/college-programs-declare-major.aspx#/sweeps-modal
Whatever you decide, good luck! Make the most out of your college career; try new things, meet new people, and work hard!
I think it depends on the college you are going to and whether you are already 100% sure on your major. Most colleges have deadlines by when you need to declare a major; many are Spring semester Sophomore year. You should confirm with your college when their deadline is.
I went to a liberal arts college, which means you are required to take general courses aimed at imparting a broad general knowledge. If you are unsure about what you want to major in, and if your college is also liberal arts, I would recommend taking advantage of those requirements and taking several different courses that are required (i.e. a finance class, humanities, psychology, science, economics, math, etc). This way, you can get a general introduction to several different topics, and see if any of those help a) solidify your chosen major or b) point you in the right direction for a major. During this time, I would also recommend taking classes related to your major (if you have one in mind), again, to ensure it's actually a good fit for you.
I went to college to be a high school math teacher, and ended up changing my mind halfway through college. Taking classes outside of my chosen major helped me see that being a teacher wasn't for me, and helped point me in the right direction. Fortunately, I was able to complete my new major in 2 years, so I still graduated on time. But I had to take summer and winter courses in order to so, which cost extra money outside of the typical school year. That's why I'm recommending to you to take advantage of the required courses, to dabble in a variety of courses, to ensure you've chosen the correct major or to help you chose one.
You can also check out these articles I found:
http://www.bestchoiceschools.com/faq/when-is-it-necessary-to-declare-a-major/
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-experts/2011/05/25/when-do-i-need-to-choose-a-major
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/articles/2016-03-07/pros-cons-of-applying-to-college-as-an-undecided-major
https://www.petersons.com/college-search/college-programs-declare-major.aspx#/sweeps-modal
Whatever you decide, good luck! Make the most out of your college career; try new things, meet new people, and work hard!
Herman Liu
Clinical Trial Management Associate
83
Answers
California, California
Updated
Herman’s Answer
Hi Megan,
I don't think it matters to be honest. But this may vary depending on the school you go to. I chose to go as undecided, and then declared my major once I am there. I did not have any problems doing so. I had friends who chose their majors first, then changed their major while in college. Either way, it worked out. Check with your university.
Best regards,
Herman
I don't think it matters to be honest. But this may vary depending on the school you go to. I chose to go as undecided, and then declared my major once I am there. I did not have any problems doing so. I had friends who chose their majors first, then changed their major while in college. Either way, it worked out. Check with your university.
Best regards,
Herman