Can You Go to College Undecided

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout college is choosing your major. While it may be an obvious choice for some students, it will require a lot of time and thought for others. For this reason, colleges and universities will give students the option to choose “undecided” on their applications. If you’re in the process of narrowing down and selecting a major, keep reading to learn more about applying to college undecided and the different pros and cons that come with it.

Can I go to college without knowing my major?

The first question that may come to mind is, “Can I go to college undecided?” The answer is yes; you can be undecided or undeclared when applying for and entering college. When you are an undecided or undeclared student, it means you simply have not yet officially declared a college major or academic discipline that your studies will focus on during college. While an undeclared major may sound daunting, it’s important to remember that the label undecided is only temporary. It’s only a matter of time until you find the right discipline and path that best suits your interests, goals, and career aspirations. If you’re an undecided student, looking to declare a major, don’t be scared to do some exploratory research. Look into the best majors for undecided students and see where you might thrive. 

At most colleges and universities, whether you’re undecided or not, you’ll be required to take general education classes such as communication, philosophy, and biology. This general education requirement will prove to be extremely useful as it will give you the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects. For instance, North Central College knows no two students are exactly alike, and neither are their paths to graduation and a fulfilling career. Therefore, students enrolled at the College receive a revolutionary approach to the General Education Curriculum with Cardinal Directions. Students can forge their own path through this program by selecting one of eight iCons (interdisciplinary connections). If the course sparks their interest or passion, they will ultimately receive a better idea of which direction they would like to take career-wise. 

In addition to new programs and curricula like Cardinal Directions, there are mentors, offices, and other resources on campus to help you succeed. During your first year, it’s common to work with an academic advisor when registering for classes. Academic advising is an excellent time to ask any questions you may have on your mind. Advisors, who are usually professors, help you develop an individualized path to support and assist you in achieving academic success. Another resource that will be advantageous to visit during your first or second year on campus is the career services center. Even as a college freshman, the career center is beneficial to use, even as an undecided student. In addition to professional development, the staff can help you with career exploration. They can also show you the different career paths available for a specific major to see if any catch your eye. With the resources and tools listed above, you’ll be better prepared when it comes time to learn how to choose a college major.

What percentage of students go into college 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. If you have any negative feelings as an undecided student, remember that you’re not alone. Once you step foot onto campus, you will be providing the right tools to help you decide your major.