Ever since I started looking at colleges in high school, I’ve been getting the inevitable question from friends, family, teachers, etc.: “What are you going to major in?” First of all, it is absurd to expect a girl to know what she wants to do with the rest of her life when she’s only sixteen. Even now, at the age of eighteen, I am still a bit unsure.
Of course, it’s useful to have an idea of what you want to study when you’re looking at colleges, so you can find targeted programs for you. Moreover, some people feel a calling to their future profession from a young age – like doctors and teachers – but even those people can change their mind once at college.
Photo from Lifehacker
According to a 2016 EAB study, 75-85% of college students change their major at least once before graduating. Since many people end up switching their major anyway, it’s smart to start college without a pre-existing idea of what you’re going to study. Being undeclared is the way to go – you don’t have any expectations and can go through your first couple semesters of college with an open mind.
When you’re undeclared, after receiving the usual question of what your major is, you’re also asked a follow-up question: “Okay, but what are you interested in studying?” For me, even that was a hard question to answer. Eventually, I just started giving a formulated answer so I would feel less insecure about my lack of plans.
In high school, I loved writing and discussing politics with my friends, but I really excelled in math and science. In addition, as a child, I always dreamed of becoming an author. Looking at colleges, I even struggled to decide whether I wanted to study in a field that would practically give me an instant job when I graduated or in a field that’s known for being difficult to find a job and earn money.
Photo from NWACC
Being undeclared allows you to focus on your genuine passions. Instead of taking required classes for a major you may or may not actually graduate in, you can explore the course offerings, take classes that interest you, and evaluate your feelings towards the classes and possible majors.
College is the perfect place to grow as an individual and being undeclared really allows you to do just that. I went into college with little idea of which direction I wanted to go, but now, after taking a variety of courses, I’m 99% sure I will be transferring from BU’s College of Arts and Sciences into its College of Communication as a journalism major this coming fall. I have learned a lot about myself these past two semesters and that’s because I was undeclared.
Here’s some advice for other undeclared students: don’t be afraid of being undeclared and what people might think of you. Focus on your passions and strengths and you’ll find your path. I promise.
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