Lost? Not Really. How to Build a College List When You’re Majorly Undecided
Long Story Short: It’s 100% normal not to know your major when you’re 17 or 18. College is where you test-drive ideas, change directions, and discover what really excites you. The key? Pick schools that let you explore without losing time or money, and have advisors who actually guide you.
Why It’s Totally Fine to Be Undecided
Guess what? Most students start college unsure of their major. And even those who think they know often switch after a semester or two. At your age, you’re still figuring out who you are, and college is the perfect place for that. Changing your mind isn’t failure. It’s part of growth.
Parents: Relax. “Undecided” doesn’t mean “lost.” It means your teen gets the freedom to explore before locking in a path.
What Exactly Is a Major?
Think of an undergraduate degree as a three-part meal:
*Approximate. Requirements vary widely by country, system, and institution.
A Quick Example
Imagine you choose Mathematics as your major. You might start with classes like Calculus and Linear Algebra, then level up to Real Analysis or Abstract Algebra. But here’s the cool part: you’re not stuck doing math all day. You can still jump into a history class, take a creative writing workshop, join a music ensemble, or even do a lab science. It’s all about becoming well-rounded and adaptable, and develop skills that help no matter where life takes you.
Pre-Professional & Highly Structured Majors
Some majors, like engineering, business, nursing, architecture, or graphic design, are more like a set menu than a buffet. They’re packed with required courses, which means you might get fewer “just-for-fun” electives outside your field. For example, an engineering student at one school might have only a few credits for non-technical classes, while another campus might leave a bit more room to explore. It really depends on the university, so make sure to check how flexible each program is before you apply.
Why Breadth Still Matters
Here’s the truth: you’re not just training for your first job. You’re preparing for careers that might not even exist yet! Think about it: the coolest jobs today (like app developer or data scientist) didn’t even exist 20 years ago. That’s why it’s so valuable to build flexible skills, like problem-solving, writing, teamwork, creative thinking, because they work across industries. A broad education is like having a “toolbox” you can take anywhere.
Should You Apply as Undecided?
Use the flow below to decide how to list your academic interest(s) on applications.
Apply with a major if:
You have a clear academic direction and your record backs it up (relevant coursework, grades, activities, essays, recommendations, competitions, research, projects).
The university admits broadly to a college (e.g., College of Arts & Sciences) and you’ll have some flexibility even if you later pivot.
Consider applying Undecided (or Exploratory Studies) if:
You’re genuinely unsure.
You’re interested in several areas and want time to test them.
You’re eyeing a high-demand / capacity-limited field (e.g., Computer Science) but your application doesn’t scream “future tech genius”—and you’re also open to related or alternative paths.
Tip: Some universities admit by major or by school (Engineering, Business, Arts & Sciences, etc.). Internal transfers can be easy … or just damn near impossible. Do your homework.
Building a College List When You’re Not Sure Yet
Rankings are cool, but they don’t tell you if a school will let you switch majors or explore freely.
Priorities for Undecided Students
Look for schools that:
Offer multiple majors you’d consider.
Flexible policies for switching majors (or schools within the university).
Provide proactive advising for exploratory students.
Strong support for international students (immigration/visa advising, ESL or writing support, housing during breaks, internship guidance).
Are financially workable if your time-to-degree changes (important for families paying international tuition!).
Liberal Arts Colleges & Arts & Sciences Colleges Within Universities
Picture a small, friendly campus where professors actually know your name (what?). That’s a liberal arts college (LAC) for you. Schools like Bates or Haverford give you the freedom to taste-test classes across all subjects before you pick a major (usually at the end of your 2nd year). If you’re curious about the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, or the arts but not sure where to start, LACs are a dream. They’re also big on close mentoring: think professors who actually notice if you’re thriving (or struggling).
At big universities, the College of Arts & Sciences works like the “liberal arts hub” inside the larger school. For example, at Lehigh University or UVA, you might apply to Arts & Sciences first, and then have time to choose your path. Most majors stay open until later, which gives you breathing room to explore.
Some liberal arts colleges even offer engineering or STEM programs that blend technical skills with a broader, creative education. Perfect if you’re STEM-curious but also want flexibility.
Exploratory Programs at Big Universities
Worried about committing to a major on Day 1? Many universities have special programs for undecided students:
University Studies or Exploratory Programs designed just for “still figuring it out” students.
First-Year Seminars that let you sample different subjects.
Undeclared Tracks like “Engineering Undeclared” or “Business Undeclared.”
Schools like the University of Delaware, Northeastern, or Drexel run programs like these (with slightly different names). They mix advising, personality/interest tests, and trial courses to help you find your fit.
Schools with Open & Flexible Curricula
Some schools give you maximum freedom. Brown University’s open curriculum means you can basically build your own adventure with no required general education classes outside your major. Others, like the University of Rochester, have super-light requirements but lots of choice. If you’re independent and love building your own path, these can be amazing. Just make sure you take advantage of advisors so you don’t get overwhelmed.
The Reality of Impacted Majors (aka The “Hard-to-Get-in” Majors)
Not all majors are equally open. Super popular ones like Computer Science, Business, Design, Nursing, or Biomedical Engineering often have limited spots. Switching into them later may require extra applications, a high GPA, or even a portfolio. Some universities admit you directly into a “school” (like Business, Engineering, or Arts), and switching between them can be easy or nearly impossible.
Your research checklist:
If I start in School A, can I switch to Subject B in School C?
What GPA or classes do I need to transfer in?
How many students actually make the switch each year?
If a school says “moving into Computer Science is nearly impossible,” believe them.
Special Note for Future Techies
Computer Science (CS) is crazy competitive everywhere. At some schools, applying for CS is harder than applying for medicine or law! If you enjoy CS but also like math, data, design, or business, and your current activities don’t scream “I’m coding 24/7,” think about schools where you can explore CS without being locked out. Some let you start undecided, take intro CS classes, and later declare (if there’s space). Others want you all-in from day one. Know which type of school you’re looking at.
Choosing a major is not a one-time lightning strike. It’s an iterative process of exposure, reflection, and decision-making. Every class you take, every conversation with a professor, every summer project gives you clues about:
What you’re naturally good at (or can get good at).
What you genuinely enjoy.
Where your skills could create real-world value.
Don’t worry if these three circles don’t overlap perfectly right now. Keep moving, keep asking questions, and keep jotting down what clicks for you. Your path will get clearer step by step.