Applying Undecided: Pros, Cons, and Timing Tips for Choosing a College Major

What if I don’t know what to major in?

Wondering whether applying as an undecided major is the right move? Many students, even those interested in specific fields like STEM, feel uncertain about choosing a major. Others find themselves excited by too many subjects to pick just one! According to a U.S. Department of Education report, about one-third of students change their major within three years of starting college, and at some schools, over half of students switch at least once.

Switching majors is a one of the primary reasons that students either take longer to graduate from college. But for those who aren’t ready to commit, applying as “undecided” or “undeclared” can be a strategic way to start college. It allows you to explore before making a decision, helping you gain more experience and perhaps discover what excites you most.

The Benefits of Planning Your College Major Early

If you have the time to explore in high school, it's generally best to consider possible majors early on. Research suggests that our aptitudes are set by age 14, and colleges rarely provide in-depth career exploration beyond what experts can offer to high school students. Early investigation can not only improve your chances of getting into the program of your choice, it can also help you avoid unnecessary coursework, saving both time and money. If you’d like expert guidance in identifying potential majors and career pathways before you apply, check out our Discovery Bundle.

What to Consider Before Applying as Undecided

For students in the midst of college applications who aren’t sure about a major, here are some key points to weigh when considering whether to apply as undecided.

Risks of Applying to College Undecided

If your primary focus is getting into college, applying as “undecided” may sometimes give you flexibility. But if your goal is to graduate ready to step into a field that suits you, it’s beneficial to explore potential majors and careers well before you submit your applications. This approach not only increases your chances of admission to competitive majors but also reduces the likelihood of spending time and money on unnecessary courses.

Exploring majors early is particularly valuable for fields with specific entry requirements, like engineering or nursing. Choosing a major path before applying can keep you on track academically and reduce challenges associated with switching into competitive programs later. At some colleges, it is virtually impossible to get admitted to competitive majors if you aren’t admitted through their Direct Admit process at the time of initial admission.

Advantages of Applying as Undecided

• Exploration Without Pressure: If you’re drawn to different subjects—say, physics and history—applying undecided gives you the freedom to explore a wide range of classes. This approach is ideal for students with multiple interests who want to learn more about different fields before making a choice.

• Extra Time to Decide: Choosing a major can feel overwhelming. Applying as undecided provides time to experience various subjects and explore what truly interests you. Many schools don’t require students to declare a major until the end of sophomore year, giving you space to make an informed decision.

• Guidance for Undecided Students: Many colleges offer special advising for undecided students. Schools like Brown University, University of Hartford, and Oregon State University provide dedicated support through mentorship and career advising to help you find the right major.

• Flexibility in Designing Your Path: Being undecided can keep your options open for designing your major or selecting interdisciplinary programs. If you’re interested in subjects beyond what’s offered at your school, colleges in consortiums (like The Claremont Colleges or the Five College Consortium) provide opportunities to take courses at nearby institutions.

• Exploratory Tracks: Some universities, such as Ithaca College and the University of Colorado Boulder, offer exploratory tracks in specific fields, like business or engineering, allowing you to take introductory courses without committing to a major right away.

Disadvantages of Applying as Undecided

• Difficulty getting into Competitive Majors: Certain majors, especially in competitive fields like business, engineering, or nursing, can be challenging to enter later if you don’t apply for Direct Admission with your initial college application. These programs often have strict entry requirements and limited spaces, so be sure to check each school’s policies if you’re considering an undecided application.

• Limits on Specialized Tracks: While some colleges have exploratory programs to help students decide, not all offer paths into competitive fields for undecided students. For instance, transferring into an engineering program from a liberal arts college will almost always be tricky, and especially if you haven’t completed required math and science prerequisites.

• Best Fit for Your Goals: Applying undecided may not be the right choice if you’re already focused on a particular field. Make sure the colleges on your list have strong programs in your potential areas of interest, even if you haven’t declared a major yet.

Colleges with Strong Support for Undecided Students

If you're considering applying undecided, choosing a college that encourages exploration can make a big difference. Below are institutions known for their support of undecided students, organized by type. Some research universities on this list are members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious organization of leading research institutions recognized for their academic excellence and research contributions.

Public Research Universities (R1 Institutions)

These schools are known for extensive research resources and offer wide-ranging exploratory programs:

• University of Washington (AAU member)

• Oregon State University

• University of Colorado Boulder (AAU member)

• Georgia State University

Private Research Universities (R1 Institutions)

Many private institutions offer individualized study tracks and dedicated support for undecided students:

• Brown University

• University of Chicago (AAU member)

• University of Rochester (AAU member)

• Northeastern University (Gallatin School of Individualized Study)

Liberal Arts Colleges

These colleges provide a personalized learning environment with interdisciplinary options for undecided students:

• Amherst College

• Grinnell College

• Hamilton College

• Smith College

• Wesleyan University

Final Tips

• A choice of major that seems random, or unsupported by the rest of your application, can hurt your chances of admission.
• Even if you are admitted to a major that you chose hapharzardly, pursuing a path that doesn’t suit you can result in frustration down the road.
• Choosing to apply undecided instead can offer valuable flexibility, allowing you to explore and refine your academic interests over time. Just be mindful of the competitive nature of certain majors and ensure the colleges and universities you apply to have strong programs that align with your potential interests.
• When applying to large universities, even if you aren't sure exactly what you want to major in, it can help to try to start in the best (for you) "college" within the larger university. That can make it easier to find your eventual home without wasting time and money.
• To the extent possible, try to mitigate the risks of applying undecided while still giving yourself permission to explore and change your mind.