Applying Undecided: Pros & Cons

Feeling uncertain about choosing a college major? Your teen isn’t alone! Many high school seniors—even those interested in STEM—struggle to pick a specific subject, or they have so many interests that they can’t decide on just one. According to the U.S. Department of Education, nearly one-third of college students switch majors within their first three years, and some schools report that 50-75% of students change majors at least once.

If your child feels undecided, applying as “undeclared” can be a great option, giving them time to explore different fields before committing to a major. Here’s what parents need to know about the pros and cons of applying undecided:

Pros of Applying Undecided

1. Freedom to Explore Multiple Interests
   If your teen enjoys diverse subjects—like physics, graphic design, or entrepreneurship—applying undecided allows them to explore a variety of classes before choosing a focus. This approach can help them discover where their true passions lie.

2. Reduced Pressure to Choose Early
   Declaring a major can feel overwhelming, especially for high school students with limited exposure to college-level subjects. Applying as undecided provides time to test different fields. Most colleges don’t require students to declare a major until the end of sophomore year, so students can get a feel for their options before making a commitment.

3. Access to Special Advising and Support
   Many universities, like Brown, University of Hartford, and Oregon State, provide specific advising and career counseling for undecided students. These services offer guidance in exploring different subjects and choosing a major that aligns with their strengths and interests.

4. Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Programs
   Applying undecided keeps options open for designing a unique major or choosing interdisciplinary programs. Schools in academic consortiums, like The Claremont Colleges and the Five College Consortium, enable students to take classes across institutions, broadening the range of subjects they can explore.

5. Exploratory Tracks
   Some colleges offer “exploratory” tracks in fields like business, engineering, or health sciences. These allow students to delve into a particular area of interest without committing to a specific major right away, giving them time to assess if the field is a good fit.
   

Cons of Applying Undecided

1. Limited Access to Competitive Majors
   Certain programs—such as business, engineering, and nursing—are often highly competitive, with limited slots and strict entry requirements. Applying undecided can sometimes make it harder to transition into these majors later. It’s wise to check each college’s policies, as some fields, like engineering, require foundational coursework in math and science that may be challenging to complete if started later.

2. Not Every College Offers Exploratory Programs
   Although many colleges have resources for undecided students, not all schools provide structured exploratory tracks. Schools like Ithaca College, Rochester Institute of Technology, and University of Colorado Boulder offer dedicated exploratory programs, so if your student wants this kind of support, it’s worth researching.

3. Finding the Right Fit for Undecided Students
   Not every college that accepts undecided students is the best fit for exploring all interests. If your teen has a few fields they’re leaning toward, prioritize schools with strong programs in those areas—even if they’re entering as undecided. This way, they’ll have top-notch options available when they’re ready to choose.

4. Major Restrictions for Certain Fields
   If your student is considering competitive fields like business or engineering, it’s important to check if those programs allow easy entry for undecided students. Schools with flexible curriculums and strong programs in areas of potential interest are often better suited for undecided students.

Final Thoughts

Applying undecided gives students the time and space to discover their academic path without the pressure of choosing a major immediately. Whether your teen has multiple interests or isn’t sure yet what they want to study, starting as “undeclared” allows them to explore options and identify what excites them most. Encourage them to consider schools with flexible curriculums, strong advising, and resources that support undecided students.