Where to Start as an Undeclared Student: Applying to Colleges Without a Major
By Josiah Enos, Associate College Counselor
The college application process can be an exciting time for many high school seniors; but for others, this can be a time when you realize you’re not sure what you want to study. Guess what? You’re not alone. Many high school graduates are left wondering what they should study at the collegiate level, with factors like salaries, program difficulty, program prerequisites, and more playing huge roles in selecting the right program of study. So where do you start if you’re undeclared? Let’s take a look at some tips on what to expect, how to apply, and how you can excel as an undeclared major.
So, What Exactly Does “Undeclared” Mean?
Being a student that is “undeclared” means that you haven’t decided what you want to study in college. Being undeclared is totally understandable when you consider the multitude of program options, the future implications of your choice, and more. This is a huge decision to make! But what does this look like as a college applicant? While some students will indicate the major they hope to pursue on their application, undeclared students will simply indicate that they aren’t sure what they want to study.
The Importance of Taking the Time to Decide
It is important to take into consideration the weight of any decision you make, especially when it has the potential to greatly impact your future. When it comes to choosing a major, your choice has the potential to chart a course for you, outlining what courses you need to take in college and what job opportunities are commonly available to graduates with your major. The last thing you want to do is pick a major that could negatively impact your application. For instance, selecting a popular or competitive major can actually reduce your chances of being accepted, as you are now competing against far more students with specialized backgrounds. That is why it is crucial to take some time to reflect on your interests and skills, and to take the time to talk about your options with someone you trust. Talking through different options with those who have gone through the same process can often provide a different perspective that can lead to breakthroughs and new ideas. This also provides a space in which you are able to ask questions. As a bonus, talking through decisions like this can serve to alleviate some of the stress and pressure that commonly follow. Identifying your interests and any majors you are not interested in can also help in the decision making process by greatly reducing the number of choices that you are faced with. You may also want to explore taking a career assessment test or meeting with a school counselor to see where your aptitudes lie. The point is, you are not alone in this process. There are many resources available to you, so use them!
Will Applying as an “Undeclared” Student Hurt My Chances?
While some schools require students to select a major, it is not required for every application. Commonly, students are able to choose “undeclared” as an option, indicating that they aren’t sure what they want to pursue. But does this hurt your chances? As long as you carefully consider each element of your application, being undecided does not have to affect your chances of acceptance. Let’s jump into some tips on how to create your best application as an undeclared student. The main thing you want to avoid is seeming indecisive, or as if you are pursuing a college degree just because that is what is expected of you. In doing so, you are sending a negative signal to the admissions committee, indicating you might not bring much to the community at that university. To avoid this, intentionality is key. Embrace your undeclared status in your essays, highlighting the fact that you want to make sure you’re making the right choice. Use past experiences, classes, test scores, and your knowledge of the school to highlight just how much you are bringing to that university. This is why it is important to take your time, reflect, and use your essays (we will explore some tips for undeclared essays below) to highlight your unique gifts and experiences. The college application process is different for each student, as is the process of selecting a major. However, the one thing that all students should strive for is an application that tells the story of who they are and what they will bring to their desired university.
Tips for Essays as an Undeclared Applicant
To get started, I recommend checking out this article entitled “How to Write a Great College Application Essay.” This piece is full of helpful tips and the fundamentals and information you need to write a strong and effective application essay. The one specific area we will focus on here is the importance of showing, not telling. Paint a picture that shows who you are for the admissions committee. This will allow them to see the experiences and decisions that led you to decide to enter as an undeclared student. It is important to highlight your rationalization for making this choice, explaining your thought process and what you hope to pursue. Perhaps this means identifying your strong suits academically, or tying in relevant work experience and extra-curricular engagements.
Instead of telling the admissions committee that you are dedicated to improving your community, speak on the time you spent volunteering at a local community organization. Tell the committee about how you led an extracurricular group at your school, rather than simply telling them you have strong leadership abilities. Demonstrate the value you bring as a student rather than forcing the admissions committee to attempt to decipher who you are and why you’re applying. Make this easy for the admissions committee and don’t forget to enjoy the process!
Applying to college can be daunting so it’s important to celebrate the small achievements along the way. If you found these tips helpful and would like personalized support in your college application process, check out our services or send us an email. We would love to hear from you!