I was Zooming with a junior who apologized for not having already chosen a college major. “You’re in high school,” I said. “You’re not supposed to know what you want to do for the rest of your life.” I watched her exhale and smile, a weight obviously lifted from her shoulders. Here are a few reasons why it’s okay to tick the Undecided box when filling out applications.
Exploration
Contrary to say-so, admissions deans welcome students who want to explore before committing to a major. No applicant should feel forced to choose a pathway just because they think it’ll enhance their acceptance chances. When I onboard a student, we discuss their current curriculum; if the student is feeling constricted by required classes, I suggest ways to wedge in electives that provide some variety or different fields of study than those required classes. Once in college and sprung from those strictures, Undecided students cultivate a curiosity that often leads them to an undergrad major/minor that becomes a vocation or better, a passion.
Expansion
When a student enters college with an Undecided major, they tend to take more intellectual risks. Like a kaleidoscope, their view of themselves and the world expands as does their social and scholarly networks. One of my students made a friend in an anthropology class whom he’s now starting a business with. Neither student was a social science major, yet both were trying classes out of their comfort zones when they kindled their friendship.
Evolution
Instead of allowing their own interests to evolve, many high school students tell me that they’re taking the same courseload as their friends who think certain classes will look good on their transcripts. Following peers instead of listening to themselves is often the result of the competitive atmosphere of the college application process. I nudged a humanities student to try Forensics, and after he waged a small battle telling me he’s not a STEM student, he took the class and loved it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he majored in the subject in college.
If a student knows what they want to study in college and/or knows what they want to be when they grow up, they should obviously choose the major that suits their passion. For the student who wants room and time to explore, expand and evolve, Undecided is the box for them.
MAR