When I applied to colleges I put my major as “undecided” but now I actually know what major I want to start out with. Should I figure out a way to enter college this fall with that major, or will it not matter because I’ll be taking gen-eds? I’m just thinking that if I contact the school somehow and “change” my major before I even start, it will help ensure that I’m not taking classes I don’t even need in my first semester.
Generally it really doesn’t matter as most colleges don’t require you to pick a major until the end of your sophomore year. When you start college you will meet with your academic advisor and that would be a good time to discuss this.
It doesn’t matter - you’ll to take general eds anyway, and plus nobody will force you to take specific classes in your first year anyway. You can go in undecided, take the engineering prerequisites in your first year and not declare engineering until the end of your freshman or sophomore year (or biology or English or philosophy or whatever you major in) and be fine.
It may matter in terms of graduating in 4 years. Depends on the school and the program. If an extra year is in the budget, then no.
I don’t think it can delay you. You have so many general requirements that you can take your freshman year. Just be smart about which classes you select and maybe even select one that goes with your intended major.
LOOK at the recommended course sequence for the majors you are considering at the university in question.
DISCUSS, if possible with an academic advisor.
DO NOT presume that it will magically be ok because of what someone told you on an internet forum.
It may work out ok, but with tens of thousands of dollars on the line it is the very soul and pith of wisdom to get firm answers directly from the institution involved.
Edit: I could not have graduated in 4 years without some 20+ hour semesters (plural) in my chosen major had I gone undecided as a freshman. Probably could have with mathematics, but I was already taking calculus.
Colleges and programs vary. Do your homework.
You need to be sure to take the prerequisite courses for all of your possible majors, so that you will not be “behind” on any of them that you may choose.
Also, depending on your school, some majors may be capacity limited, so that they may have higher grade or GPA thresholds or competitive admission processes to enter the major. If any of your possible majors is such a major, be sure that you have a backup plan (alternate majors at the same school, or transfer to a less selective school where you can get your major).
Pay careful attention to what @ucbalumnus said about pre-requisites. Many programs today will have you take major courses starting freshman year, since otherwise you won’t be qualified to take the more advanced courses later on.