<p>How exactly is the best way to go about choosing a place if you don't know what you want to major in? My gut says to pick a place with lots of majors, but perhaps I am wrong...any help would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Do you have any ideas of what you might possibly major in? If you're choosing between two or three possibilities, it's significantly easier than picking a school blindly.</p>
<p>Ever thought about going to a school that has an open curriculum? You could explore all you want until you absolutely have to commit to something?</p>
<p>IMHO, liberal arts colleges are the perfect place. Typically, you don't declare until the end of sophomore year. They provide a culture where students commonly explore various areas, learn for the sake of learning, do a variety of things after school. </p>
<p>Intellectually, a liberal arts education encourages students to develop their curiosity, embrace uncertainty, and explore. What can you do with a liberal arts degree? Anything and everything!</p>
<p>I have no idea what I want to major in. NO clue. I'm looking at schools where a.) I have some choice as far as curriculum goes, so that I can explore the various areas that interest me and b.) pretty much every department is excellent, so that no matter what I do finally choose to study, I will get an an excellent education.</p>
<p>My son doesn't know what major he wants, either. </p>
<p>But, one thing that we found helpful is that he was able to tell us what he DIDN'T want. He has ruled out math, science, computer and medical interests. </p>
<p>So, using that info plus other characteristics of schools (size, location, etc.) we've been able to form a good first list. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I know you've probably been told this a million times, and I don't want to "preach to the choir," so to speak, but no one really knows for certain what they want to do. I mean, I FEEL set in my ways... But I know I'm not. </p>
<p>My sister, for example, has changed her major three times (she is currently a junior at a liberal arts school). This is a pain because she ends up playing catch up over the summer, but it's pretty common. A friend of mine just changed his major from engineering to managerial economics. (!) Oh, and my sister? She went from Poli. Sci. to Graphic Design to Communications. </p>
<p>I do agree with the user who suggested liberal arts schools, though. I'd also recommend you spend some time writing out a list of pro's and con's. Do you generally enjoy science classes? Or, perhaps literature has always been your favorite? Maybe you've always been interested in film but your school didn't have any film classes? I'm going through what you are right now, in a way, and this sort of thinking helps... Even if you end up changing your mind, at least you have a little bit of direction.</p>
<p>I thought for a long time that I'd be a business major, but now I don't think so. I enjoy math and science courses, but my sudden decision to not pursue business feels unsettling.
I feel like a bit of a lost soul and it just seems like everyone I know has a plan for their future. I don't want to waste time in school and I just don't know how I'll figure it out...do guidance counselors in college really help?</p>
<p>I actually just spoke to my sister (technically step sister) about this yesterday, and she said, emphatically, YES. She even recommended I try to email one while still in high school...</p>
<p>Don't feel so discouraged! I feel a bit hypocritical since I feel the same myself, but I promise not everyone around you has it all figured out... And trust me, 90% of the kids that think they do will change. </p>
<p>At seventeen, I've realized I'm not smart/big/brave/knowledgeable enough to figure out this part of my life yet. Realizing this is kind of freeing... So try not to pressure yourself so much. Who knows? In two years, you may find yourself studying something you never would've dreamed of - and loving it.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input...any other opinions?</p>
<p>My daughter is an Undecided too, DinDune, so she's been looking mostly at liberal arts colleges and smaller universities with a good variety of majors so she can sample and experiment. But she always makes sure that they have an art program that sounds interesting (because she wants to take art classes, regardless of what she's majoring in), Japanese language classes and study-abroad in Japan (because she knows she wants to continue learning Japanese), as well as certain student clubs/organizations that interest her. </p>
<p>Are there certain subjects that you know you'll want to continue studying, whether they're potential majors or not? Is there a part of the country you've always liked or wanted to explore? Do you prefer an urban, rural, small-town or suburban location? Do you want four vigorous seasons or year-round warm weather? In your free time, do you like to hike in the mountains, sail, visit museums, go clubbing? With what mix of students would you feel most at home? How close to or far from home do you want to be? Do you find the idea of big schools too intimidating, or small schools too confining? Are all schools open to you financially or do you need to look at those in a certain price range or with a certain likelihood of merit aid? </p>
<p>All those things can help you narrow it down. Good luck!</p>
<p>For an undecided student, I'm not sure if an open curriculum is the best idea. I went into college undeclared with absolutely no clue what I would major in, and the core curriculum courses I took during my first three semesters - most of which I never would have enrolled in had my school been an open curriculum school - helped me choose my major.</p>
<p>A vast majority of people walk into college undecided.
It's no big deal. Though, I fear, with an open curriculum, I'll dabble too much in this and that, and never find my way.</p>
<p>Anywhere.</p>
<p>Big publics offer a diverse set of courses, programs, student body and clubs for one to pursue their interests. Administrative frustrations aside, restrictions on majors serve to help the undecided (and transfers) with sophomore/junior admission standards.</p>
<p>Liberal arts offer freedom in within their own curriculums. Programs and courses are not as varied, but counselors and professors are available to guidance.</p>
<p>Also, I just saw you were interested in business. Most business majors don't take anything more than principles of accounting, econ, statistics and calculus before their junior year. The leading national accreditating agency for business programs, AACSB, requires schools to offer their programs only at the upper level.</p>
<p>I would probably say go to a school with lots of options, if you go to a liberal arts college, make sure they have lots of resources and will likely be able to offer whatever you eventually do decide upon.</p>
<p>most students go into college undecided, no? and everyone (for the most part haha) figures it all out...i wouldnt sweat it too much and go to a place with enough options and where you'll enjoy yourself</p>