<p>I constantly hear people say "I really want to go to x because I hear they are extremely strong for y."
Whether is acting, singing, medicine, or whatever, it seems all my friends already seem to know what they want to pursue and can narrow down colleges accordingly.
As for me, I have no clue. I'm still trying to find a balance between passion (which I have few), skill (not everyone is cut out for certain professions), and marketability (because not everyone with a BA in creative writing can be the next J.K . Rowling).
How can I find schools that are right for me if I don't really know what general direction I plan to academically head in?
I've definitely considered other factors like cost, clubs, diversity, things to do near campus, "overall feel", etc., but I'm just afraid of getting into a school as an undecided because I liked some non academic aspect of it then realise it doesn't have my major if and when I finally know what I want to pursue.</p>
<p>Here is one approach you can take:
- Get a copy of the Collegeboard Book of Majors. Take a couple packs of post-it notes (maybe one green, one yellow) and go through the book. Flag the majors that seem interesting to you (green for “Yes!” and yellow for “maybe”).
- You probably will see some patterns and groupings emerge. Make a list of those majors, and maybe try to pick out the top 3 majors you would be most interested in.
- Look for colleges that offer those top 3 majors. ideally strong in them, but at least make sure they are options.
- When you get to college, try to take a couple of classes in each of those areas in your first 3 semesters. Also spend time in the college career office to see what kinds of jobs graduates are getting in each major, maybe see if you can get an internship or research opportunity to try one of them out in the summer after freshman year.</p>
<p>You don’t have to decide now, but It helps to have a plan that could lead you to a decision and make you more comfortable with your application list.</p>
<p>Also… know that many of those people who are picking a college for one major will change their minds later… so don’t feel bad that you haven’t settled yet.</p>