I’m about to apply to colleges in the next few days, and I’ve ran across a big problem: I don’t know what I want to major in.
For years, I’ve wanted to become a programmer, because I’ve loved video games, and have participated in a lot of classes and programs that were career oriented for computer programming. I just knew that I would get a degree in computer science, but now that I’m about to apply, i’ve experience a change of heart. I don’t want to go to college undeclared, because in my applications I’ve talked so much on how i’ve been preparing to go to college for CS with all these extracurricular courses. My parents want me to major in a STEM field, but I honestly don’t know what I want to do with my life at this point.
Should I just go to college for computer science, and decide to change if later i want to, or should I just apply undecided?
If I were to apply undecided, should I get rid of the computer science credentials that I’ve put on my application, and change the focus of it?
No, don’t get rid of any credentials on your application. you can certainly talk about your passion for programming but also talk about your desire to explore other subjects. It’s completely normal not to know what you want to do and actually about 70% of students end up changing their major anyway. Just make sure wherever you are applying has both computer science and other majors you might be interested in. Once you’re in, you can meet with a guidance counselor to help give you some direction and options. (you want to explore but not get too far off track, etc.)
Just apply undecided. You can apply undecided and still talk about your passion for computer science.
But if your university is one of those unfortunate ones that requires special admission to a CS major, then I recommend you apply in CS. In those cases it’s easier to leave CS than it is to get into it.
Also, I work in video games. I’m not a programmer. If you want to work in games, there are many ways to do that without programming.