Yes, in some other countries, students have to decide on educational and associated career paths as early as middle school. In the US educational system, some educational paths can be decided on as late as sophomore year of college, though some (which have more requirements, longer prerequisite sequences, and/or selective admission to the major) may need to be decided as a high school senior applying to colleges (applying to the majors as well).
However, a student who starts college at a community college can delay the major selection process, since s/he can remain there almost indefinitely (within cost and similar constraints, though community colleges tend to be lower cost than four year schools) as a “sophomore”, changing intended majors several times. Once a student enters (or applies to in some cases) a four year school, s/he is “on the clock” to decide a major and graduate in a reasonable amount of time.