I’ve been recently planning on triple majoring in Public Policy Leadership, Political Science, and Economics with a minor in Philosophy because these are all subject areas that I must be knowledgable in for my future profession. Through AP classes and a couple of community college summer courses I am taking, I will go into college with every gen ed course for all 3 majors, and it will be possible for me to graduate within four years and only take 5 courses each semester. However, I have recently read online that a triple major conveys lack of direction and a lack of commitment towards a certain discipline, and would harm my chances of being hired. Would It be more beneficial for me to graduate in 2-3 years with only a double major or a major-minor at the expense of learning what I consider important for my career?
Most colleges will have regulations barring you from declaring more than 2 majors and minors.
What exactly is your future profession? A minor in Philosophy seems pretty unnecessary unless you plan on going into Political Thought. In that case, Economics and Public Policy seem unnecessary.
Formally declaring extra majors and minors often isn’t necessary. What will matter will be the courses that are recorded on your transcript.
I definitely wouldn’t triple major, and some schools won’t even let you. If there are any classes that don’t work out, you choose to do an abroad program, or there are unforeseen scheduling conflicts (especially senior year when you may need some really specific classes) it may not all fit like you think it will which would just be frustrating and disappointing after all the work and planning you would have done. In my personal opinion, I’d say you find a way to not need both public policy and political science. While they definitely have their differences and important distinctions, there is a lot of overlap between those majors. Additionally, a lot of philosophy is related to political thought, and your economics classes will also equip you well in a political setting. To save yourself from potential frustration - when for most employers or grad schools a double major and minor is definitely sufficient - I’d consider consolidating. It’s more important that you leave college with the most valuable skills rather than the most degrees.
Don’t worry about what you’ve read on line. You can also find stories on line of people who have triple majored and for whom it’s been seen as a positive. Completing a triple major is hard. I can’t see how accomplishing something that’s hard to do would be considered to be a negative. As for lack of direction, your proposed majors are all related, so I would dismiss that criticism as well.
I would say, Go for it! You can always change your mind if circumstances dictate otherwise. Just talk to College representatives in advance to be sure that you can do it at the college of your choice. Make sure that you can and do get an academic advisor to work with early in your college career - freshman year.
I don’t know what kind of college you’re looking at, but for starters look into the Beyond Boundaries program at Washington University in St Louis. AFAIK, it’s unique.