Can someone who went to Undeclared Day or knows a bit about the program share some info they think is important about it? In terms of trying out courses, how free are you to choose? Do you just take whatever you think you’re interested in? Anything it doesn’t already say on the website would be very helpful!
Everyone I know who’s been part of the undeclared program has spoken very highly of it. They really make a point of helping you figure out what you’re interested in, while making sure you take the classes that will keep you on track for majors that might interest you. For example, I had an undeclared friend who was thinking about a science major, and they made sure she took intro bio to avoid falling behind if she picked that path.
In general (not just for undeclared students), there is a lot of flexibility about taking courses outside of your college/major. The colleges exist for administrative purposes, but they do not at all restrict what courses you can take. There are a few courses that are listed as requiring a certain major, but the primary purpose of this is to make sure students in that major get into classes they need to take. If there are spots open, you can take the class. For example, my freshman year I took a drawing class listed as art majors only, and my advisor put me in with no problem. I was a behavioral neuroscience major, but I also took all the math and computer science classes I wanted, and even a music and philosophy class.
My daughter thought the undeclared program was a great help in getting her pointed in the right direction. They picked classes for her that would help her decide on a major but also fulfil requirements (she was able to graduate in 4 years with 2 co-ops - so it worked). You take the undeclared intro to college class (instead of the major one) and spend time in that class learning about different majors and yourself. You also get an undeclared advisor. The program works - I know of plenty of kids who enter college confused about what they want to do and graduate still confused - the undeclared program helps prevent this from happening at NEU.