<p>hi i was wondering, when i apply to college, should i have already decided on what i want to major in yet? cause im turning into a junior now, and i havent decided completely. i was thinking some type of engineering, but in case i haven't decided yet, if i was to apply to the ivy leagues, or other highly selective colleges, will i have to have decided on what i want to major in yet? thx a lot.</p>
<p>depends on school and major. For most things you won't have to know, but if you want to something like engineering at most schools you'll be behind if you don't start out taking the right classes. It doesn't mean you have to know the specific engineering major, but if you're going to do engineering, IMO, it's best to know beforehand (also for finding which schools are stronger)</p>
<p>Some schools have preprofessional programs that you have to apply to...(like separating engineering from business from nursing etc) but generally, you don't have to know what you want to major in. A lot of people start college undecided.</p>
<p>Many schools do not require you to declare a major until as late as the end of your sophomore year. At most universities, however, there are various smaller colleges under the umbrella of the larger school. It would behoove you to make sure you are enrolled in the college of engineering, rather than the college of arts and sciences if you are sure about a career in the engineering field. Some schools require you to apply directly to their smaller colleges, while others have just a general admission.</p>
<p>thx a lot. so if i were to major in engineering, what classes should i take?
i really appreciate ur help! ^o^</p>
<p>Math and science...
there aren't really requirements, but you should be strong in those.</p>
<p>Only for public universities do you usually have to declare a major (if you want a specific program since it's very competitive).</p>
<p>For some schools with large application numbers, like NYU or Northeastern, being undecided actually decreases your chances of admission simply because undecided become most commonly selected box and you end up with thousands of unplaced students, so many colleges caution at how many undecided majors they place. It is good to select some box b/c it is only your intended major, it's not as if you were declaring your major, unless it's like engineering, whatever you check usually does not stay with you.</p>
<p>AT NEU (northeastern) being undecided gives you a much larger chance of being on the waitlist because of the co-op program and not really having a place to put you! but at most schools it's fine</p>
<p>Having a major in mind is helpful when applying to certain Universities because you may be asked to apply to a specific college for something like Engineering. There are impacted majors at some schools which may restrict admission, and there have always been rumors of listing the right major to get easier access. If you applied to the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, you can take courses in other colleges but would have to go through a more difficult process to become an engineering major at the College of Engineering.</p>
<p>The other side to this is taking advantage of the opportunities to study and be changed by your college education...so they economics major finds a fascination with a particular period of history or environmental conservation...and changes major. The problem with changing major can be time. In many majors prerequisites have to be lined up early so the final requirements of graduation with a major can occur in 4 years.</p>
<p>This is a good time to spend a few days visiting various college and university web sites to see what they offer and what they expect from a successful applicant. You may also find blogs from students in these schools who can give you a little of their experience.</p>
<p>Colleges are like cars....there are a lot of different ones out there and they have different values for different purposes...you need to find the ones that fit you and your needs best.</p>