Join us for PSAT: When and Why on 8/13 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for PSAT: When and Why on 8/13 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
“Does my child need to pick a major before applying to college?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from families after helping 8100+ families achieve their admissions dreams. The pressure to have everything figured out by age 17 can feel overwhelming for both students and parents.
Here’s the reality: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, understanding when applying as an undecided major can help or hurt your chances, making the difference between getting into your dream school and facing unnecessary rejections.
The short answer: No, you don’t have to stick to one major while you are just a high school student. High school students are typically exposed to only around 10 different academic disciplines, whereas colleges offer more than 300 majors to choose from.
Consider this: most high schools offer English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, art, music, and perhaps a few additional electives. But colleges? They offer a wide range of programs, from Cognitive Science to Supply Chain Management and Digital Humanities. How can we expect teenagers to choose from 300+ options when they’ve only experienced a tiny fraction of what’s available?
Many colleges don’t require students to declare a major until sophomore year. This means your child has 2-4 semesters to explore different fields through coursework, internships and campus experiences before making a final decision.
This flexibility is built into the college system because universities recognize that teenagers are still discovering their interests and career paths. In fact, studies show that over 80% of college students change their major at least once during their academic career.
The US college system is uniquely designed to help students explore through General Education requirements, which usually contain the following categories :
Take UCLA as an example: Students must complete ten courses (48 units minimum) across these different areas before graduation. This means that even a Computer Science major will take courses in literature, a Psychology major will study the natural sciences, and a Business major will explore the humanities.
This system is specifically designed to expose students to academic fields they may never have encountered in high school, often leading to the discovery of unexpected passions or career paths.
Before deciding whether to apply undecided, you need to understand how your target colleges handle admissions.
School-Wide Admissions: Universities like Harvard, Yale, and most liberal arts colleges admit students to the institution as a whole. You may write down the top 3 college majors you wish to pursue, but when applying, you’re competing in the same applicant pool.
College-Specific Admissions: Universities like Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, and most UC schools require you to apply to specific colleges within the university, like the School of Engineering, College of Business or Arts & Sciences. Each school has its own unique admission requirements and acceptance rates.
College of Engineering: Highly competitive, strong math/science background required
College of Arts & Sciences: More flexible, broader range of academic interests
School of Industrial and Labor Relations: Specialized focus, unique application requirements
At the most selective universities, applying as “undecided” can put students at a disadvantage, especially for competitive, capacity-limited programs. For certain majors, students should consider strategic planning early on, using their course selections, extracurricular activities, and summer experience to demonstrate genuine academic interest and direction.
Computer Science: At top schools like Carnegie Mellon(School of Computer Science) and UC Berkeley, CS programs are highly competitive and nearly impossible to transfer into after enrollment.
Business: Direct admission is critical at schools like UPenn Wharton, NYU Stern, Michigan, UC Berkeley Haas, and Georgetown McDonough>. Internal transfer spots are extremely limited and far more selective than freshman admission.
Engineering: Institutions like MIT and Georgia Tech look for students who demonstrate a strong interest in engineering early on, through coursework, summer programs, and activities. Applying as undecided may suggest a lack of direction in a field that values long-term commitment.
If your student is targeting a top program in a competitive field, applying directly into that major is often the most strategic choice. Even if they’re still exploring, demonstrating a strong academic theme—and aligning their school list accordingly—can significantly boost their admissions chances.
Colleges understand that teenagers are still in the process of exploring. What they don’t want to see is someone who changes direction every semester without reflection. Show growth and evolution in thinking rather than random pivoting. A student who moves from pure mathematics to mathematical modeling for environmental science is showing intellectual development, not confusion
It depends on the school and programs. If you are looking for institutions of technology like Georgia Tech or Rochester Institute of Technology, you should demonstrate your interest in specific fields. In contrast, liberal arts colleges offer more time and flexibility, enabling students to explore their interests before declaring a major.
Not necessarily. What matters more than narrowing to one interest is helping your child present a cohesive and thoughtful narrative. If they have multiple passions, they can highlight the connections or overarching themes that unite them. Colleges value intellectual curiosity and depth, not forced certainty.
Most colleges allow students to change majors, especially within their first two years. However, for impacted or capped majors, internal transfer may be competitive. It’s important to research each school’s policies before applying.
It depends on the school and the major. Many top colleges are open to undecided students, especially those who demonstrate curiosity and engagement. However, for selective programs (such as computer science, engineering, or business), applying directly to the major is often the better strategy. What’s most important is a well-planned and authentic application.
Consider their level of certainty, the competitiveness of their intended major, and how target schools handle internal transfers. If your child is still exploring, and the schools allow flexibility, applying undecided may be a smart choice. Speaking with an AcceptU counselor can help clarify the best approach.
The decision to apply undecided versus with a specific major isn’t just about admissions strategy—it’s about setting your child up for success and satisfaction in college. Some students thrive with the structure of a defined path, while others need the flexibility to explore. Book a free consultation with us to discuss whether applying undecided or with a specific major makes the most sense for your student’s goals and target schools.
