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College plans
If I went into college for one major and after a while I wanted to change my major. How soon should I do that.
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9 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tsz Nam !
It may be better to enroll in college as an undeclared Major instead of choosing a major because you think you need to.
You should only declare a major when you are sure which career you are going to aim for. You can take the first two years to take the general education requirements but by the beginning of your junior year, you should choose a major or you may have to attend college further than the usual 4 years a Bachelors Degree takes. It's really up to you and I know it can seem puzzling if you have not one career interest so it's hard to pick the major, but many students have been undeclared, so it's not unusual. I have a college friend that changed majors several times and went to college for years but she liked being a student, got her degree and had a great career till retirement.
The only thing to consider is that not all colleges in California accept Undeclared Majors. Some will expect you to enter with a major or choose a major in the beginning of your sophomore year. This is why I would advise going to a community college for the first two years for an Associates Degree as it will be less expensive, then transfer to a university to continue for your Bachelors Degree. A good major to pick out of a hat if you really need to enroll with a major is Computer Science or Communication Studies. These two subjects are used in almost every career and at least till you decide on a major you'll have an applicable skill set that is portable for most careers.
If you attend San Francisco State University, you will be advised to declare your major during your sophomore year after completing most of your lower-division General Education requirements. As a Freshman, you must declare a major before you complete 70 units (credits). If you want to change your major after being admitted, you must fulfill the major requirements in effect at the time you declare or change your major. If you have 96 units or more when you decide to change majors, you may be prevented from changing your major if it's a heavy, in demand major. That's how it is at San Francisco State University and all colleges have their own guidelines, so it's worth asking college representatives about this detailed information. Just ask when you visit the colleges that you plan to apply to when you visit their Admissions Office or during an orientation.
My advice is that if you still haven't selected a major for your first semester of college, attend a community college. Do some exploring about careers now. Something may inspire you between now and the time you apply to college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
It may be better to enroll in college as an undeclared Major instead of choosing a major because you think you need to.
You should only declare a major when you are sure which career you are going to aim for. You can take the first two years to take the general education requirements but by the beginning of your junior year, you should choose a major or you may have to attend college further than the usual 4 years a Bachelors Degree takes. It's really up to you and I know it can seem puzzling if you have not one career interest so it's hard to pick the major, but many students have been undeclared, so it's not unusual. I have a college friend that changed majors several times and went to college for years but she liked being a student, got her degree and had a great career till retirement.
The only thing to consider is that not all colleges in California accept Undeclared Majors. Some will expect you to enter with a major or choose a major in the beginning of your sophomore year. This is why I would advise going to a community college for the first two years for an Associates Degree as it will be less expensive, then transfer to a university to continue for your Bachelors Degree. A good major to pick out of a hat if you really need to enroll with a major is Computer Science or Communication Studies. These two subjects are used in almost every career and at least till you decide on a major you'll have an applicable skill set that is portable for most careers.
If you attend San Francisco State University, you will be advised to declare your major during your sophomore year after completing most of your lower-division General Education requirements. As a Freshman, you must declare a major before you complete 70 units (credits). If you want to change your major after being admitted, you must fulfill the major requirements in effect at the time you declare or change your major. If you have 96 units or more when you decide to change majors, you may be prevented from changing your major if it's a heavy, in demand major. That's how it is at San Francisco State University and all colleges have their own guidelines, so it's worth asking college representatives about this detailed information. Just ask when you visit the colleges that you plan to apply to when you visit their Admissions Office or during an orientation.
My advice is that if you still haven't selected a major for your first semester of college, attend a community college. Do some exploring about careers now. Something may inspire you between now and the time you apply to college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Yashasvi’s Answer
Hi Tsz, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your major—college is all about exploration and growth! You don’t have to decide everything right away, but if you do want to change your major, the ideal time is usually within your first or second year. Most colleges let you switch easily during this time without delaying graduation.
Here’s what I’d suggest:
1. Start Exploring Now – Take some time to research different majors, career paths, and what excites you. If possible, shadow professionals, talk to college advisors, or take online courses.
2. Talk to Your College’s Academic Advisor – They’ll guide you on how switching majors might affect your coursework and graduation timeline.
3. Consider Double Majors or Minors – If you like multiple subjects, this could be a great way to balance your interests!
4. Follow Your Gut (and Your Interests!) – Your major doesn’t define your whole career, but enjoying what you study will make college way more fulfilling.
No pressure to figure it all out today—just take it step by step. I know so many people who changed majors and still thrived—you’ll be just fine! You got this! 💛
Here’s what I’d suggest:
1. Start Exploring Now – Take some time to research different majors, career paths, and what excites you. If possible, shadow professionals, talk to college advisors, or take online courses.
2. Talk to Your College’s Academic Advisor – They’ll guide you on how switching majors might affect your coursework and graduation timeline.
3. Consider Double Majors or Minors – If you like multiple subjects, this could be a great way to balance your interests!
4. Follow Your Gut (and Your Interests!) – Your major doesn’t define your whole career, but enjoying what you study will make college way more fulfilling.
No pressure to figure it all out today—just take it step by step. I know so many people who changed majors and still thrived—you’ll be just fine! You got this! 💛
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Tsz Nam,
Although it is common, considering a major change is a significant decision, and it is recommendable that you are approaching it thoughtfully. Begin by identifying what genuinely interests you and aligns with your career aspirations. Conduct thorough research on the new major you are contemplating and consult with your academic advisor to understand its impact on your graduation plan. Making the switch early in your academic journey can help minimize disruptions to your timeline. Assess how your current credits may apply to the new major, and remember that pursuing your passion is essential for a fulfilling college experience and future career. Again, changing majors is quite common, so proceed confidently if it feels right for you. Hope this helps!
Although it is common, considering a major change is a significant decision, and it is recommendable that you are approaching it thoughtfully. Begin by identifying what genuinely interests you and aligns with your career aspirations. Conduct thorough research on the new major you are contemplating and consult with your academic advisor to understand its impact on your graduation plan. Making the switch early in your academic journey can help minimize disruptions to your timeline. Assess how your current credits may apply to the new major, and remember that pursuing your passion is essential for a fulfilling college experience and future career. Again, changing majors is quite common, so proceed confidently if it feels right for you. Hope this helps!
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
If you decide to change your major in college, the timing is crucial to ensure you stay on track for graduation and minimize any potential delays. Ideally, you should make this decision as early as possible, particularly during your freshman or sophomore year. This is because the first two years typically focus on general education courses that apply to most majors, giving you some flexibility to explore different fields. However, waiting too long—especially into your junior or senior year—can make it more challenging, as you may have already completed many specialized courses in your initial major that might not count toward your new one.
Before changing majors, consult with academic advisors to fully understand how the switch may impact your course load, graduation timeline, and future career plans. Be thoughtful in considering why you want to change and how the new major aligns with your passions and long-term goals. It’s important to make an informed decision, but don’t hesitate to make the change if you’re certain—it’s better to pursue a path you’re truly excited about than to stick with a major that no longer feels right for you.
Before changing majors, consult with academic advisors to fully understand how the switch may impact your course load, graduation timeline, and future career plans. Be thoughtful in considering why you want to change and how the new major aligns with your passions and long-term goals. It’s important to make an informed decision, but don’t hesitate to make the change if you’re certain—it’s better to pursue a path you’re truly excited about than to stick with a major that no longer feels right for you.
Updated
Shanti’s Answer
Hi Tsz Nam,
I want to emphasize Michelle's great idea about starting at a community college if you're unsure about your next steps. It's an affordable way to complete general courses, and these credits can usually be transferred to most 4-year colleges.
Meanwhile, try exploring Indeed.com or LinkedIn.com for jobs that catch your interest. These platforms provide details that can help you figure out what you might want to pursue. Plus, their algorithms will show you related fields you might not have considered yet, potentially guiding you toward your dream career!
Wishing you all the best!
I want to emphasize Michelle's great idea about starting at a community college if you're unsure about your next steps. It's an affordable way to complete general courses, and these credits can usually be transferred to most 4-year colleges.
Meanwhile, try exploring Indeed.com or LinkedIn.com for jobs that catch your interest. These platforms provide details that can help you figure out what you might want to pursue. Plus, their algorithms will show you related fields you might not have considered yet, potentially guiding you toward your dream career!
Wishing you all the best!
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Tz Nam, this is an excellent question, and Michelle has given you sound and detailed advice. I would like to emphasize her point about all colleges having their own guidelines so check the rules at your school.
Secondly, many students change their majors once they are in college. This can be a natural result of going more in depth in a subject area (and finding it more difficult and/or less enjoyable than expected) or taking courses in new subject areas that end up intriguing you. That type of discovery is part of the college experience. Just be careful about having enough credits to graduate, having enough credits in your ultimately chosen major, and fulfilling distribution requirements (if applicable).
Good luck!
Secondly, many students change their majors once they are in college. This can be a natural result of going more in depth in a subject area (and finding it more difficult and/or less enjoyable than expected) or taking courses in new subject areas that end up intriguing you. That type of discovery is part of the college experience. Just be careful about having enough credits to graduate, having enough credits in your ultimately chosen major, and fulfilling distribution requirements (if applicable).
Good luck!
Updated
Disraeli’s Answer
Hello Tsz Nam,
If you want to change your major, the best time to do that is as soon as it is reasonable. As soon as you know you want to change, go to your advisor and tell them what you want to switch to. They will be able to make you a class list for your new major. You should enroll in these new classes at the start of the semester. Don't try to switch mid-semester because this will show on your transcript and may affect your gpa or class standing.
Your advisor will be able to show you the best way to go about the change without losing too much of your progress towards graduation. You may be able to keep your old program as a minor or a certificate program, so you will still keep the accomplishment.
Good luck with your switch!
If you want to change your major, the best time to do that is as soon as it is reasonable. As soon as you know you want to change, go to your advisor and tell them what you want to switch to. They will be able to make you a class list for your new major. You should enroll in these new classes at the start of the semester. Don't try to switch mid-semester because this will show on your transcript and may affect your gpa or class standing.
Your advisor will be able to show you the best way to go about the change without losing too much of your progress towards graduation. You may be able to keep your old program as a minor or a certificate program, so you will still keep the accomplishment.
Good luck with your switch!
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
It would depend on the school you're going to.
Each school will have its own policies on that.
So I would check with them.
Each school will have its own policies on that.
So I would check with them.
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
If you're unsure about schooling, maybe take some time to think about, what you would like to do and what you like to learn more about.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.