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How often can you change your major, and what are the struggles with that?

I am a Junior in high school

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Laura’s Answer

Hi! How often you can change your major depends on your school—many allow changes multiple times early on but may restrict changes later or limit them to once or twice. Competitive majors often have extra requirements that make changing harder. The main struggles include losing credits that don’t apply to the new major, which can delay graduation and increase costs.
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John’s Answer

The good news is that you can change your major and it is a fairly common thing to switch at least once. Also, switching early usually costs you nothing.

On how often, the issue usually isn't the school capping the number of changes, but moreso how much time you lose when you make the change. Changing in your first year or so is usually smooth, because most early classes are general requirements that every degree requires. Changing junior or senior year is where it gets expensive, since by then you have taken courses specific to the old major that might not be applicable to the new major. That is the point where changing majors can cost you a semester, a year, or more.

Not only are you losing time by doing this, but you are also paying additional tuition. There will likely be pre-requisites you have to go back for, which means it can be a significant time and financial investment depending on when you make the switch.

You are way ahead of all of this and do not need to figure it out right now. If you can at least figure out a general direction by the time you start, then your first year of intro classes will help you get a better feeling for whether or not that is something you want to pursue. If you are torn between a few specific options, then knock out the overlapping requirements first so you aren't losing any time or completing any unnecessary requirements while you decide.

Don't stress it too much for now. You will still go through a lot before you get to the point of choosing a major and the picture will become more clear as time goes on. Just avoid waiting until junior year to make a big switch, and you will be fine.
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Fanny’s Answer

Since you’re still a junior in high school, honestly, don’t stress too much about choosing the perfect major yet. Most colleges let you change your major, sometimes more than once, but it can depend on the school and how far along you are. The biggest struggle is usually that changing majors can mean taking extra classes, spending more time in college, or sometimes graduating later. My advice would be to explore your interests now, take different classes, talk to people in careers you’re considering, and remember that your first choice doesn’t have to be permanent. It’s completely normal to change your mind!
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Jerome’s Answer

While some schools may have a limit, my experience is, you can continue to change your major as necessary. The downside is, constantly changing your major may put you behind regarding graduation dates. Programs change constantly and if you change majors, you may have a new set of requirements to live up to.

My advice, start by taking your general Ed and take a few electives. Hopefully you can find something you like prior to declaring a major which you don’t have to do right away.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Valeria
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Hamilton’s Answer

Since you don't have to declare your major until the end of Sophomore year, why choose a major until you are really sure what you want to major in? Sure you can declare at any time, but every time you do, you have different requirements for that new major. Those first two years are meant to be investigative, so go investigate, try new courses you've never had the chance to in high school.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Valeria
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Joseph’s Answer

No struggles. You should not be afraid to change your major it is better than continuing with a major that you're not interested. I changed my major several times and ended up with several degrees from 2 schools. College is about finding yourself and identity. Whatever you decide major make sure it is what you want and not what people are telling you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Valeria
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Natalie’s Answer

Switching majors depends on your school. At my liberal arts college, it was pretty flexible as long as you finished all the required courses and credits for the new major. Most students locked in their major by the end of their sophomore year to make sure they had enough time to complete everything. However, if you already have most of the credits needed for a major, you might still be able to switch in your junior or senior year.
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