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If I go into college "indecisive" would it make me more behind than others?

I know many people that go into college with a specific career/major in mind and a few others who go into college indecisive. Iv'e recently heard many different opinions when it comes to college and what I should do. My concern is, if I were to go into college indecisive and later chose a specific major, would it cause me to be more behind compared to others who came into college with a specific Major? I thought i knew what i wanted to study in college but now I am not so sure. #college-bound

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Emily’s Answer

Think of it this way, you have the opportunity to explore many different topics while in college to help you figure out what you might like doing rather than already having a narrow focus. Many people who go into college "knowing" what they want to major in and do, often time come out of college disappointed because they spent 4 years on something they ultimately don't want to get a job in. They're the ones who are often playing catch up while they spend the time trying to figure out what it is that they do want to do. Take your college time to explore different classes, volunteering opportunities, internships, and the like to experience various different things. This way, when you've decided on a major you have more context of what you like and dislike and are way ahead of the curve when you graduate.

Emily recommends the following next steps:

Talk to your advisory about different introductory classes you can explore to see what interests you.
Explore online free classes (coursera.com) of areas that you might be interested in exploring more at college.
Start checking out internships offered through school to give you an insight to different kinds of industries and careers.
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Sarah’s Answer

Being unsure of what you want to major in when starting college is completely normal and won't cause you to be behind others that you're starting college with. Generally in the first year of college, you will take classes that are in a variety of different subjects (i.e. biology, a language class, psychology, etc.) that aim to allow you to explore your options.


Also, many people pick an initial major going into college and then later decide to switch. Keep in mind that it can be easier to switch majors if you're switching to a different major within the same college because they have a lot of the same credit requirements. For example, if you were going to switch from a Marketing major to an Accounting major, this might be easier because both majors are within the college of business.

Sarah recommends the following next steps:

Decide what majors/areas do not seem as interesting to you.
Focus on those that do and see if you can take a class or talk with someone in that major at your school.
Find an advisor that you can talk to about what majors you're torn between and what the best course of action might be.
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Benjamin’s Answer

I always tell people that what I currently do for a living didn't even exist as a major when I was a freshman. Honestly the first 2 years are pretty much the same no matter what you major is, everyone has to take English 101 and a history class, etc. Use that time to explore different majors, maybe join some clubs or attend job fairs. There is a really good chance that your dream job is one you don't even know exists right now.


Also, don't stress too much about this. A lot of people I know that are perfectly happy in their careers are performing jobs that have nothing to do with their college major.
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Shelby’s Answer

Hi Andrea! This is a great question. I went into college undecided, so my associates began by getting my college's required/prerequisite courses out of the way. If you pursue an associates in general education, you can give yourself a bit more time to figure out where you're headed! For example, I was working on my AA in general education, and along the way, I figured out I wanted to pursue secondary math education! Once I came to this decision, I began looking up prerequisites for a secondary math education major that would also satisfy my general education degree. I also know quite a few people who began college undecided, so I don't think you will be behind, as long as you're actively thinking about a future goal.

As a side not, I do not think it is bad to be "behind!" Everyone takes different amounts of times to both learn and decide on things that will influence their entire lives. Unless you have some reason, there should not be any need to rush too much! Hope this answer helps!
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