In my freshman year of college at Cabrini University, one of my professors told me that being undecided is possibly the best thing a college freshman could be. Now, I wasn’t really undecided - I started with a major and subsequently switched majors so many times that it made my head spin - but some days, I wish I had been. Though my freshman year was great, being undecided would have given me a freedom that I had taken for granted. So if you are undecided (and likely panicking), fear not - here are some reasons why, to quote my professor, it’s simply better that way.
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You’ve got time. I know that sounds like a cliche, but it’s really true! Though it seems scary, you still have tons of room to grow and to explore what you want to do before committing to anything. So while you take your general courses, like the maths and sciences that are necessary to graduate for any student at Cabrini, you’ve got a while to figure yourself out. Along with those general courses, take classes that you feel like you might be interested in - that’s what electives are for. Speaking of…
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Electives are important. Really, they are! Take anything you might be interested in, whether it’s Spanish, Art History, or Black Studies. This can be a gateway to finding your major. Taking electives can be extremely shaping for your college experience, whether you find a major to belong to, make friends that enjoy the same thing you do, or even just have an enjoyable time in a class, electives are extremely crucial for any incoming student (or any student, really) as they can help you figure out what you want to do with your life.
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Don’t be afraid to talk to people. Being unsure of what to do is one of the most relatable experiences people can have. Professors will understand you being undecided as will your peers and any older students. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (whether to your advisor, professors, classmates, or even just people whose majors you’re interested in) - there are no such things as dumb questions! Talking can be extremely helpful and therapeutic, and can definitely help you figure out what you want to do. Being undecided doesn’t mean being alone!
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Find an advisor you trust. Make sure that you have an advisor that you can talk to without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. And if you’re thinking about committing on a major, feel free to make an appointment with an advisor from that major. If you’re ever uncomfortable with the advisor you have, you can always feel free to switch advisors after going through the proper paperwork. Because talking is so important, having the right advisor can be crucial to being an undecided student.
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Don’t listen to the negativity. There may be a stigma against undecided students, but don’t worry about what other people say. Your college journey is yours alone, and you can’t let others’ opinions affect you. Going in undecided can give you more room to find what you really like, rather than pressuring you into sticking with a major that you’ve already chosen. Undecided students are not “lazy,” nor are they “indecisive” or “wishy-washy.” They are making a completely valid choice that is the best for them!
As someone wise once said to me, being undecided is possibly the best thing you can be. Take it from someone who regrets not being in your shoes - you’re doing great!