As many of you are in a quandary about what major to choose to get into the college of your dreams or get into one of the top schools you wanted, is there really such a thing as being undeclared? The answer is yes. In conversations during college application time, we say and seem to know exactly what we want to do without really knowing. We say a major to fit in rather than face the unknown territory of being undeclared or the fear of being bypassed in the college admission process. However, once the first semester of college has started there are a lot of unknowns. You have become part of a community that is much bigger than yourself and need more time to choose a major.
Here are some reasons why being an undeclared major first semester is literally the best:
1. Discovering New Classes And Content
Experiencing new classes and content is very helpful to determine interests. First semester, you may be required to take classes you are not interested in. There will be some aspects of each class that will be enjoyable and not interesting. Being open to learning about new material is important, even if it is not enjoyable. Taking classes you are interested in first semester is important, but don't take classes you are super interested in. This is to get adjusted to college and to adopt new study routines and behavior patterns.
2. Adapting New Study Habits And Behavior Change Is Easier
It is easier to be undeclared first semester while adapting new study habits. This requires you to go over lecture notes and readings as much as possible for each class. This increases retention of information learned in your classes. Implementing these study strategies will be difficult first semester while adjusting to college life and maintaining a schedule. When undeclared, you may not need the material you learned first semester for your major. If these habits are not formed, you may lose the critical information you might need if you declare a major.
3. No Worries About A B.S. Or B.A.
With undeclared, you don't have to worry about choosing between a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. It is hard to choose one or the other when you don't know which language compliments your major best. Another reason is not knowing how well science can enhance your understanding of the major. Being forced to take a foreign language or a math first semester is difficult when one option may not be the right fit.
4. Taking Time For Self-Discovery
Maybe freshman year is a time to rediscover who you are and if your interests change. This can be the case for Sophomore year as well. While being undeclared, there is more time to try different activities and hobbies. Unlike a declared major, there is a concentration on one thing. Taking time for yourself at the beginning is so important in the long term. Choosing what you want to do with the rest of your life is important. Take the time to choose carefully.
In the long run, know declaring a major at the very beginning of the college admission process will be difficult and may not be the best fit. People change, and your interests will too.
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