Also, with the exception of a few specific careers, it doesn’t matter. What matters are your internships. Have your students take as many as they can in their different areas of interest so they can figure out a career.

Anonymous wrote:Did all of you know?

I don't think I knew anyone who actually majored in what they thought they would. I mean I had friends with premed dreams who wound up in poli sci or history.

I certainly didn’t.

I remember being reassured in orientation, when the speaker giving a welcome address made a point of saying that most of us probably didn’t know our major yet, and those who thought they did would most likely change their minds before graduating.

Anonymous wrote:If it was up to parents, everybody would be pushed into medicine, engineering or finance.

and at schools with full aid or full merit

If it was up to parents, everybody would be pushed into medicine, engineering or finance.

Anonymous wrote:Honest question: why go to college if the student doesn't know what to study?

Because they want education to make educated decisions. Taking classes, listening to mentors, debating with peers, working in labs and doing internships helps you understand what you want to do for rest of your lives. Most decisions high school students make are highly influenced by parents and their wish for lucrative careers but not necessarily leading them to lucrative and happy careers.

Anonymous wrote:Did all of you know?

I don't think I knew anyone who actually majored in what they thought they would. I mean I had friends with premed dreams who wound up in poli sci or history.

OP here- I did b/c I was applying to BSN programs. And DH knew he wanted pre med. So this is just different for us since DS isn't sure yet- likes three or four VERY different areas of study.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have your kid pick a major to write down that makes sense based on your kids grades and activities. And have kid go to a school where intended major doesn't matter.

This is the correct answer.

This is what my kid did. She had a story to tell that made sense and may be where she ends up, but I would be surprised. Most college students change majors. My kid feels pressure to know why she wants, but we keep telling her college is the time to explore and narrow it down. Career paths are long and often winding and we should remain open to new opportunities and pathways.

Anonymous wrote:What did they put on applications in terms of which schools/programs within the university to apply to?

Our college counselor recommended the "College of Arts and Sciences" or equivalent at any school DS applied to that required such a thing.

Also, be aware that if a school says that they require you to apply with a major, many have an undecided equivalent but don't call it "undecided". We almost missed it at one of DS's schools (NC State "Exploratory Studies").

Most colleges do not require students to declare a major until the end of sophomore year.