What if I'm undecided on what to pursue in college?

I'm a high school junior feeling really lost about what to study in college. How do I deal with not having a major picked yet? Any advice on exploring majors or how to figure this out before applying?

It's totally normal to be undecided in high school about what you want to study in college. Lots of students feel the same way, so don't worry too much about it. As you approach the application process, remember that most colleges don't require you to declare your major until your second year, so you typically have ample time to explore your interests.

That said, here are a few strategies to help determine potential fields of interest:

1. Pay attention to your preferred subjects in school: Are there any classes you’re particularly drawn to? Do you prefer exploring the mysteries of the universe in physics, writing creative essays in English, or trying to understand human behavior in psychology? Your preference might point to a potential major.

2. Consider your hobbies and extracurriculars: Your out-of-school activities can also provide insight into your future field of study. Do you love being part of the debate team, tinkering with robots, or volunteering at an animal shelter? These hobbies could naturally translate into majors like political science, engineering, or veterinary medicine.

3. Take career assessment or personality tests: Such tests can provide you with a list of careers that might suit your skills and interests, which can then be used to explore suitable majors. You can find free career tests online—they're not definitive guides, but they can offer some useful suggestions.

4. Research Courses and Majors: Look at college websites and see what types of classes are involved with different majors. Seeing real-world applications of majors can bring clarity and help you visualize if you would enjoy studying that subject.

5. Take advantage of dual enrollment or AP classes: They can give you a glimpse of what you might study in a certain major, paired with the benefit of earning college credits.

6. Explore career paths: Look at job postings, career profiles, and interview people who work in fields you're curious about. This can provide you with a clearer understanding of what certain jobs entail and what education is necessary.

Experimenting, exploring, and keeping an open mind will help you discover your interests and potential major in college. Again, it's perfectly fine to enter college undecided. Use your freshman year to take a variety of courses in different subjects to help you find your passion. Good luck!