wise words
?
?
?
? ? ? ? ?
a major decision
Advantages of Being
an Undeclared Major
When filling out college applications, there is one
question that stumps many soon-to-be high school
graduates: What’s my major going to be?
In fact, almost a third of first-time college students entering
bachelor’s degree programs choose a major and then change it at
least once within three years of enrollment, according to a recent
study from the U.S. Department of Education. It’s important to
choose a major carefully because every semester of additional
classes can increase debt.
The statistic is not atypical of most college students, especially at
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), where every incom-
ing freshman is asked to declare a major on their applications but
can check a box as an undeclared major if they’re undecided.
Today, some college advisors even make the argument that it’s
reasonable to be uncertain about your future. AUM Undeclared
Major Advisor Julie Valdez suggests considering the following
pros and cons of enrolling as an undeclared major:
PROS
CONS
You will hit the learning curve with less stress, allowing you to
will likely have to back track in your courses (particularly
• focus
• Y in ou math
on navigating other first-year experiences such as decid-
and science) to take a higher-level course to meet the
ing on housing and managing time wisely instead of worrying
about “What am I going to be when I grow up?”
As an undeclared major, you’ll likely be assigned an
• undeclared
major advisor who gets to know you and tracks
your courses and grades. Your undeclared advisor also can
help connect you with campus resources and think more
globally when considering whether you want to pursue a
STEM or liberal arts path.
You can easily rule out what courses are your strengths and
• weaknesses
to have fluidity and avoid wasting valuable time
(and money). It helps to know a certain major or planned
career path may not be your natural skill set.
Offers flexibility in how you take your core curriculum
• and
helps with finding a major that fits you. You’ll avoid
ping-ponging all over the place with courses.
Reassures your parents there is no pressure for you to know
• who
you are yet. Students can struggle with anxiety and
depression because of the pressure of the expectation to have
it all together. Being an undeclared major assures your parents
that you’re still working toward a career goal, learning who
you are, and not wasting money.
32
| Spring 2020
requirements of your new major.
our junior and senior years are stacked with math and science
• Y courses
because you have determined you actually want to
become a doctor or an engineer.
often find that few students are ready for the amount
• A of dvisors
math and science they have to take on for such majors, and
when students don’t do well, it can knock their self-esteem and
their GPA.
ou may lose out on a space in a competitive major, as well as
• Y major-specific
scholarships or housing programs.
a major, you might miss courses
• I you f you need wait to too fulfill long your to declare
degree requirement or take classes that
don't count.
In the end, enrolling in college as a declared or an undeclared
major is up to you—and your parents—and how ready you are to
map out your academic journey.
Contributor: Auburn University at Montgomery
www.potentialmagazine.com