Choosing a College Major in High School - Is it Necessary?
- karen3915
- Oct 20, 2025
- 1 min read
Here's a common question I am often asked: How important is it for my student to know their intended college major while in high school?
I think there are a few ways to approach this:
1. Many students apply and enroll as "Undeclared or Undecided," and that is fine! They use their first 1-2 years to explore different classes and then can declare by their junior year. Here is a good blog post from Iona College that explains many of the FAQ about being "Undeclared." Be aware that at some schools, future majors may be more competitive as a junior (e.g., Engineering), so it is still advisable to do as much exploring as you can beforehand (see steps 2 and 3 below).
2. Take part in some assessments during high school (here is a list of many options to check out:
3. Take advantage of your local network and allow your child to job shadow as much as possible - at a vet's office, a local chiropractor, an engineering firm, etc. All of this allows a student to see the daily expectations for specific jobs and continue exploring! Often, a one-time job shadow may turn into a longer internship or apprentice position - all valuable additions to a future application as well.
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Choosing a college major in high school can feel overwhelming, but it’s okay to take your time exploring different interests. Planning early definitely helps, but flexibility matters too. As someone juggling study goals and Ielts reading practice, I know how important it is to build skills first before committing to a long-term path.
This is a great and very relevant topic for so many high school students. Choosing a college major early can be helpful, but it’s definitely not always necessary—many students discover their true interests only after being exposed to different subjects in college. What matters most is building a strong foundation, staying curious, and being open to change as your goals evolve.
For students who later decide to study abroad, flexibility becomes even more valuable as they explore new academic systems and global career paths. Along with choosing the right course, planning practical matters like housing is also essential. For those considering the UK, especially Leicester, this guide on student accommodation Leicester is very useful for finding safe and student-friendly housing. Proper…
Choosing a college major while still in high school can help students align their interests with future academic and career goals. For students planning to pursue their studies abroad, Swinburne University
Choosing a college major in high school isn’t mandatory, but early clarity can guide better decisions and strengthen applications for opportunities like a harvard scholarship.