When I meet with high school juniors and seniors during college planning season, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Do I need to choose a college major before I apply?” It’s a valid concern. With so much pressure to craft the perfect application, many students feel torn between picking a major early or waiting until they’ve explored more. And the truth is, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Some colleges will ask you to declare a major when you apply. Others won’t. Some programs require early commitment, while others encourage exploration. As an advisor, I’ve helped students navigate both paths — from pre-med hopefuls confidently applying to science programs to undecided students who found their calling halfway through sophomore year. So let’s break this down honestly.
Choosing a College Major Before Admissions: Does It Matter?
Whether or not your chosen major matters during the college admissions process depends on several factors: the schools you’re applying to, your academic interests, and how competitive your intended major is. For some students, choosing a major early can strengthen their application. For others, flexibility is the smarter route.
Let’s take Anna, for example. She knew she wanted to study architecture and only applied to schools with strong design programs. Declaring her major upfront allowed her to tailor her personal statement and portfolio accordingly, giving her a clear edge. On the other hand, Omar had many interests — psychology, business, and political science — so he applied to liberal arts colleges that allowed him to explore before deciding. Both strategies worked, because they matched the student’s readiness and goals.
When Declaring a Major Helps
In some situations, choosing a major before applying can give you a strategic advantage:
- Competitive programs: Majors like engineering, nursing, or business often have limited spots. Declaring early shows commitment and helps admissions officers assess your fit.
- Scholarship eligibility: Some merit-based or department-specific scholarships require a declared major. For instance, students applying to STEM scholarships usually need to indicate a science or tech-related major.
- Specialized essays or portfolios: If you’re applying to programs in art, music, or architecture, declaring a major allows you to submit additional materials that bolster your application.
When It’s Okay to Apply Undecided
On the flip side, many colleges — especially liberal arts schools — welcome undecided students. They understand that not every 17-year-old knows exactly what they want to do. In fact, most colleges don’t expect you to have it all figured out.
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, about 30% of undergraduate students change their major at least once within three years of enrollment. That’s a healthy reminder that your first choice isn’t a life sentence.
I remember working with Diego, a first-gen student who was unsure whether to study marketing or education. He applied as “undeclared” to a few schools, and once on campus, he took intro classes in both areas. By the end of his first year, he’d found his passion in early childhood development — something he hadn’t even considered while applying.
How Your Major Choice Impacts Admissions
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how much do admissions officers actually care about your major choice?
Most colleges that evaluate applicants holistically — which we explain in detail in our guide on holistic admissions — consider your major as just one part of the story. They’re more interested in your academic record, extracurriculars, essays, and what kind of community member you’ll be on campus.
Major-Specific Admissions Policies
Some institutions admit students directly into specific colleges or departments. If you’re applying to a school of engineering, business, or performing arts, your major choice absolutely matters. For example:
- University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business admits a limited number of students directly as freshmen, making your intended major and relevant experience crucial.
- UC schools often have “impacted majors,” meaning they’re highly competitive and may require higher GPAs or additional application components.
- Carnegie Mellon University reviews applicants by program, so applying to computer science is very different than applying to English.
If you’re targeting these kinds of schools, you’ll want to align your major with your application content — especially your personal statement and academic record.
Implications for Undecided Applicants
If you apply undecided, it doesn’t mean you’re less impressive. But you do need to show intellectual curiosity and a track record of academic engagement. Admissions officers will look for evidence that you’re ready to explore and succeed in college-level coursework.
One student I worked with, Priya, applied undecided to several top-tier liberal arts colleges. In her essays, she wrote about how tutoring ESL students sparked her interest in language acquisition, while volunteering at a hospital opened her eyes to public health. Her application showed depth — even without a declared major — and she was accepted to multiple schools with strong exploration programs.
Tips for Choosing — or Not Choosing — a Major
Whether you’re ready to commit or still searching, there are ways to make a thoughtful decision that supports your college goals.
1. Reflect Before You Select
Ask yourself:
- What subjects energize me in school?
- What kinds of problems do I want to solve in the world?
- Am I choosing a major because I love it, or because I feel pressure?
Sometimes, students rush to pick a “practical” major without considering their actual interests. If you’re unsure, use resources like career assessments, job shadowing, or talking to people in those fields. Our guide on how to choose the right major offers step-by-step tools to help.
2. Use Your Application to Show Fit
If you’re applying to a specific major, make sure your resume, essays, and recommendations support it. For example, if you’re applying to biology programs, highlight your science coursework, lab experience, and any relevant volunteering.
If you’re applying undecided, use your essays to demonstrate nuanced interests and a growth mindset. Colleges want to know you’re curious and open to learning — not directionless.
3. Understand the Flexibility at Each School
Some colleges make it easy to switch majors. Others don’t. Research each school’s policies before applying. You can usually find this information on the admissions or academic advising pages. Or call the admissions office and ask — they’re used to these questions.
Resources like the College Navigator or each school’s .edu domain can provide major switching statistics and program structures. This matters if you’re leaning undecided now but might want to transfer into a competitive major later.
4. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Sometimes, students pick a major just to “look impressive.” But a weak or mismatched application can hurt you more than an honest one. In fact, choosing a competitive major without relevant prep could make your application seem inauthentic.
We cover this in more depth in our article on common college application mistakes. The biggest one? Trying to be someone you’re not.
FAQs About Choosing a Major Before College
Can I change my major after getting into college?
Yes, most colleges allow you to change majors. However, switching into impacted or highly selective programs may require a separate application or GPA threshold.
Does being undecided hurt my chances of getting into college?
Not necessarily. Especially at liberal arts colleges, applying as undecided can be perfectly acceptable. You still need to show academic curiosity and potential.
Will my major affect financial aid or scholarships?
It can. Some scholarships are tied to specific majors, especially in STEM or education. Be sure to check if your intended field opens or limits any scholarship options.
Should I write my personal statement based on my chosen major?
If you’ve declared a specific major, yes — it’s helpful to align your essay with that interest. If you’re undecided, focus on your broader academic journey and personal growth.
Final Thoughts: Choosing What’s Right for You
Here’s what I tell every student who asks whether choosing a college major before applying really matters: it matters if it matters to you. If you’re confident in your path and applying to a major-specific program, go for it. But if you’re still exploring, that’s not a weakness — it’s an opportunity.
Colleges want students who are engaged, thoughtful, and ready for growth. Whether you apply as an engineer or as undecided, your application should reflect who you are and what excites you about learning. And if you’re still figuring that out? You’re not alone.
Take your time, ask good questions, and stay true to your interests. If you need help navigating these decisions, you might find our advice on college admissions timelines or standing out in competitive applications helpful.
And if you’re feeling stuck, reach out. I’ve worked with students in your shoes — and there’s always a path forward, even if it’s not the one you originally planned.