How do I start the college search process if I don’t know what I want to study? 

Don’t let this question stall out your college search. An increasing number of colleges are capping enrollment in popular majors which feels to many families that choice of major is more important than it used to be and perhaps vital to securing a job. 

With increasing costs, universities are focused on improving retention rates and focusing students on direct paths as soon as possible. We know that the majority of students, however, still change their major at least once during their college career. 

Whitney and Katelyn talk about decoupling the idea that major-equals-career, and suggest ways to think about your education more broadly. The choices of a large university setting can sometimes overwhelm an undecided student, so don’t discount the personalized attention that a smaller college can provide.

Our big message, however, is that you shouldn’t delay your college search simply because you are undecided about your major. Focus on the other important elements to a good fit college environment while you narrow your choices. 

It’s also helpful to zero in on exactly how undecided you are. If you can eliminate some big-bucket academic areas, then it will be easier to identify the colleges with programs that will be your eventual needs. Think about the problems and topics that intrigue you the most! 

If you are undecided when you apply and then enroll in college, we offer some tips to help you evaluate how each college on your list guides undeclared students. Be critical of advising structures and general education structures - choose what fits the student’s engagement level and learning preferences.

Time Stamps:

1:10 What Are We Learning This Week?  Whitney is back out on college tours this fall. What are the new trends that she is picking up on during these visits? We are both noticing more emphasis than ever on outcomes, and as always, how important individual conversations with students and staff can be to really understanding a campus.

5:30 Big Picture: There has been a steady shift over 30 years away from  the notion of finding your focus and passion in college due primarily to increasing costs and ROI concerns for a career after college. Our big message is that you shouldn’t delay your college search simply because you are undecided about your major. Focus on the other important elements to a good fit college environment while you narrow your choices.

17:50  “Stump the IEC (Independent Educational Consultant)”  There are only a few colleges named after colors. Can you guess the universities named after this particular color hue? 

20:24 Tips and Strategies for exploring possible majors while you are in high school. If you are undecided when you apply and then enroll in college, we also offer some tips to help you evaluate how each college on your list guides undeclared students. 

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Thanks for listening!