The most common question you will be asked during your college education is “What is your major?” If you are a student with an undecided major, it is important to know that you are not alone. If you go into your first year of college not knowing what path you want to take, it is completely acceptable to transfer to another school to see what they have to offer. It is possible that your current school hasn’t presented you with the options you are looking for, and if this is the case, it is okay to look elsewhere.
So how can you narrow down your choices for the perfect major? Good news—college is filled with new opportunities and it allows you to get a feel for a variety of interests. To some it may seem like a waste of time and money to enroll in college with an undecided major, and it is only natural to be a little hesitant to do so. Nonetheless, colleges usually have a general elective requirement, which encourages you to explore new classes and expose yourself to a class you wouldn’t have picked otherwise. You never know—you could actually enjoy that astronomy class or develop a liking for ancient history. With the endless choices at some colleges, you should be able to find an area that you want to dive into, even if you’re a transfer student.
Another thing to keep in mind: your major doesn’t necessarily determine your career. It may help lead you in the right direction of a job choice, but that doesn’t have to be the rest of your life. Many people find their passion years after college by using the skills they acquired with their specific major as a stepping stone, but find themselves with a job that isn’t directly related to their major. If you are someone with many interests, it is beneficial to choose a broad major with multiple career paths, such as business. This way, there are more options available and you are not strapped down to just one profession if you change your mind, or your school, halfway through your education.
In the end, it is not a bad decision to transfer schools with an undecided major. You may want to limit yourself though; transferring too many times, or without proper research, can lead to extra requirements and postpone graduation. You should do the best you can to explore all your options throughout your college education, and if your current school just doesn’t have what you are looking for, it is okay to look for a change in scenery.
