“What’s your major?” has become such a routine question to ask college students, it seems to get asked more than one’s last name. Friends, family, professors and interviewers place a lot of importance on the inquiry. When a student answers, “I am undecided,” opposing judgment may arise.

Some may label people with undecided majors as less academically driven and inferior to their peers with distinguished career paths. This is not the case whatsoever. Being undecided is, in retrospect, a more logical choice for many people. It has nothing to do with a lack of motivation and all to do with the intent to succeed.

Remaining undecided is a lot more common than many people perceive. An estimated 20 to 50% of students start college as undecided, and about 75% of students change their major at least once before graduating, according to Virginia Gordon’s book “The Undecided College Student.” It can be more forward-thinking to enter as undecided than to become a part of the 75% of students who switch.

While applying to college, likely at the age of 17, it is normal to lack an academic direction. High school provides minimal exposure to topics, and unless someone has a distinct intuition or parental-inspired academic focus, there is little way to know what their future career will look like. “For high school students, the stress of needing a plan for college can leave one frazzled and lead one down a path to a degree that they don’t even want,” Carlee Tonia Richardson writes in an article titled “The Fear of Choosing a Major.” Many students pick a major out of fear. The stigmatization of undecided remains so strong that it propels students to venture away from their best interests.

But being undecided allows students to develop a direction through exposure. Through taking general education classes, students can naturally get an inkling of what interests them.

Syracuse University freshman Anny Poltinnikov has a very positive and productive outlook on her undecided approach. “Being an undecided student has helped me avoid the popular mistake of rushing into a major too quickly while granting me the opportunity to understand what career path is best for me,” she said.

With all this being said, it remains critical to gain an academic focus as an upperclassman. One must eventually declare and work toward a major as they get ready to pursue a job or graduate school, however, being undecided can direct you in this sequence. It does not impair the process but, in reality, stabilizes it.

It’s time to embrace a diverse range of classes, see what you like and then decide when you have a clear sense of direction. Discovering one’s passion requires experience and patience. “Undecided” is not an incorrect response. On the contrary, it is empowering and wise.

Hannah Karlin is a freshman English major. Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at hekarlin@syr.edu.

Published on February 13, 2022 at 11:16 pm