Is It Necessary to Choose Your Prospective Major During High School?

Choosing a college major is one of the most important academic decisions a student will make. It not only defines the subject in which you’ll gain specialized knowledge, but also influences your future career path, internship opportunities, and even post-college job prospects. While it’s common for students to feel overwhelmed by the breadth of available options, especially when high school curricula don’t always offer deep exposure to niche academic fields like biomedical engineering or international relations, early exploration can bring tremendous benefits.

For high school students, beginning to think about possible majors—even in general terms—can lead to smarter choices during the college search and application process. Whether you're weighing the differences between a STEM major and the humanities, or considering combining your passions into an interdisciplinary program, understanding how majors work and when to select one can offer clarity and purpose during an otherwise stressful process.

College majors are more than just checkboxes on an application. They can reflect your intellectual interests, your values, and your vision for the future. And while choosing the “right” major isn’t a decision that needs to be set in stone from day one, developing a sense of direction early can help you build a more cohesive and strategic high school experience—one that sets you up for success both in college and beyond.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a college major really means, when and how to choose one, what the “undecided” label implies, and how programs like Nova Scholar Education can help you investigate your academic interests through research, mentorship, and real-world application. Whether you’re laser-focused on a particular field or just beginning to explore possibilities, this guide offers practical, actionable insights to help you take confident steps forward.

Understanding the College Major

In the U.S. higher education system, a college major is more than just an academic label—it’s a structured program of study that reflects a student’s primary academic focus. Declaring a major means you’ll take a concentrated series of courses within a particular subject area, whether that’s Chemistry, Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering, or any of the hundreds of disciplines offered at modern universities. On average, students spend about one-third to one-half of their total coursework completing requirements specific to their major.

But college isn’t solely about specialization. One of the defining features of the American undergraduate experience is its emphasis on breadth of knowledge. Students are required to complete general education (gen ed) or core curriculum courses outside their major, exposing them to diverse fields such as literature, quantitative reasoning, history, and social sciences. This dual structure—depth through the major and breadth through gen ed—aims to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and a holistic worldview.

Colleges also offer flexibility. It’s increasingly common for students to pursue a double major (earning two full majors concurrently) or add a minor, which is a less intensive secondary area of study. For example:

• A student interested in sustainability might major in Environmental Science and minor in Political Science, preparing for a career in environmental policy or international advocacy.
  
  
• A pre-med student might major in Biochemistry and minor in Music, showcasing both academic rigor and creative balance—something that can stand out in medical school applications.
  
  
• A future entrepreneur could combine a major in Economics with a minor in Computer Science to prepare for work in tech startups or finance.
  
  

These combinations aren’t just resume builders—they reflect the interdisciplinary mindset that colleges and employers alike value. They also allow students to explore multiple passions, bridge fields of knowledge, and prepare for careers that don’t fit neatly into one category.

Importantly, some schools allow even greater customization. Interdisciplinary majors—like Cognitive Science, Science, Technology, and Society (STS), or Global Health—blend coursework from multiple departments. These programs are ideal for students who want to engage with complex, real-world problems from more than one academic angle.

Ultimately, understanding what a major is—and how it fits into the broader college curriculum—empowers students to make informed decisions. Whether you’re interested in a traditional discipline or looking to carve your own academic path, knowing how majors work is the first step toward designing an educational journey that reflects your goals and interests.

The Structure of Universities and Its Implications

The Structure of Universities and Its Implications for Choosing a Major

Understanding how universities are organized is key to making strategic decisions about your college major—and to navigating the admissions process effectively. Most universities, particularly large research institutions, are divided into several distinct academic schools or colleges, each focused on a specific group of disciplines. These internal schools function almost like separate entities, each with its own admissions criteria, faculty, and curriculum structure.

Common University Divisions:

• College of Arts and Sciences: Home to a wide range of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences majors like English, History, Biology, Psychology, and Mathematics.
  
  
• School of Engineering: Houses technical and design-oriented majors such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Bioengineering.
  
  
• School of Business: Focuses on majors like Finance, Marketing, Economics, and Business Analytics.
  
  
• School of Education, School of Public Health, College of Fine Arts, and others may also exist depending on the university.
  
  

Each major is typically administered by a department within one of these schools. For example, if you are interested in majoring in Mechanical Engineering, you’ll likely apply directly to the School of Engineering, where faculty specialize in that field. On the other hand, a student passionate about Political Science would typically apply through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why This Structure Matters for Applicants

When applying to large universities like the University of Michigan, New York University, or UC Berkeley, students are often asked to indicate not just a major, but the specific school or college they’re applying to. This decision is not merely cosmetic—it can shape your admissions review, course options, and even your ability to switch majors later on.

Here are a few critical implications:

• Admission Criteria Vary by School: Applying to the School of Engineering may involve different requirements (such as higher math proficiency or specific coursework) compared to the College of Arts and Sciences.
  
  
• Switching Schools May Be Difficult: If you start in the School of Business and later decide to study Computer Science in the School of Engineering, you may need to submit an internal transfer application, meet GPA thresholds, or even compete for limited spots. This process can be competitive and may delay graduation.
  
  
• Program-Specific Opportunities: Some departments offer specialized advising, research fellowships, honors programs, or internship pipelines. Being in the right school from the start can provide early access to these opportunities.
  
  

Liberal Arts Colleges: A Different Model

Smaller institutions, such as liberal arts colleges (e.g., Williams College, Amherst College, or Swarthmore), often operate under a single academic structure. These schools don’t have separate undergraduate divisions; instead, students are admitted to the college as a whole and can typically choose their major after exploring different subjects. This flexibility is ideal for students who are undecided or want to explore interdisciplinary pathways without the complexity of switching academic divisions.

Strategic Takeaway for High School Students

If you're applying to a university with multiple internal colleges, it’s wise to research:

• What school houses your prospective major?
  
  
• How competitive is admission to that school compared to others within the same university?
  
  
• What are the policies for changing schools or majors once enrolled?
  
  
• What kind of advising and support systems are available in each school?
  
  

Having a strong sense of your intended major can help you target the right department, write a more focused application, and avoid logistical hurdles later on. While you don’t need to have your entire career mapped out, understanding a university’s internal structure empowers you to apply with greater purpose—and set yourself up for a smoother academic journey.

The Concept of an Intended Major

As high school students approach college applications, one decision often surfaces early in the process: selecting an intended major. While the term might sound definitive, it's actually more flexible than many students assume.

At its core, an intended major is the academic field you express interest in when applying to a college or university. It signals to admissions committees where your academic curiosity currently lies and can help shape your first-year experience, especially at institutions with highly structured degree pathways. Importantly, it’s not always binding—most colleges allow students to change their major after enrollment.

Why Colleges Ask for Intended Majors

Colleges use intended majors to:

• Evaluate fit: Admissions readers assess whether a student’s background and interests align with their chosen field.
  
  
• Support academic planning: Declaring an intended major can help departments forecast course demand and advisor workloads.
  
  
• Identify candidates for scholarships: Some majors or departments offer merit-based financial aid tied to specific interests, such as STEM or the arts.
  
  

Even if your interests shift later, indicating a clear intended major can strengthen your application—especially if your academic and extracurricular profile supports it.

When Declaring an Intended Major Is Especially Strategic

In competitive or cohort-based programs, selecting an intended major is more than a formality—it can determine your eligibility for admission to that specific track. This is particularly true for:

• Engineering: Many engineering schools admit students directly into specific departments (e.g., Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering). Early declaration can grant access to introductory courses, specialized advisors, and engineering-focused living-learning communities.
  
  
• Nursing: Nursing programs often have rigid curricula with prerequisite sequences that start in the first year. Waiting to declare may delay your timeline for clinical placements.
  
  
• Architecture and Performing Arts: These fields typically require early portfolio submissions or auditions, and their academic structures are often less flexible for latecomers.
  
  
• Business: Some top business schools (e.g., Wharton at UPenn or Ross at Michigan) admit directly into the business program. Failing to declare business as your intended major may result in the need to apply again later as a transfer student.
  
  

If you're interested in one of these fields, declaring your intended major on your application helps ensure you're considered for direct admission and have early access to critical resources.

When It's Okay to Apply as "Undecided"

Many students enter college with broad academic interests, and that’s completely acceptable—especially at liberal arts colleges or universities that encourage exploration during the first year or two. Applying as "Undecided" won’t hurt your application at most schools, provided you demonstrate strong intellectual engagement, curiosity, and initiative in your other materials (like essays and activities).

However, even if you choose "Undecided," it's helpful to articulate a few academic interests in your personal statement or supplemental essays. This gives admissions readers a sense of your direction and potential areas of growth.

Benefits of Declaring an Intended Major

1. Early Advising and Planning
   Declaring a major often grants you access to departmental advisors, who can help plan course schedules, recommend research or internship opportunities, and ensure you're meeting prerequisites for advanced study.
   
   
2. Priority Registration
   In some schools, students who declare a major early may receive priority registration for core classes within that department—an advantage when spots are limited.
   
   
3. Eligibility for Scholarships
   Certain scholarships and fellowships are restricted to students pursuing specific majors, especially in STEM, health sciences, or education.
   
   
4. Clarity for Your Application Narrative
   When your major aligns with your academic record, extracurriculars, and essay themes, your application feels cohesive and intentional, which is something admissions officers value.
   
   

What If You Change Your Mind?

It’s common for students to change majors—sometimes more than once. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Education, about one-third of college students switch majors at least once. Most colleges make it relatively easy to pivot, especially within the same school or department.

However, switching between schools (e.g., from the School of Liberal Arts to the School of Engineering) may involve additional steps, GPA requirements, or reapplication—another reason why early exploration during high school is so valuable.

Applying as "Undecided": Is It the Right Move?

Many universities—particularly liberal arts colleges and larger public institutions—offer students the option to apply “Undecided” or “Undeclared” on their college applications. This flexible approach recognizes a simple truth: not every student has a clear vision of their academic path by age 17.

In fact, applying as undecided is often a smart and strategic choice—especially at colleges that prioritize academic exploration in the first year. It allows students to test a variety of subjects before committing to a specific field, which can result in more thoughtful and informed decisions later on.

When Applying Undecided Makes Sense

Applying as undecided works well when:

• You’re truly unsure about what major to pursue and want time to explore your interests in college.
  
  
• You’re attending a liberal arts college or a university that supports open curricula (such as Brown or Amherst).
  
  
• Your current academic interests are broad and don’t point clearly to a single field (e.g., a student interested in both literature and data science).
  
  

Admissions officers generally don’t penalize students for selecting "undecided," especially if the application materials still reflect intellectual curiosity and academic engagement. Strong essays, thoughtful course selection, and meaningful extracurricular involvement can help reassure committees that you are purposeful—even if your path isn’t yet fully defined.

When Declaring a Major May Be Better

However, declaring an intended major may be advantageous in certain situations, particularly for:

• Competitive or limited-enrollment programs: Majors like Nursing, Engineering, Computer Science, or Business Administration often have restricted spaces and prerequisites that begin in the first semester. Applying as undecided may prevent early entry into these programs or delay progress.
  
  
• Sequential fields: Disciplines such as Architecture, Pre-Med, or Music Performance often require a rigid sequence of courses beginning in freshman year. Late entry might result in extended graduation timelines.
  
  

In these cases, showing early commitment by declaring your intended major can help you access specialized advising, labs, scholarships, or guaranteed seats in foundational courses.

The Benefits of Early Major Selection in High School

While applying undecided is perfectly valid, identifying your potential major during high school can offer significant academic and strategic advantages. Exploring college majors early allows students to build a focused, competitive application and align their academic and extracurricular experiences with long-term goals.

Here are some key benefits of choosing your intended major during high school:

1. Targeted College Search

Knowing your academic interests helps streamline your college list. Rather than applying broadly, you can:

• Focus on schools known for excellence in your intended major (e.g., Carnegie Mellon for computer science, Berklee for music, or Purdue for engineering).
  
  
• Investigate faculty research, course offerings, and internship pipelines within specific departments.
  
  
• Ensure that colleges offer the specialized resources, facilities, and support systems necessary for your academic growth.
  
  

Example: A student considering Environmental Studies may prioritize schools with strong sustainability programs, environmental research labs, and field study opportunities.

2. Purposeful Curriculum Planning

If you're serious about a specific field, selecting related coursework during high school can show intentionality and academic readiness.

For instance:

• A future psychology major might take AP Psychology, statistics, and biology to demonstrate interest and preparation.
  
  
• A student interested in engineering could take physics, calculus, and participate in robotics clubs or science fairs.
  
  

These choices demonstrate alignment between your application narrative and your actual academic trajectory.

3. Stronger Extracurricular Profile

Once you identify a field of interest, it becomes easier to build a cohesive extracurricular portfolio. Colleges appreciate depth over breadth—applicants who immerse themselves in a few key activities rather than sampling many without focus.

Examples:

• An aspiring pre-law student could join debate club, intern with a local law office, and lead a student civics project.
  
  
• A student leaning toward computer science might enroll in coding bootcamps, enter hackathons, contribute to open-source projects, or even publish a mobile app.
  
  

This focused engagement strengthens your college essays, recommendation letters, and application narrative.

4. Informed Decision-Making

High school is the ideal time to begin exploring majors and careers. Early exploration allows you to:

• Conduct informational interviews with professionals.
  
  
• Take introductory online courses through platforms like Coursera or edX.
  
  
• Attend university summer programs or mentorship-based research initiatives such as Nova Research or Nova Patent—which allow students to engage in hands-on academic projects guided by mentors from elite universities including Stanford, MIT, Yale, Harvard, and Princeton.
  
  

By the time you apply to college, you'll have a much clearer understanding of the fields that excite you—and a stronger case for pursuing them.

Real-World Example: Combining Interests with Early Planning

Consider a high school student who discovers a passion for data science and economics during sophomore year. By identifying this interest early, they might:

• Enroll in AP Statistics and AP Macroeconomics.
  
  
• Lead a student investment club.
  
  
• Intern with a local startup focused on financial analytics.
  
  
• Develop a capstone project analyzing economic trends through Python (perhaps via a Nova Scholar mentorship program).
  
  
• Apply to schools with strong data science or quantitative economics departments, like Duke, Cornell, or UC Berkeley.
  
  

This integrated, forward-thinking approach doesn’t just look impressive on paper—it also sets the student up for success once they’re on campus.

Timeline for Declaring a Major: When Do You Have to Decide?

The decision to declare a major is one of the most important academic milestones in a student’s college journey. While policies vary by institution, most U.S. universities allow students to formally declare a major by the end of their sophomore year. This timeline gives students the flexibility to explore different subjects, meet general education requirements, and develop a clearer understanding of their academic and professional goals before committing to a specific field.

However, it’s important to recognize that this flexibility isn’t universal across all majors. Structured and sequential programs—like engineering, architecture, or nursing—often require students to declare a major earlier to stay on track for graduation. These programs may include rigorous course sequences or prerequisites that begin as early as the first semester. Delaying declaration in such fields could mean having to extend your undergraduate studies by an extra semester or year.

Key Considerations for Early Declaration:

• Are you applying to a specialized college within the university (e.g., College of Engineering or School of Business)?
  
  
• Does the major have a strict sequence of courses or capstone projects?
  
  
• Are there enrollment caps or competitive admissions processes for your intended field?
  
  

If the answer to any of the above is yes, then early planning and potential early declaration are critical.

Strategies for Choosing a College Major: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing a major isn’t just about selecting a subject—it’s about aligning your academic experiences with your strengths, interests, and aspirations. Here are strategic steps high school students can take to make informed and confident decisions:

1. Self-Assessment: Start with You

Begin by asking:

• What subjects consistently hold my attention?
  
  
• Which topics make me lose track of time?
  
  
• What kind of work (analytical, creative, interpersonal) do I enjoy?
  
  
• Do I prefer solving technical problems, telling stories, managing people, or understanding society?
  
  

Self-reflection tools such as personality or career inventories (e.g., Myers-Briggs, Holland Code) can also help you identify patterns in your interests and aptitudes.

2. Research Majors and Careers

Dive into what each potential major actually involves:

• Read course catalogs from colleges you're interested in.
  
  
• Explore sample syllabi and required readings.
  
  
• Look at department research focuses and faculty expertise.
  
  

Then go a step further—research what kinds of careers are typically associated with those majors. Use resources like:

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
  
  
• College departmental websites
  
  
• LinkedIn profiles of professionals in your field of interest
  
  

3. Seek Mentorship and Advice

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when making decisions alone. Talk to:

• Teachers or guidance counselors who can reflect on your academic strengths
  
  
• College advisors during campus visits or virtual webinars
  
  
• Professionals in the field, including family, friends, or alumni from your school
  
  

Even better, participate in programs that provide direct mentorship opportunities. For example, Nova Scholar Education connects students with accomplished mentors from Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Princeton—offering expert insights into research, college-level learning, and future careers.

4. Explore Through Experience

Hands-on experiences offer the most clarity. Consider:

• Summer programs or academic intensives
  
  
• Dual-enrollment college classes
  
  
• Volunteering, internships, or job shadowing
  
  
• Independent projects or competitions (e.g., science fairs, writing contests, pitch competitions)
  
  

Programs like:

• Nova Fundamentals (1 month, for middle schoolers exploring academic passions)
  
  
• Nova Research (2.5–5 months, guiding middle and high school students through original research projects)
  
  
• Nova Patent (2–4 months, helping high schoolers bring innovation-driven ideas to life)
  
  

…can help you immerse yourself in your academic interests while building a compelling foundation for college applications.

Embracing Flexibility and Growth: You’re Allowed to Evolve

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: declaring a major is not a lifetime contract. Many students change their majors at least once during college, and some go on to pursue careers entirely unrelated to their undergraduate degree.

What matters most is that your major reflects your interests at the time—and that you approach your education with a growth mindset.

Reasons Students Change Majors:

• Newfound interest sparked by a general education course
  
  
• A research opportunity or internship that shifted priorities
  
  
• Career goals evolving based on exposure to new industries or disciplines
  
  
• Discovering your original major wasn’t the right fit academically or personally
  
  

Changing your major is normal—and it’s often a sign of thoughtful reflection, not indecision. As long as you stay curious, proactive, and open to growth, your academic journey can remain both adaptable and purposeful.

Final Thoughts: A Major Decision, Made Intentionally

Choosing your college major is a meaningful step—but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right mindset, thoughtful research, and opportunities for exploration, high school students can enter college feeling informed, confident, and flexible.

Whether you’re leaning toward the humanities, exploring STEM pathways, or planning an interdisciplinary academic career, the key is to align your studies with your interests, values, and goals. Programs like those offered by Nova Scholar Education are designed to support this process, giving students tools, mentorship, and guidance to uncover what excites them and build academic pathways rooted in purpose.

Your major may shape your college experience—but your curiosity, initiative, and passion will shape your future.