Hi Reader,

Did you know that between 20% and 50% of incoming college students in the United States enter college as "undecided" on their major? This means many students haven't yet committed to a specific field of study when they begin college.

This is why we tell students not to worry if they are unsure what they want to study—in fact, we encourage them to be uncertain.

We encourage students to explore a wide range of subjects before deciding. This exploration can lead to discovering interests and strengths they might not have known they had. It also allows them to make a more informed choice when they do decide on a major. However, some schools, like Clemson University, admit students directly to their major choice, so make sure your child asks about this when visiting campuses (or at least reads their emails from the colleges)!

For schools that do not require students to declare a major, many allow them to remain undecided until the end of their sophomore year (second year), which gives them time to explore different fields.

Yet, even after declaring a major, many students change their minds. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 30% of undergraduates in the U.S. change their major at least once within three years of enrolling in a four-year institution.

To help ease the stress of deciding on a major, some colleges offer "exploratory" or "undeclared" programs designed explicitly for undecided students. These programs allow students to take a variety of courses before choosing a major. Approximately 25-30% of students at some universities enroll in such exploratory programs.

Check out these few examples:

​Drexel University​

​Indiana University​

​Northeastern Explore Program​

​University of Tennessee ​

As always, we are here to help. Post a question in our Facebook Group, and we will get you the information you need!

Until next time,
​Eydie

Visit Quinnipiac in August, and you will receive a free application fee waiver code, not to mention a chance to win free school merch or the opportunity to take a photo with the NCAA men's hockey national championship trophy if you tour on a Thursday. And don't forget to have your child sign up for an on-campus interview while you are there. Are you busy enjoying the last few days of summer? They are hosting an Open House on September 21. Register here.​

Tulane University is bringing campus to you - check out this link to see if their admissions staff is coming to your town.

Join Tulane University on August 29 for their virtual Essay Writing Workshop.

A recent email from Muhlenberg College announced, "If you complete a virtual interview with our admissions team by November 1, we will send you an application fee waiver code to use when you apply to Muhlenberg."​
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If your child is considering Nursing as a major, they may want to check out Curry College. Located just 7 miles outside Boston, Curry College offers many pathways to nursing programs and even boasts an esports lounge!

2024 is an election year and a great time to get involved in community action projects. Have your civically engaged student check out the programs at the University of Richmond and Tufts University.

Ever consider going with some friends and parents down south to look at a group of schools together? Davidson College in North Carolina, near the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, will arrange a group tour for ten people or more.

Classified as an R1 school for "very high research activity," The University of South Carolina is also offering group visits.