Feeling unsure about college? If you’re asking yourself, “Should I go to college if I don’t know what I want to do?” You’re not alone. It’s estimated that between 20% and 50% of students enter college undeclared. And, around 30% of students change their major at least once. Despite what you might be thinking, this isn’t a deficit. Being “undecided” is a common and valuable starting point for self-discovery.

Of course, being undecided has both advantages and challenges. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make the most of this phase.

Pros and cons of being undecided

Starting college undecided lets you explore what to expect in different academic disciplines. You can put your learning preferences and aptitude for certain types of thinking and problem-solving to the test.

Pros

Education is transformative. By trying new subjects and meeting new people, you’ll learn what excites and challenges you most. Starting off undecided allows you to earn general education credits and progress toward your degree, rather than taking a gap year, creating opportunities to make more informed and confident decisions about your future along the way.

Taking this route also broadens your transferable skills, fosters personal growth, and builds maturity. Plus, as general education courses build a foundation for critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities, you’ll also have access to academic advisors, career resources, and a range of class options right away.

Cons

Not knowing what you want to do can present its own challenges, too. You might feel pressure from yourself or others to “figure it out.” Without a clear path, there is the risk of accumulating student debt without a clear direction. Additionally, the process of exploring different fields may require extra coursework, especially if you change majors more than once.

However, these risks can be managed through thoughtful planning, careful course selection, regular advising, and a commitment to purposeful exploration to pinpoint interests efficiently.

Practical steps for undecided students

If you’re still unsure about college, think through your next steps. You might consider a gap year to gain experience and reflect, if you have an opportunity that arises. But if you’re ready to begin, even without a major, you can enter college with curiosity and purpose. Take general education courses that expose you to new fields and talents. And most importantly, lean into the student resources your school offers.

Academic advising

Academic advisors help you understand degree paths, plan your schedule, and stay on track. Even if you’re not yet enrolled, at Goodwin University, you can receive advising support if you are considering admission or exploring our educational programs.

Career services

Career services can be a game-changer for undecided students. The counselors help you by offering personality tests, skills assessments, and exercises that explore what matters to you professionally. They also run résumé workshops and mock interviews to build your confidence and help prepare you for your job or internship search.

They can also set you up with job shadowing opportunities to see what different careers actually look like day-to-day, plus they help you find internships where you can test-drive potential paths while earning credit.

Mentorship

Talking with professors, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about can offer insight and help guide your decisions. Hearing real stories from others’ journeys can be inspiring and clarifying.

Academic tutors

Universities and colleges also usually have tutors to support students in mastering subjects and building confidence, helping you stay focused as you improve in areas that challenge you.

Learn about Goodwin University’s flexible programs.

Practical and purposeful paths

To thrive professionally, look for a career that aligns with your values, not just your salary goals. While pursuing a high salary can certainly provide financial stability and open up numerous opportunities, the most rewarding and sustainable career paths are often those that strike a thoughtful balance between your monetary goals and your genuine personal interests.

High-growth occupations

It’s best to consider in-demand opportunities. Look at what’s happening in the job market right now—which fields are growing, which ones offer good job security, and where experts predict opportunities will be in the future. When you match up these trends with what you enjoy doing, you’re more likely to find a career that’s both personally rewarding and financially stable.

Skill assessment

To understand where you fit in professionally, begin by evaluating your skill sets, identifying both your hard (technical and teachable) abilities and your soft (interpersonal) skills. You might also reflect on which school subjects come most naturally to you, or where people often seek your help. This process will pinpoint the causes or activities that truly motivate you and bring a profound sense of purpose, acting as a compass for your career exploration.

Put it to the test

Test your ideas through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles. As you gain hands-on experience, make it a habit to note your reactions. Did you feel energized by the task, or did you find yourself clock-watching?

Honest reactions guide you better than any quiz or classroom exercise. Experiences reveal what you enjoy, what challenges you, and what resonates most—key clues in discovering your direction. Regularly reflect on these experiences, noting the aspects you genuinely enjoy, the challenges you face, and what truly resonates with your evolving sense of purpose, to further refine your career aspirations.

The future is flexible

At Goodwin, flexible courses and programs make it easy to shift gears as you grow and clarify your goals. Changing your mind isn’t failure—it’s growth. College is about more than a major—it’s about building a mindset for lifelong learning. The General Studies program at Goodwin gives a broad academic foundation and room to explore, focusing on developing transferable skills and cultivating a mindset for continuous learning, assets invaluable in any professional field.

Explore Goodwin University’s General Studies program and its flexible study options to customize your journey toward a fulfilling career.