Many high school seniors are undecided about what they want to major in. Many are paralyzed by the idea of having to choose one pathway that ostensibly dictates their life’s future. Many aren’t ready to commit to one major because they have too many academic interests. Many haven’t fully considered the question and therefore feel unprepared to answer it. Regardless of your reason, this is a common trait among first-year applicants. Over 50% of students change their major in Arts & Sciences (humanities) schools, usually because they haven’t had the opportunity to study new academic fields like linguistics, anthropology, public policy, sociology, comparative religion, philosophy, etc. In high school, you’re generally tied to five tracks of classes – math, science, language arts, history, and foreign language. Therefore, most students espouse an interest in majoring in something they’ve already studied in high school. That means they’re missing a number of wonderful opportunities to pursue something that falls outside of that common track. It’s in your best interest to align your application with a major that allows you to demonstrate true academic and intellectual passion. You should be able to expound on that interest unfettered. Colleges are looking for students that go above and beyond, and also take their learning beyond the classroom. Spend time looking at the schools that most interest you, learn about their programs, and then identify your academic passions and be bold in demonstrating the depth of those passions and why those schools are perfect fits for you. That’s a much more compelling application than a flat, uninspired student who is undecided.