If you know what you want to do, declare it. You can easily change it later if you want to change anyways. Try to get some generals out of your way because you may find something that you really like! I started out as a physics major with biology & music minors. Now I’m double majoring in biochemistry and political science (emphasis on foreign affairs) with a German minor. Those generals sure taught me! But it is good to kind of have an idea of what area you’re interested in because then you can pick your classes accordingly and toss in a couple of those generals. I think that if an older person asks you what you’re majoring in and you say that you’re undecided, you may get some funny or painful looks and a lecture about how it’s a waste of money; I don’t think it is though. You’ll figure it out eventually!

You can go undecided, but for the sake of the application, just pick a major that looks impressive if you are undecided. I found that out the hard way when i was registering for classes at the college I decided to attend. I got to register last because I had put undecided on my application–most of the other majors got preferential treatment. I guess the people figure an undecided person should just take any classes that are left because they don’t really “need” to be in any specific classes immediately. But since I was undecided between three areas, I couldn’t get some of the courses I needed from some fo the areas. I think I might have stood a better chance if I had just declared myself one of those majors on my application, even though I didn’t know which one I wanted.

I eventually put myself down for a major on a survey, but I think the damage was done. I’ll probably get assigned to an adviser in the major I indicated, but I still didn’t get all the classes I needed.

It is best to pick an idea of what, for example…social sciences vs “pure” sciences vs engineering vs business…the reason for this is most colleges have general education requirements that differ for a BS versus a BA and having in mind which you want makes it easier and reduces the number of classes you must take

However, past that it is your choice. Most majors are declared sophomore year so the first year is generally finding what you like. Sometimes there is money available for a particular field of study which is helpful but if money isn’t an issue than once you decide on a BS or a BA, enjoy your first year.

It really doesn’t matter. Most students changed their major(s) 2.5 times on average. Leave yourself room to explore.