Admissions Expertise Do you need to have a prospective major, or is it okay to be undecided? While it's okay to enter a university as undeclared many competitive institutions are stressing a student's ability to graduate within 4 years. Given that some majors like science, medicine and engineering require many foundation courses during Freshman year it is good to have a realistic idea about what you intend to study before you apply. It is well worth your time to work with a certified college counselor who can help you identify your strengths and aptitudes so that you choose the right major and begin to prepare for it early. Having the right foundation will make you more competitive to not only the University of your choice but the actual department you will graduate from. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What can I do with a major in the arts if I don't get full-time work as a performer /artist ? You can do almost anything with a degree in the arts. Unless you want to go into the sciences or engineering an arts degree can provide a strong foundation for many different careers. Many employers are less worried about what a student studied during their undergraduate years as they are that the student graduated. Bachelors degrees are increasingly becoming more of a gateway to further education than an end in its self. Most importantly, find a major that you're fascinated by and get that degree. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a college? The two most important factors are the fit between the student and the University and the department that houses the student's intended major. First, College visits are so vital because the student must feel a sense of belonging at their university. Many studies have shown that retention rates are strongly influenced by how many quality connections students make on campus. Your college will be your home for years and you want to feel like you belong there. The second most important factor is the department that the student will earn their degree from. A college may have a great reputation but it's the department that students should take a hard look at. Try to identify which major you will be pursuing before you choose your college and do some research on their faculty and reputation in the field. In the long run the reputation of the department you graduate from may mean more to employers than your College Mascot. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. How important is ranking and reputation in evaluating a college? I think it's more important to focus on the reputation of the major department at a particular college than the entire school. Many universities are huge institutions and their ranking and reputation is based on many things that may not be important to you at all. Focus on figuring out what you want to study and then ask people that you admire in that field about best departments to earn a degree from. Much of your success will come from the connections that you make in college. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed.