Okay. So I'm going into my senior year of high school--which means really focusing in on colleges I want to attend, finacial aid, and all that good stuff. I've been tossing and turning about my major for the past several months, and I can't seem to make a decision. As a result, I've considered going undeclared my freshman year and declaring by my sophomore.

I have above-average grades, a nice SAT score, and plenty of extra-curriculars/volunteer service to stick on a resume. However, I'm worried that starting my college experience undeclared (and stating that in applications) might hurt my chances of getting into a really good school. I don't want to project the "lazy frat kid" image--because that's exactly what I'm not. I'm just a late-bloomer in pretty much all aspects of my life. So, I guess this all leads up to the question:

Does anyone know if going undeclared your freshman year affects your acceptance/rejection into college?

I am in the same situation. I can't decide between political science and biology.

I am so relieved that going undeclared in your freshmen year doesn't affect your acceptance/rejection :)

No - going undeclared shouldn't have an effect on getting accepted/rejected. You're far from alone, many entering students do so as undeclared and, if I remember correctly, the average student changes their major at least once during their college experience. (If this is incorrect - someone correct me. I was a nervous undeclared freshman and looked information like this up to make myself feel better. :) )

At the college I picked, the reason they wanted to know what major a student was interested in was to assign a temporary advisor. There are some majors that have a carefully arranged 4-year class setup, but it varies by school. (For example, at my college: pre-med, biology, chemistry, music, and education.) In those majors you need to start right away to finish on time, but most majors aren't that way and deciding by the end of your sophomore year leaves enough time.

Don't worry about it - colleges are looking for students with potential to succeed - they expect students to change their minds about the subject in which that success happens.

Wow, I didn't expect this much feedback! =D This all helps so much! I guess I can relax about this issue for the few weeks of summer left (Gosh darn year-round school...).

@Ashley: Thanks for the reality check--I completely forgot about grants. I will now be weighing that with my final decision. =) On the off chance that I manage to make a secure decision, I'll be on the look-out for those. =)

Thanks again!