As many other students experience, I was told during my senior year that I had ample time to determine what major to declare once I entered college. The truth is, if you enter college without direction, you are wasting your money and time.

With International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Post Secondary Enrollment Options programs, many students enter college with credits, and have even less time for decisions before entering major-focused classes. Let’s change the dialogue to allow students to better understand the commitment of beginning a four year degree, so they are more educated in making a decision post-high school graduation about their path.

When students begin to think about post-high school plans, it is often assumed that a four year university is the best option. Unfortunately, many students are pushed to attend a four year university when they are not ready to start that commitment.

There is no doubt that college is an environment where you begin to figure out more about what your career goals are, but the reality of college is that you are spending thousands of dollars to, in many cases, flounder while trying to figure out your future. Technical colleges, as well as taking time off from school, are viable options for young adults.

Many students enter college believing they know exactly what they are set out to do, and end up changing their paths many times. This experience is not a waste of time; while going through the process you learn a lot about different disciplines, and become even more well-versed in your likes and dislikes.

Unfortunately when you come in with credits, you are much closer to declaring a major, and often do not have many general courses left to fill time before you make a decision.

Personally, by the end of my freshman year I would have already been at least two classes into a major that could have been a waste if I would have changed my mind. This tunneling can force students to pursue an area of study they have lost interest in.

It’s  important to recognize the commitment you are making as a high school student before you enter into a four year degree. A bachelor’s degree is an accomplishment many careers require, but it may be in a student’s best interest to wait to begin a track so financially encompassing.

Anna Hoffman can be reached at hoff0001@stthomas.edu