Majors are typically selected in high school when applying to college and my best guess (based on what I'm told) is that some of the popular reasons majors are chosen are due to where the jobs are, or based on what subjects students have excelled in, along with what parents or adult mentors have encouraged applicants to pursue. While those considerations can be factored in, I'll leave some points that I've shared with first year students...
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Whether you are undeclared or declared, even though there is no one-size-fits all answer for everyone, here are a few questions to help guide you when deciding if the major you selected is still suited for you or if you are exploring another major/option:
1) Are you enjoying the courses?
2) Do you wish to learn more in this field of study?
3) Is the subject matter engaging and are you learning the material?
4) Can you envision yourself as a professor in this area or in industry?
(Or do you see yourself pursuing a career with this major?)
5) Have you met with a counselor in your major department or major of interest?
6) Are there enough resources for when you are having trouble with the material?
7) Are the Faculty and Teaching Assistants supportive?
Based on your individual answers to the above, if the responses you have are mostly positive ones, start to think about making a plan to declare the major. In most 4 year universities, this process is done before or by your 3rd year of study.
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Please note that many people don't end up in professions that link up directly with what they major in, so try not to stress too much on selecting a major. Once you've set your mind on a major, a multitude of experiences and options can open up for you and as long as you continue doing what you love to do, you can't go wrong!
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