Possible Questions to Ask Undeclared Students

Self Exploration

• As far back as you can remember, what general occupational fields have you thought of?
• What subjects did you enjoy in high school? In what subjects were your best grades?
• Where do you think you are strongest -- math/science, literature, social sciences?
• What do you see as your limitations?
• What type of co-curricular activities have you been involved in? Which were the most enjoyable?
• What did you learn about yourself from them?
• What are your best personal qualities?
• If you have a spare hour, how do you use it?
• Why are you in college?
• In what kind of work environment do you picture yourself in five years after college?

Academic Major/Occupational Information

• What academic areas are you currently considering? What do you like about these areas?
• What occupations are you considering? What about these occupations attracts you?
• How do your abilities and skills fit the tasks necessary to succeed in these areas?
• Will these occupations provide the rewards and satisfactions you want for your life? Why?
• What are the differences and similarities among the majors/occupations you are currently considering?
• Who has influenced your ideas about these alternatives?

Decision Making Questions

• Do you ever have trouble making decisions? Minor ones? Important ones?How do you go about making a decision? Describe the process. What specific strategies do you use?
• Do you use the same method for all types of decisions?
• Would you describe yourself as a spontaneous or a systematic decision maker?
• Do you make decisions by yourself, or do you need other people's opinions first?
• Are you feeling anxious about deciding on a major? Are you feeling pressured?
• How long do you think it will take you to make a decision? How long do you want it to take?

Adapted from "Interviewing Questions," Virginia Gordon Ohio State University, as found in Crockett, D.S. (Ed.). Advising Skills, Techniques, and Resources. Iowa City, Iowa: The American College Testing Program, 1986. p 173.