Do You know what you want to be when you grow up? Chances are, if you ask college freshmen this question, the majority will tell you, 'Undecided.' Most students go into college without a clear idea of what they really want to do with their education. This is the rule rather than the exception. Now, what can be the reason for this?

With all the issues you have to worry about your first year of college, deciding what you will study is one of the last to be made. However, with each passing year, this question gets more and more important. While Mom and Dad are shelling out the cash for their kids' education, the kid might be drifting back and forth without a clear plan.

There are certain core required classes, no matter what your major. These are basic math, science, history as well as language requirements. If you are just starting college and, like most of your student colleges, undecided, it is a good idea to take these classes. Since you will have to take them anyway, why not can get them out of the way before you need to decide on your major?

You may even be able to test out of some of these core classes. There is a test in most schools called the CLEP, which will allow you to skip some of these basic requirements. To give an example, if you are good at math, you can test out of the basic math classes everybody has to take. This way you can prove that you are competent and already know the stuff, and you get to skip right by.

Your first semester in college is more about learning your way around campus and college everyday life than learning about math and English. Make an effort to familiarize yourself with the college library, so it will be easy to use when you really need it. The first semester is the time to figure out how to do simple college things. You should learn how to budget your time and meet deadlines, and how to effectively study for tests. Be aware that college isn't like high school!

After you have gotten used to things and learned your way around, then you can start thinking about what you really want to do with your life. Very few students - if any - decides at first what they want to do. As a matter of fact, many people change majors halfway through. You will need to take some classes just to see what appeals to you. There is no big hurry. Still, remember that the clock is ticking and you are paying for the time you're in college. It's best to start thinking about it in your second semester or after your first year. This is when you should be getting used to college life. You are a college student now, so it's time to look for where to go next.

You will most likely be taking those core classes well into your second year. It is good to get them out of the way as soon as possible. Then, you can spend the later half of your college career working on the classes for your major - what really interests you. But the first thing to do is to get on top of things and take care of those core classes, then think about what direction you will take.

When you first land in college, you will have a lot of things to get used to, and nobody expects you to know exactly what you are doing in the beginning. However, remember that the clock is ticking, and you owe it to whoever's paying for your school to set a goal and achieve it.