Exploration encouraged
Photo by Evan Krape May 21, 2026
Recent graduate Kara Turner discovered that changing direction at UD could open unexpected doors
As a high school senior, Kara Turner was eager to tell anyone who asked about her college plans that she’d soon be a proud Blue Hen. It was just their follow-up question she dreaded.
When people inquired about her major, Turner chose the same as her brother: biology. But when she heard her classmates happily discuss futures in medicine or as researchers, she quickly realized she didn’t feel the same.
Turner is not alone. Nationally, 20% to 50% of students begin college undeclared. Within three years of initial enrollment, about 30% of undergraduates with a declared major in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program change their major at least once — and about 1 in 10 students changed majors more than once, according to Adrian McCleary, director of University Studies (UST) and student support programs.
At UD, students don’t navigate this uncertainty on their own. The UST program supports students exploring majors or transitioning between them.
In the past year, the University’s UST advisers supported more than 1,080 students who entered UD undeclared, changed majors or transitioned between majors during the fall and spring. This included more than 2,500 appointments, both scheduled and drop-in, along with individualized advising about academic planning, the option of drop-in appointments, workshops and other resources for students throughout the academic year.
For Turner, one-on-one mentorship and advice came from Sarah Hutnick, a UST academic advisor.
“We had lots of conversations about my interests and goals,” Turner said. “Sarah encouraged me to take breadth requirements while I explored different majors. One of my favorite classes was a Women's Studies class on sex trafficking.”
The advice worked. After her sophomore year, Turner decided to double major in finance and business analytics.
“The process for me to switch majors was smooth,” she said, crediting Hutnick for easing the transition by reviewing my completed forms and confirming whether she met business-specific transfer requirements.
Once she found her passion, Turner thrived. She joined the Women in Business club and became a mentor for the Spectrum Scholars Program. She was also nominated by her advisor to become a UST discovery mentor to current UST students, providing the peer-to-peer advice and guidance that she understood on a deeply personal level.
“I remember how embarrassed I felt about changing my major, and expecting to be judged by other students — which never happened — so I wanted to be there to tell similar students that it’s not that bad,” Turner said. “I also enjoyed being around other former UST students. One thing I remember from the conversations was that none of us felt behind because we transferred or enrolled as undeclared students.”
Turner interned at JPMorgan Chase for two summers. Prior to graduation, she received an offer to join their Global Finance and Business Management Program, a highly competitive two-year rotational program.
“I started in March, and right now I’m working as an analyst — and I love it,” said Turner, a Class of 2025 graduate. “I’m looking forward to exploring and getting more hands-on experience within the other departments, as well.”
Today, the young alumna understands that recent high school graduates or college students may feel unsure about their future major. Her advice?
“Don’t feel pressured to stick with what you’ve started,” she said, speaking from experience. “Pivoting is always a valid possibility.”
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