Many college counselors direct undecided students to professional-grade personality tests, workshops, seminars and other assessment tools in the early stages of deciding majors. Self-assessment tools are used by college advisers to help students narrow option, to have more confidence in interests and abilities. The University of Washington, for example has 'The Roadmap to Choosing Your Major' workshop that aides students in finding a major that meshes with "interests, abilities and values." Advisers may informally assess student interest by asking questions about childhood and high school interests, academic strengths and weaknesses, financial goals and interpersonal skills.
Advisers generally suggest talking to other people about how they experienced the department or working within the field of your interest. Most colleges have open houses for every major. Advisers may also direct you to other faculty and students in fields of expressed interested. Arrange meetings with your adviser's leads and prepare questions about the department, the curriculum and career prospects. Meet more than one person in every major you are considering to see if there is a pattern in experiences.
Once you have narrowed down your options based on your skills and interests and after talking to others in the field, advisers often suggest enrolling in a range of introductory courses. If picking four or five introductory course in a few fields is still too specific for you, take advantage of your university's 'shopping periods.' Many colleges have a week or two for students to sample classes before they have to register permanently. Advisers encourage undecided students to "sit in one a few classes ... in different departments that look interesting or challenging to you."
Get experience in fields that interest you. Internships, volunteer work, working for journals can help you go deeper into what is really going on in the fields. Advisers at the University of Washington state that "there is sometimes no way to know if you like something until you do it." Check student work positions in the departments of your interest, ask professors for leads on jobs and journal internships, look at volunteer positions related to your potential fields of study. Jay Willingham, author of "How to Choose A Major: The Ultimate Guide" states that doing internships and volunteer work "give you a clear pictures of what you could eventually experience in the real workplace."
Do not rush into deciding a major and do not panic if you change your mind. Willingham reminds us that "two-thirds of undergraduate students change majors before graduating." Most college advisers will tell you that your college major will not make or break your chances for success in life -- neither will it limit you to one field. Think about it -- how many philosophy majors become philosophers? Advisers at Stanford University confirm that "a major should interest and excite you" and reminds students that "a major will not necessarily define your career path." College advisers are there's to guide you through the process, but they will also tell you that ultimately, the decision is yours and yours alone.