Though many programs for undecided students focus on the "developing purpose" vector, the author argues that putting purpose before competency is putting the cart before the horse. In this article, she shares practical strategies she has used to help her students at the University of Arizona reach competence in understanding the academic world. This article starts with an overview of the theory and practices used by many current major-exploration programs, then presents the rationale for switching the initial focus from "developing purpose" to "developing competence," and finally provides details about students' needs and innovative program responses.