I was just returning to my post to make a clarification to it, but you quoted me within a minute, haha.
We actually have the option of declaring our major during our first year, and the liberty to change it later if we decide to pursue another degree. It's just far more common to declare during the sophomore year because the first year curriculum is carefully crafted to help equip us to make a confident, thoroughly considered decision. We won't be larking about for a year before delving into courses relevant to our degree. We'll be taking a series of courses designed to help us to flourish in our chosen majors and in our lives. Most will additionally take specific courses for the degrees we're interested in. Declaring a major isn't as simple as just checking a box; you have to apply for it and fulfill some qualifications. If you're interested this helps to explain how we organize our first year of study:
https://undergrad.stanford.edu/approaching-stanford-topics/crafting-your-first-year-study
I'm definitely interested in Philosophy as either a minor or my primary undergrad major, but am also exploring the Public Policy - Law and the Legal System degree or the Public Policy - Political and Moral Philosophy tract, as well as International Relations because they all align with my goals. All of the majors require about 34 units of preparation coursework, so next year I'll knock out the common ones that are a requirement for all the majors I'm considering. There isn't a set pre-law major but there are specific majors that provide a stronger foundation for law school. I don't know exactly which one is ideal for me yet. I do know I want to pursue a coterm degree (BA and MA combined) and law school. I'll use this upcoming year to figure more things out. I don't think any of my time or my parents money will be wasted. They are delighted about my plans.