<p>as for applying for one major and then changing it afterwards, i actually did just that- switch from a history major to a bio major (not chem, but close!), history minor. what you decide to put down as your potential major does affect how your application is approached (obviously especially so if Cornell’s still using the “why do you chose to study____” essay), but it’s definitely not binding at all. once actually accepted, you can change to whatever major you like as long as it’s in the same college. technically, most/all freshmen are undeclared until about sophomore year anyways (at least in A&S, not sure about the other schools), so changing your academic interests/major is pretty common, if not expected, as a frosh and suppperrrr easy. they actually even send you an email before pre-enrollment to see if your academic interests have changed since applying/acceptance to better assign you an academic adviser. so no worries about making a life-determining decision when filling out that one line :)) just make sure you can show your passion for whatever field you choose (so don’t put, say, Classics down as your major if you’ve never shown any previous interest in it just because a B in AP physics wouldn’t matter in that field…) because that’s what they’re really looking to see!</p>
<p>I go to a small private school that actually doesnt rank (well they do, but they do not tell us our ranks). It is also very competitive, so I am sure I am not in the top 5, but I recently received a likely letter from Cornell. you still have a chance!</p>