Hi all,
I was wondering, if I apply CS, isnt the competition more stiff and my chances of getting in slimmer than if I apply, say literature? So couldnt someone apply literature and later transfer to CS to “play the admissions”? Is applying to one interest or focus harder to get in than another interest or focus?
Thanks
Stanford’s application doesn’t have you apply for a specific school or major. It is almost entirely (if not completely) centered on your authentic self (your interests, your perception of life, extracurricular experiences, what makes you unique) rather than on your intended major. I’d imagine that a student trying to pass themselves off as someone interested in literature when they’re really interested in computer science wouldn’t get far in the application/admissions process (i.e. the admissions team is probably pretty darn good at sensing inauthenticity).
That said, the chances of getting into Stanford – whether you are interested in literature or in computer science – are absurdly slim either way; the perceived bump that a humanities kid might get in admissions is probably not as big or advantageous as one might think! I wouldn’t try to trick admissions into thinking you are someone you are not. Just be yourself when filling out the application and things will fall into place (even if it’s not at Stanford). Best of luck!
Plus, your ECs and class choices should reflect your interests. For instance, if you have CS classes on your schedule and you are in coding classes etc outside of school, but you apply as a Literature major without any English ECs or classes above the required ones, then Admissions will see through that. They have been doing this a lot longer than any of us and they have seen it all. Be honest and apply for what you really want.