Applying and Majors

<p>Alright. Here’s the deal: I’m applying to the RISD/Brown Dual degree program. Yes, I’m aware I’m insane and that I have no chance, but it doesn’t hurt to try!
Anyway. My dilemma: I’m really interested in math, and it’s likely what I’d want to study. That or computer science. I’ve taken AP Calc BC (I got a 4. Yeah, not the greatest, but even the brilliant kids in my class (i.e. not me) got 4s, due to a crappy “teacher” first semester). But I haven’t taken the Math 2, and it’s definitely too late for that. Also, in terms of comp sci, I have VERY little experience. As in, I’ve dabbled in html and css by myself. But that’s it. That’s not really even computer science.
My question: should I apply to another major, even if I’m not as interested in it, because of my lack of experience in the other two? Or should I really talk about math, and hope they forgive that lack?
Also, I’m just a Caucasian girl, if that changes anything.
Thanks, all. :)</p>

<p>Your comments: I’m aware I’m insane and that I have no chance…I got a 4. Yeah, not the greatest, but even the brilliant kids in my class (i.e. not me) got 4s…I have VERY little experience…should I really talk about math, and hope they forgive that lack?</p>

<p>You do not officially declare your major until end of sophomore year. In the Brown application, the adcoms just want to get a feel for what subjects interest you. Finally, stop putting your achievements and scores down or make excuses. Not sure if you’re doing that 'cuz you’ve seen that “talk” here on CC, or if that’s how you write. But you don’t need to evaluate each score. It is what it is.</p>

<p>You do not need any experience whatsoever to concentrate in CS at Brown. Because of your interest in math, it would be quite normal to write that you’re interested in math first and CS second (or the other way around). Back when I was applying they asked for first second and third choices even. You could easily write in the “why science” essay about your interest in math and desire to further explore computer science which you understand to be strongly math-based while combining an interest in technology and having wider and more directly application to the arts.</p>

<p>I suppose the fact that people “talk” like that on CC has affected me, yes. And no, it’s not the way I write–or talk–normally. However, I don’t feel the part about my having “VERY little experience” in compsci is putting myself down. It’s merely a fact.</p>

<p>Yes, you do not officially declare your major until sophomore year; I’m aware of that. But does your choice of major on your application affect the outcome of your application? If I say I’m interested in one thing, but my transcript doesn’t necessarily show it, will my application be hurt?</p>

<p>It’s up to how you frame it. Selecting a particular concentration probably won’t hurt you, but selected a STEM concentration as a female could help you, if you have the narrative to back up that interest. Without the narrative, it just won’t be as helpful, which is not the same as hurting.</p>

<p>Don’t think about this stuff too hard-- adcoms have seen it all and any attempts to “game” the system and any efforts to avoid appearing like you’re “gaming” the system is a wasted effort, IMO.</p>

<p>modestmelody, thanks so much! (I didn’t see your first post before my reply, so sorry about that) But yes, thanks, that was really helpful! :)</p>

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<p>Not the way it does at some colleges, because you don’t apply for a specific concentration (that’s what Brown calls majors).</p>

<p>One of Brown’s institutional goals is to maintain, increase and retain the number of “hard science” majors – which include engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science. Students who apply with interest in those have a higher acceptance rate than other applicants. However, not just anyone can be accepted with an interest in those majors – you have to demonstrate you can handle the work. So an applicant with a 600 math SAT score who has never taken physics would have a tough time getting accepted if they are interested in physics.</p>

<p>However, Brown understands the limitations offered students in high school. Few students have taken an “engineering course” in hs, for example. Most HS in my area don’t offer a CS class. </p>

<p>A girl who can demonstrate strength in math and is interested in computer science would have a slight edge for admission. If you’ve taken Calc BC before senior year, and gotten a 4, that’s pretty impressive, btw. And there is a strong link between math and CS.</p>

<p>For most other concentrations, like English, history, poli sci, then the selection of subject has very little impact on the outcome of your application.</p>

<p>@fireandrain: what about biophysics? My main interest is in physics, but I stated that my #1 concentration would be biophysics. Would I still have that “higher acceptance rate” than other applicants?</p>

<p>Do you think Russian Studies is something that would spark an interest of an admissions counselor? Sadly my school doesn’t offer classes for Russian, history nor language, but I expressed my interest on my application.</p>

<p>I’m not sure about biophysics – do you need to complete the science supplement?</p>

<p>As for Russian history – I doubt there’s any tip for that. Have you checked to see how many Russian history concentrators there are?</p>

<p>dumb question, but where can you check that out?</p>

<p>[Office</a> of Institutional Research at Brown University](<a href=“http://www.brown.edu/oir]Office”>Office of Institutional Research | Brown University)</p>

<p>Russian is probably not going to do much, almost nothing but sciences help and even then you typically have to back it a bit.</p>

<p>Biophysics is run by the physics department so I’m relatively certain it won’t be viewed drastically different than any other kind of physics.</p>

<p>Generally speaking,are applicants applying to less popular majors(those may not have enough people to fill up a class or something like that) stand a better admission chance?</p>

<p>if so, does visual art counts…?</p>

<p>Oy…</p>

<p>Ok, here’s the deal:

  1. We have tons of people applying for art, especially because of our RISD connection.
  2. This has less to do with number of applicants than it does with yield. The reason sciences is pretty much the sole domain at Brown that helps out is we have a lower yield with science applicants than other areas. We attract plenty of applicants, but cross-admits with other top schools in sciences tend to go elsewhere at a higher rate than in other areas.
  3. All of this still amounts to very little effect and really shouldn’t be a cause for either concern or excitement. Fight for your spot by fighting for your unique fit here at Brown regardless of subject. That’s the point you have to make even if you’re applying planning on concentrating in the most obscure or most popular area. Too many people change their mind for admissions to bank too much on what you’re reporting you’re interested in now.</p>