Applying to an unpopular major?

Applying to College
1

Hi:)

I’m an Asian international applicant with financial need applying for U.S. colleges. (My family income bracket is about $120,000~150,000, but my sister is also going to college next year so my parents are only able to afford $30000~35000 a year.)

I wondered if my admission chances would go higher if I apply to a less popular major-since 1. I’m Asian and 2. I’m applying for financial aid.

I’m actually really passionate about this major-- I’m the top student at this field in my country. I know this for sure because I’m a youth representative of my city and my country for this field, and this month I actually had a 20min speech at my country’s National Assembly as a youth representative.

I love this major so much and I will not change my major if I get into a competitive university. I’m just so worried because of myself being an Asian applicant with financial aid.

So, does applying to an unpopular major increase my acceptance chances for competitive schools? Also, should I lower my school rankings since I am applying for financial aid?

2

Most universities admit you to the university, not to a particular major.

3

You should include a mix of less-selective schools. For a US applicant, I suggest having a mix of reaches, matches,and safeties. But there is no safety for an international applicant requiring substantial aid. Good luck.

4

Is your major not available your country? What about the UK?

5

This may not necessarily be true for all majors. Also, some universities admit by division (arts/sciences, engineering, business, etc.), so the student would have to apply to the division, where selectivity may vary.

Without specifying the schools or the major, it is hard for others to tell the OP whether that matters.

6

The fact is, any international applicant who needs financial aid, from any country, should treat the US as a long shot and have a back up plan in their home or other country. No matter the intended major.