I have been told applying to a underrepresented major at ND can strongly help admissions chances. Although i am aware that every freshman takes first year studies, I was interested in finding out different views on this matter or suggested majors to apply to.
For some reference, I am a legacy, top 10%, varsity letterman/captain, however ACT score is out of range (28) and that is what majorly brings me to consider this. (please do not suggest just solely increasing ACT-- I am aware) thank you in advance.
I don’t think applying to an underrepresented major will “strongly help admissions chances” unless you demonstrate a long history of dedication to that major (ex. if you are applying as a classics major it would demonstrate interest if you have taken 4 years of Latin in HS etc.). Do you really think that ND is not wise to the game of people applying to one major and then switching to a preferred major once they are accepted?
I agree with @happy1 : pick a major that you are somewhat interested in, and you have an aptitude. That being said, they do have a tract, called the Gateway Program, where you spend 1 year at holy Cross College, and if you maintain a certain GPA, you are at ND the next year (no transfer issues). That has traditionally been for Arts and Letters intents, so that might be a good option, especially if you are unsure of what you want to major in. The issue is, the Admissions committee determines if they want to offer you that option. So, if you are unsure what you want to major in, put down something in Arts and Letters, and Gateway may be offered to you if you are not admitted directly to ND. I would also recommend Regular rather than early admission, and not applying to the Business college, unless that is all you want to do. Good luck!