<p>Hey, are any of you CALS people declaring (or writing about) a second major? If so, how long is your "Brief statement" and did you also write about your second major by answering the 2 questions asked in the CALS prompt (why this major and how CALS will make you a leader in this field)?</p>
<p>I'm declaring as a biology major, but I am also doing a lot of business related stuff in HS right now. I'm the president of the school's business club and I have won many awards in state business competitions (and received scholarships from various state schools). I also studied for the AP macro and micro econ by myself (AP score= 5, 4) because my school only offers regular economics (sucky course). But I heard that AEM is really competitive, probably more than biology, even though biology is said to be the more popular major at Cornell. What should I do, and what would you do?</p>
<p>I definately understand what you're going through. This is just my opinion:
I think you should "declare" whatever major you truly want to major in. Would you want to pay 45K a year to study a major that is not your first choice/what you really want to study?I am also applying as an AEM student. Many people have told me to apply as a different major, but I think you should go with whatever you truly think will help you with your future plans, and not just "what will get me in."</p>
<p>Hey andyk, thank you for the comment, but I think you misunderstood my question.</p>
<p>CALS's essay prompt is
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) develops leaders committed to the improvement of life. Describe how your interests and related experiences have influenced your selection of major and how CALS will prepare you to be a leader in your chosen field. CALS applicants often have a serious interest in several of the college’s majors; if you wish to be considered for admission to a second major (should you not be admitted to your first), write an additional, brief statement about this secondary field of interest.</p>
<p>They're asking you if you want to declare a second major or not, just in case in you don't get into your first one. I think it's best to take this opportunity to do so, because you will never know if you can get into CALS with your first major 100%. I'm just confused about how long (or short) other people's "brief statement" is, because mine is around 250 words, which is half of my first major. I think that is a bit too long, but I don't know.</p>
<p>But why would Cornell offer this option when it only undermines your chances? I can understand how divided attention is a little iffy, but if they only accept certain number of people for one major, we might as well apply as another major, right? Especially if Cornell encourages you to...</p>
<p>true that's what i thought and that's what makes sense. i mean it probably is fine if you do but perhaps the idea is that it's hard to "place" yourself in two different majors? i don't know...but that's just what i've heard.</p>
<p>i agree that this essay could be somewhat of a trick question. but i kinda went around it. my primary major's biological sciences, and my secondary's biological engineering. i guess i figured that biology and bioengineering are two pretty common majors, and interest in both complements each other. as opposed to doing like two completely opposite majors like entomology and communications...(not that i have anything against either).</p>
<p>i was going to do bio and animal sciences, but apparently animal sciences admission is as cutthroat as bio.</p>
<p>ahh yes, i didn't understand your question correctly. Sorry for that!
I don't know what I should do either, I wanted to do a primary major in AEM, w/ my "other interest" being Communication. However, I don't want that to hurt my chances either...</p>
<p>They are tricky sorts. My biology (main major) essay is way better than my business (secondary major) essay. That's why I asked the question, because I don't want them to think I'm a slacker and only work hard on my first essay.</p>