<p>If I plan on applying to a competitive program at a school, would I be able to still get into the school itself and not that specific major? Do schools have any kind of program for those who didn't get into their major but are still admitted to the school? Does this depend on the school itself?</p>
<p>Depends on the school.</p>
<p>If the college admits on the basis of major, you need to check with each to detemrine what happens if you are rejected for the particular major. For some that may mean you are rejected completely; for others, you may then be considered for an alternative major or for admission as an undecided.</p>
<p>Yes, in both cases. For schools like UIUC that admit students directly into specific programs/majors, they may admit you into your second choice or general studies if your first choice program is very competitive and runs out of spots. For schools that do not admit students directly into a specific major, you need to declare your major later on usually after you fulfilled certain requirement. There is still likely a quota or competition. </p>
<p>At some schools, if you meet the standards for admission you are placed as an “'undecided” freshman if not admitted to your selective majors. At others, you’re turned down. It’d help if you indicated what schools you’re thinking of.</p>