<p>Is our chance better as we apply for a less popular major?</p>
<p>well the adcom are aware that you dont have to declare your major until second year (and many students change their mind in the first year). therefore I dont think it matters what major you apply as.. unless you can show that you truely have the passion for that less popular major. </p>
<p>(this question was asked on the cornell board last year too..)</p>
<p>In a way, yes. You don't <em>apply</em> to a particular major, but Columbia is always looking for diversity. If you show a passion for some obscure major there (say Slavic Languages), it could help set you apart. But writing down 3 obscure majors instead of econ, polisci and history isn't going to do anything for you.</p>