Declaring a major between Common App and supplement: Biology or Animal Science?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>Hi everyone,
This is going to sound a bit jumbled and confused, but I don't know what I should put as my major. My parents aren't letting me major in animal science (they are ridiculous), but I guess that's a little reasonable since it has more of a focus on livestock and larger animals. My career path is to be a veterinarian, as I am sure is like many others applying for Cornell. So the "better" option is to major in biology. The part that confuses me a little is what to put as my major on the Commmon App and the supplement. I am not undecided, but I just don't know what is wise to put. </p>

<p>As a prospective Biology major, the only pros I can think of is taking AP Biology senior year (I am applying ED for the Class of 2016). The cons are that even though I have taken honors science classes (biology, chemistry, physics) all three years, my grades were, respectively, A-/B+, B+/B, B/B. I got 680s on the Biology and Chemistry SAT Subject Tests, and 650 on Math II! (I am retaking Biology this October.) My impression, after looking at all the people on here who have requested chances, is that I am not looking too good.</p>

<p>Would my chances be any higher if I applied as an animal science major (and plan to change to biology if my parents try to kill me, once and if I get in, that is)? My extracurriculars are really leaning towards a more animal-oriented direction rather than one of general biology. This coming senior year, I will have been on the board of the school's environmental club for four years, and also a member of the Youth Advisory Board of the Humane Society. I have spent a majority of my time there, delivering a speech to hundreds of people at an annual fundraiser, helping facilitate many of the major events that take place, being a community service learning student in another program, as well as being a camp counselor for the kids' animal summer camp for three years. The director of education there has known be since the beginning of my involvement and will be writing a supplemental recommendation letter.</p>

<p>Even if I went with the animal science-turned-biology option, not many schools have the option of animal science. Would I be able to put down animal science on the Common App, or would I have to go with the more general option of biology? (I haven't looked at the Common App much yet, so I apologize if this is a stupid question.)</p>

<p>I know I am not the most well-rounded, but I am hoping that I can convey to Cornell that I am truly passionate in what I do. I just don't want to be drowned out by all the competition for biology. Thank you so much for any help!!</p>

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<p>As far as I know, you can major in either one as long as you have certain classes before you graduate. Animal Science is only in CALS, but the Biology department goes into CAS as well as CALS. Since it seems that you’ll apply to CALS, I would recommend Animal Science since it’s probably more concentrated, which would make it easier for you to express your interests. If you’re being restricted to Biology, however, you’ll have to mold your application to that major. All applicants to CALS must pick a major on the supplement, so be mindful of that.</p>

<p>Otherwise, your main issue seems to be your test scores and maybe grades. If you’re going to retake the exams, I would really suggest getting a good prep book and learning as much as you can before the ED deadline.</p>

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<p>Apply for the major that is your passion. If you’re interested in animal sciences, then you have a lot to speak about in your ECs. It will be easier to articulate match. I’m not sure about the admit rate, but I believe the animal science admit rate is higher than the biology majors, but do not go by that alone. If you can’t articulate why either major is good for you, that won’t matter.</p>

<p>Also, if AP Bio is offered, you should take it. The admissions folks looking at your transcript will wonder why you didn’t take it.</p>

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<p>I think you should apply as Animal Science… almost all my pre-vet friends are Animal Science (and not Bio) majors.</p>