Declaring major sometimes helpful?

Applying to College
1

<p>I was wondering if it is a good idea to declare a major in an area that you are obviously good at even if you don't know whether or not you plan on majoring in that area.</p>

<p>My situation is that I am strangely good at history, and even though I like it, I'm not sure if I <em>love</em> it. I've gotten 5's on two AP history tests, an 800 on SATII US History, A's in all of my history classes, and two school history awards. Obviously this is not a "hook," but it shows I am quite competent in history at the very least. So, for me, would it be beneficial to put down history as my major even though I think (but obviously this could change) that I am more interested in majoring in political science or psychology? </p>

<p>Or should I just put down "undecided?"</p>

2

<p>Well college admissions people know that you’re pretty good at history by your accomplishments, so no, it won’t be beneficial. Frankly I don’t think the college admissions people could care less about what people indicate for their intended major. If you’re undecided, that’s what ‘undecided’ is for. It really doesn’t matter that much what you put down in this case.</p>

3

<p>For admissions into the school, likely not.
For admission into a limited enrollment program, maybe.</p>

<p>If you’re directly admitted into a selective poli sci major (business and engineering are also known for their limited enrollment requirements), you can avoid having to prove yourself worthy freshman and sophomore year.</p>