<p>I have a quick question regarding declaring your major on your college application. I've heard that it is more beneficial (in terms of admissions) to put undecided major. However, I have also heard that declaring your major can help you. </p>
<p>I personally think that it makes sense logically that declaring major helps. If you declare your major then the admissions officers know that there is a student who will go into that major. I doubt that many students declare their major (compared to undecided anyways). So by declaring your major don't you already distinguish yourself from the thousands who went undecided?</p>
<p>It doesn't matter. If you do choose an obscure major, it would pretty much have to be backed up by the interesting, obscure things you do, which would stand out by itself. And colleges know that many people are undecided at age 17.</p>
<p>Colleges are definitely used to students changing their majors. Sometimes, demonstrated passion in an area (research, etc) can be a plus, but if you simply state that you plan to do XYZ it doesn't mean much. Heck, my college sophomore just decided to change her major a few days ago!</p>
<p>Oh ok. I'm interested in computer science, and I am involved in an internship and various other activities that demonstrate my interest. Would it be beneficial for me to declare computer science major?</p>
<p>It won't be beneficial, it's just to give the admissions people a sense of what you're interested in studying. Put it down if you plan on majoring in it.</p>
<p>Ummm. Why bump Zaroc? dchow told you what you need to know. RU just fishing for a competing opinion?</p>
<p>For the most part, it matters zero. For a few select schools that require it, then put something down. What you heard is denied by the adcoms in general.</p>
<p>If lots of your ECs and classes are focused in a specific area, it can help add some dimension saying that you are interested in a major in that area. It also helps if the college you are applying to has a unique program or opportunities in that area (for your Why X essay). </p>
<p>If you say have all of your ECs in science, but heard that Harvard is looking for Classics majors so you just check off the Classics major box, I doubt Harvard will take your intended major seriously.</p>
<p>However, say Harvard is looking for classics majors and you took Latin 4 years in high school, Anchient history, and volunteered in a museum, it might be looked on favorably.</p>
<p>IMO, colleges know enough people change their majors (I think the average is 3 times) that they will not put too much weight, if any, in a prospective major. However, if all parts of an application suggest that an applicant is interested in a specific major, it can't hurt to put it down.</p>
<p>When I was applying to schools, my uncle told me a that if I was applying to schools who are well-renowned in certain areas (Johns Hopkins was his example), I should declare a major that wouldn't be too popular there (such as English) to give myself a better chance to get in, and then just un-declare or switch when you get to campus.</p>
<p>BronxBombers7, it would have to be supported by other things you do--for example, taking advanced English classes and doing well on the AP exams, or having great insightful recommendations by an English teacher. You can't just be really science-oriented in your recommendations and activities, then say that you're interested in being an English major and think that that will increase your chances. Goodness, read the above posts!</p>