I am applying to mainly LACs, and I noticed that economics is always the most popular major. Does that mean that it is the hardest one to get into? If so, is that why they usually ask for your second and third choice major?
I doubt it since so many students–esp. at LACs–switch majors.
With a literal interpretation of your post, you seem to be implying that some majors may be restricted to certain students. Note that after your matriculation at any of your listed colleges, all majors would be open to you.
ahh okay thank you all!
Try searching “[college name] change major [major name]” and “[college name] declare major [major name]” to see if there are any restrictions changing to or declaring your major of interest. If there are, there may be selectivity differences at admission. Or there may not be, since some colleges with restricted majors admit all as undeclared and let them compete for admission to their majors after enrolling.
Smaller schools are less likely to have restricted majors, since the minimum effective department size to offer all of the necessary courses for a major may allow for a capacity greater than even a relatively popular major at a smaller school will attract.
I would say generally you admit undeclared although I do believe that admission chances can change r/t your intended choice of major on your application.