<p>I'm interested in applying to the college, and I'm torn between wanting to study law or economics (leaning more towards Econ). I'm well aware of the Economic's department reputation, but I'm not necessarily a perfect student. I love UChicago and I could see myself studying anything there and being happy (except maybe Physics), however would indicating that I want to study Econ decrease my chances of admission? Should I major in Philosophy or English instead? I really have a closet-passion for Economics but I'm afraid that indicating that on my application will hinder me from attending my dream-school.</p>
<p>U Chicago does not base its decision on your major of interest (after all, there’s a high chance you’ll change your mind by the time you actually declare majors). The fact you see yourself studying anything and enjoying it goes well with the model of the Core and the university’s general philosophy, so that should outweigh any negative effects (which I seriously doubt exist) of applying with the intention of majoring in econ. Anecdotal evidence, I put Econ down as my major of second choice and got in with very low (by U Chicago standards) scores in the Math section of the SAT I and the Math SAT II.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t think so. If anything, the school would recognize that you want to study something the school really excels at so it could possibly be a nudge in your favor. I don’t know if it will actually be true but your major should never hurt you in your application.</p>
<p>“Majoring” in Philosophy or English on your application just to pick something different might hurt you if the admissions committee is able to see through what you’re doing. If you have an interest in a subject and you think you’d benefit from majoring in it at the U of C then it can’t hurt (and it might even help) to state it in your application. If you’re still undecided then you can say that instead. Over-analyzing the admissions process is probably the only way to go wrong when it comes to declaring a major of interest.</p>