<p>For example, there's a lot of people here who seem to want to major in engineering. So will that make it more competitive for them as opposed to someone who wanted to major in something less common? Or does it not really make a difference?</p>
<p>Undergrad students often change their majors, so an applicant’s projected major is not all that significant from an admissions perspective. Because its School of Engineering was revived just last year, engineering at Yale may be an exception, but only if the applicant’s stated interest in engineering is accompanied by tangible achievements in relevant academic areas.</p>
<p>No, it generally does not make a difference.</p>
<p>Whether I was told correctly or not I do not know, but on D’s tour of engineering last year she was told that if you state engineering on your application that a member of engineering staff is also involved in your application review.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine that it would ‘hurt’ you. But declaring a major can certainly help you, especially if your application has a theme going- which most do.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, if I sent in a CD of supplementary material for the music program, and then got into Yale, would I be bound to the music major? I wasn’t sure if the music major was an exception–in some schools if you get in for music you aren’t allowed to switch over.</p>
<p>No, you wouldn’t be required to major in music.</p>
<p>Private colleges generally claim that major choice doesn’t matter at all, however there is a definate bias against certain groups (e.g. Asians males in science/math/engineering).</p>
<p>Obviously though, if you write down a major that has nothing to do with your interests, and doesn’t match up with any of your EC’s, clubs, scores, etc. that could be a problem. Otherwise, something could be said about strategically choosing a major (though this probably doesn’t play a very large role in admissions).</p>
<p>Not particularly. The deans here all expect the freshmen to change their major at least once (if not more). The only instance I could think of it really affecting your chances, is if you were applying to a specific college based on you major… However all of Yale’s undergraduate school is in one college (Yale College), so that’s not really applicable.</p>
<p>First of all, I think it does make a difference – can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure it does. I think Yale is looking for strong quantitative science/engineering students, and does not get quite as many of them as it does strong humanities/poli sci/music+theatre types. However, you probably cannot play this card just by stating on your application that you intend to major in blah – your application should support that you have a long-standing interest, significant ability and maybe some accomplishments. Competitions, advanced classes, summer work or summer programs, ECs – these are ways your application either supports the notion that you are a strong engineering/quant sci person, or not. (These things would be in addition to fairly standard stuff such as APs and SAT IIs in relevant subjects.)</p>
<p>Can you change your major once you get there? Absolutely, and without anyone commenting on it.</p>
<p>Another place where this is a workable strategy is Brown. Again, you can change your major once you’re in with no repercussions, and <em>if you have the goods for engineering/quant sci</em> it’s an easier admit (subjectively speaking) than for a liberal arts kid.</p>
<p>The kids I know who “took advantage” of this in the end DID major in engineering or quant sci and are pretty happy where they are.</p>
<p>I second memake. I am applying as an art major and I think that my art portfolio will have just as much weight as my grades. If I applied as another major and sent in pics of my artwork, they probably wouldn’t care as much about my artistic ability.</p>
<p>I just sighed so loudly, my screen cracked…
OMG</p>
<p>I think it does matter.</p>
<p>I mean, you could have great stats otherwise, but if you applied as, say, a Biology major, and Biology was your lowest grade and lowest SAT II score, I don’t know if you’d get in.</p>