does it matter what major I check on common application? Can i change it later?

<p>I am debating between applying as a linguistics or econ major. I will probably double major or minor in of these areas, but does it matter which one I check now? Does it affect my chances of admission and can I change major when I get into the Uni?</p>

<p>You’re applying to CAS, right? If so, you can change your mind as soon as you get here (even earlier, in fact - they’ll send you an e-mail over the summer asking if your major preferences have changed or to select a few tentative areas of interest if you’re undecided). In some of the other colleges, you need to apply to a specific major (but no matter where you apply within Cornell, the major you choose won’t affect your admissions chances).</p>

<p>hmm is it the same system for CALS?</p>

<p>No. In cals you apply for a specific major, each of which has different entrance requirements and selection criteria.</p>

<p>“but no matter where you apply within Cornell, the major you choose won’t affect your admissions chances”</p>

<p>This quote is blatantly false.</p>

<p>Your chances are not affected by your prospective major IF AND ONLY IF (IFF) you are applying to CAS or Engineering.</p>

<p>This is because only in CAS and Engineering is your prospective major non-binding. In CAS and Engineering you are accepted only into the college, not into the major. You are then free to shop around before you are required to declare your major.
In all other colleges, you are accepted into the MAJOR (including colleges with only one major like ILR and Hotel).</p>

<p>At Cornell, you’re never allowed to change your major, ever, during your 4 years. God knows how many of my friends are going to be trapped as “undecided” for the rest of their lives.</p>

<p>hmm what about if you wanted to double major? you wouldn’t be admitted as a double major… so would it be difficult to add another major?</p>

<p>In order to double major, you have to apply against the freshman pool and be accepted again as that major. It’s a huge hassle.</p>

<p>Andy, stop this bullsh** now, you’re just getting trashy and annoying.</p>

<p>There are forms you have to fill out and get approved that are “Petition for a Double Major” after you have met certain requirements for the second major.</p>

<p>What I meant was that adcoms won’t automatically consider one major as more desirable than another in admissions, so what you’re interested in can’t work against you. Or is that wrong too?</p>

<p>i love you andy</p>

<p>I don’t get what you mean by “desirable.”
You are reviewed against all other applicants for that major only. Each major has a cap and a target class size. Thus each major has its own acceptance percentages. If you apply for a more competitive major (Architecture, AEM, etc) then you will more than likely be competing against more students for less spots.</p>

<p>Don’t take this to mean you should try to game the system by choosing an “easier” major. If you want to do AEM and you try to get in through Plant Science, try passing off your business ec’s as horticulture experience. Try explaining in your essays how Plant Science is what you want to do.</p>

<p>I see. I just meant that…for example, picking a “unique” major won’t automatically give you a leg up in admissions against, say, a Bio major. But I wasn’t very clear.</p>