does major/academic interests affect admission decisions?

<p>So this might be a stupid question, but I'm afraid I don't know the answer. If you apply to a school with one of their more popular majors listed as your prospective major or academic interest, does that make it harder to get in, since so many other people are most likely applying for the same thing? For instance, if I were to apply to a school known for having an amazing Chemistry program, would me putting down that I'd like to study chemistry going to affect the decision?</p>

<p>Just heresay, I have no concrete evidence…</p>

<p>I spoke with a small select group of Admission Reps, they told me listing popular major or listing undecided doesn’t “hurt” but when you list a major that few pursue it can “help” The reps assume a certain amount of students will change the major anyway after experiencing other classes.</p>

<p>Now – this is just for “popular” majors at a LAC-- different story if you are trying to get into a competitive school in a uni – for instance Wharton instead of just getting into U of Penn.</p>

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<p>This, but only if you have a documented interest in that particular subject. A kid whose activitity list is template for a pre-med will look pretty transparent applying as a classics major.</p>