<p>I plan to major in physics, which is a predominantly male-dominated major and field. I am female, but physics has long been a passion of mine. </p>
<p>Do colleges take in consideration what you plan to major in? </p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>It is based on the major’s requirements in that college. In some colleges, business and engineering fields have higher standards than other fields. But, if you do not meet the requirements of that specific major, the college may still accept you, but may list your name under Science Undeclared or something similar. You can still apply for a physics major from undecided usually by sophomore year, depending on your school performance. </p>
<p>Also, don’t worry about being female and liking “male” majors. Be proud and go for your dream! I am also a girl, and I am the only girl in my senior class majoring in computer engineering; while most of the girls are majoring in liberal arts, law, or theatre. Good luck!</p>
<p>Each selective school attempts to get a balanced class and that could include recruiting more heavily for females in STEM majors. You typically need to do more than indicate the major on the application since that indication is non-binding and poorly correlates with major on graduation. Rather, the schools are looking for particular depth in that major of interest (think AIME, Intel, State or National awards) to back up your interests. I think it is hard to “game the system” by indicating a desirable major. The adcoms have seen it all and are too savvy.</p>
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<p>It depends on the college.</p>
<p>For example, some colleges are enrolled to capacity in some majors or divisions (common with state universities), so they can only admit enough students to that capacity limit, and make changing into those majors or divisions difficult. Others have plenty of capacity in all majors, so they can admit without having noticeably higher standards for some majors than others.</p>