Does the "Intended Major" question matter??

<p>So I've been looking through many of the supplements for the CA. Many of them ask for your intended major and career interest. How does this effect their decision in any way. I mean, if somebody was not so hot in math or sciences in High School but wants to study math/science related fields in college what do you do?</p>

<p>If I am a hispanic with a lot of international experience, study abroad programs, exchange trips, fluent in spanish and english, intermediate in chine etc. and want to study Econ or Math or Science in college but got a C+ in either during High school should I just lie and say my intended major is Poly Sci or International relations, etc. </p>

<p>How much does this question matter.?? I mean someone can put that they want to study Gay and Lesbian studies for christ sake and then study Economics or Math in most College of arts and sciences. </p>

<p>whats the point of this question?????</p>

<p>This is a FAQ. Use the Search function for ‘major’ to get threads that have discussed this.</p>

<p>I think it’s because they don’t want to accept an entire class of people majoring in biology or poly sci. they’re just hoping for diversity.</p>

<p>You should state as accurately as possible what you intend to major in. Many selective schools make it extremely difficult to switch majors after you are accepted-- in certain majors. For example, switching into Engineering or Business programs from another major can be very difficult and, at some schools, nearly impossible.</p>

<p>I’m asking for majors within the same “school” or “college.” For example if a school offers a college of arts and sciences, school of engineering, school of nursing, and a school of education. If I apply to to the college of arts and sciences and state that my intended major is international relations, hispanic studies, political science, etc. why wouldnt I be able to major in math or econ within the same school?</p>

<p>I think as long as you’re in a particular school within that college, switching majors is less complicated for the most part. I’m sure this varies to a certain extent from college to college and from concentration to concentration, however.</p>

<p>thanks for your response but I am not asking if I can switch majors. I’m asking what the significance of the “intended major” question is and how can it affect the application in any way?</p>

<p>I feel the same way about this question. I have various interests and just sticking to the commonplace “I want to major in ____ because…” is just too generic and sometimes lacking cohesion because of the applicant’s different interests (if applicable). I agree, some might be blind to what they want to major in and express their ardor about pursuing a certain major and then completely studying something else once matriculated.</p>

<p>In terms of whether admissions selectivity varies by major and whether it is administratively easy or difficult to declare or change major (assuming you do not get behind on course work for the new major), you will have to ask each school, since schools vary all over the place. In some schools, it varies by division (e.g. rules for arts and sciences may be different from engineering, etc.).</p>