<p>I've always been more inclined toward biology than any other field of study. I hope to major in neuroscience in college; however, Yale's website is not very clear about whether I should pursue the cognitive science major or a major in biology. On my supplement, I chose "Cognitive Science" as my intended major, but now I'm wondering if that was the wrong choice since it offers many courses through the biology department that I'm interested in. Biology, if I'm not mistaken, is far more underrepresented at Yale than "Interdisciplinary Studies," which Cognitive Science falls under. I'm definitely not a humanities-oriented student, and enjoy lab sciences (not psychology, sociology, etc., but neurobiology)...wrong choice on the supplement?--especially since Yale is looking for more science students?</p>
<p>Perhaps with the exception of engineering backed up with an essay, summer programs, and competitions, it doesn’t matter what major you “chose” on your supplement. The adcoms are not so easily gamed as to think that they need more Swahili majors and that should be an admissions factor. FWIW, biology is a very popular major and not underrepresented at all.</p>
<p>Thank you for the response!
Well, I have research experience, leadership, summer programs, and an essay dedicated to science, but I was just wondering if I understood Yale’s majors correctly when I chose Cognitivie “Science” over Biology. Also, I meant that biology is relatively underrepresented, compared to majors in the humanities department. The reason I thought Yale might be trying to recruit more science students is because of the YES-W program-if I remember the acronym correctly-that is aimed at getting the admitted science students to enroll; however, I understand that these academic likely letters and the invitation to YES-W are very rare, and I am definitely not expecting one, but again, it supports my speculations.</p>
<p>Last academic year Biology was the 5th most popular major (beating English) so it is hard to say it is underrepresented by any definition. Although many would include some neuroscience course(s) in the Cog Sci major, it differs substantially from Biology and probably has the most overlap with Psychology. It is one of the few majors at Yale entered by competitive application.</p>
<p>^ biology or cog sci is entered by competitive application?</p>
<p>So, Cognitive Science is more competitive?</p>
<p>(Sorry for all these questions! I am absolutely in love with Yale and this tiny detail has been causing me some anxiety.)</p>
<p>Cog Sci is the major entered by application. I heard that 80ish students apply for 30ish positions at the end of Fall semester sophomore year. It is not simply awarded to the students showing the highest GPAs at that time. Much of the selection is based on a proposed academic plan you submit that hopefully shows why this interdisciplinary major better meets your needs than a traditional major.</p>
<p>Oh! I know what you’re talking about…you mean sophomore year of college, right? For a second I thought you were talking about high school. But yes, I was aware that there is a selection process; however, that’s completely separate from undergraduate admission.</p>