Does your major influence the college admission process

Applying to College
1

I was just wondering if the major you declare on your college application influences the admission decision. In every college presentation I’ve attended, all the college representatives stress out how it’s ok to come in as an undeclared/undecided major and how statistically speaking the majority of college students will change their major at least once. This made me think that what I put for my career plans and major didn’t really matter. However, I recently got deferred from Case Western (which was more of a match in terms of stats) and I am starting to have second thoughts…

2

To some degree it matters on the proposed major & the school. Some subjects (such as architecture, engineering, cs) are often ‘direct admits’.

Also, it can sometimes be an indirect influence, when your app tells a cohesive story between your academic interests and your ECs.

But for a standard university / LAC there is no negative to not having a firm major when you apply. In some cases, that is even part of the ‘why’ this university: the student sees it as the best place to explore how interests A & B will come together, for example.

3

The most common undergraduate major is undecided at most universities. The reason for your deferral is increased numbers of applicants, internationals applying and people with need applying that didn’t before. This is at every university now. Hang in there… The fun just started and goes right to May 1st.

4

@angie queen

Hang in there for CWRU. But it is so many things besides stats. And major, if not super competitive like engineering at some schools or business school at others - won’t hurt you at all. In fact it can help as they fill out a class.

But please remember that match means probably similar chances to the acceptance rate. If cwru is 30 percent. 7 out 10 students with your strong profile get denied. Try some more schools that are similar to case if that’s your desire. There are several and one will ring the bell

5

Depends on the college. At some colleges, some majors are full, so getting into them, either at frosh admission or after enrolling, is more difficult.