How competitive is Econ at Penn… I’m a junior thinking about applying but if it is a popular major and my chances will be diminished i may apply somewhere else
bump
In general, you don’t apply to or for a particular major at Penn. While there is a place on the application for you to indicate your INTENDED major(s), or even that you are undecided about a major, you don’t actually declare a major until the end of your sophomore year at Penn. Furthermore, it’s widely understood–including by the Admissions Office–that many, if not most, students end up majoring in something other than what they originally had indicated as their intended major on their application. So I would not let the popularity of a particular major be a decisive factor in determining whether to apply to Penn, or any other school for that matter.
Also, I’d imagine that Economics (along with English, History, Political Science, etc.) is a popular major at the vast majority of top schools.
OK, thank you @45Percenter
So, if I put undecided on the Common App, is there less of a chance for me to gain admission, or does whatever I put there have minimal impact on the decision…?
If you’re truly undecided at the time you apply, then that’s what you should indicate. Again, everyone understands that most people really don’t know, or even comprehend the possibilities of, what their true academic interests may be until they have a year or two of college under their belts. As long as your academic performance in high school–as well as your essays, teacher recommendations, and ECs–indicate a high level of academic competence, interest, and curiosity, you should be fine. For example, if you excel in sciences AND humanities, and have no idea in which direction you’d like to go but are excited about exploring the possibilities at a place like Penn, then just explain that. Remember that schools like Penn are looking for 17- and 18-year-olds who will take full advantage of the opportunities at Penn, and will go on to succeed and make contributions in whatever fields or professions they ultimately choose to pursue. In general, those schools are NOT just looking for kids who think they have it all figured out at the age of 17. 