<p>For a while I was sure I wanted to study Philosophy, perhaps doubling with English, something I have always done well in. But it is senior year, and I am actually starting to love English more than I have ever enjoyed a subject - though Philosophy is still a big interest for me.</p>
<p>The problem, though, is that UCs ask for one major, some asking only for an ALTERNATIVE major. </p>
<p>One of my UC essays revolves around my interest in Philosophy</p>
<p>What should I put down? And are the rumors true that certain majors can actually damage your chances of getting in?</p>
<p>Please take what I'm saying with a grain of salt (I'm just a fellow HS senior):</p>
<p>Unless UC actually says that this has some sort of consequence (some sort of placement issue or something, or perhaps a major-specific scholarship), I can't see why this would matter. If you wrote an essay on philosophy, it might be nice to go ahead and list that as your planned major, just for the sake of consistency (unless you also are saying something remarkable about English). Plus, to most people (myself included) philosophy is more "impressive" than English ... but again, I don't see why this would be significant...</p>
<p>The way I see it, your major will not help your admissions chances. Because on average one chances their major three times, but that said if your apply to the UC under an art major, you should show some genuine interest in the subject: community college courses, HS art club, and awards if any. </p>
<p>Conversely, there are some majors at certain UC campuses that are so impacted.</p>
<p>No worries - your major should have absolutely nothing to do with whether you're admitted or rejected by a college (unless, of course, you're applying to a specific school within the college - architecture, journalism, etc - which you're not). Declaring a major in Philosophy vs. English shouldn't increase or decrease your chances in any way.</p>
<p>I have to say that I disagree with the comment about "most people" viewing a Philosophy major with more respect than an English major. A college degree is respectable, period. What you should take into consideration, though, is what you'd like to do after college, and how a degree in Philosophy vs. English would help you attain your goals.</p>
<p>Personally, I would do the double major. If you feel absolutely positive about your love for English, choose that and then once you're accepted, declare a second major in Philosophy. Or do the opposite. Good luck! :)</p>