<p>I've always been under the impression that colleges really focus (high school grade-wise) on your major.
so like hypothetically:
if i want to major in, say, biotech, i would need superb grades in science all throughout hs, right? because thats my major.</p>
<p>if thats the case, then why should i even declare a major, i could just slip in as an undecided and change my major to some intense, crazy-hard major.</p>
<p>but ive also heard that
If you don't get accepted into your first or second choice major, you are automatically considered for undecided so it is in your interest to select a major. </p>
<p>Generally, your choice of major isn’t a big deal. It is if you are applying to a school with a specific and extra-selective program in a particular major, but generally it is not.</p>
<p>Colleges know that most students are prone to changing their major at least once, so they don’t admit based on that. Yes, if you express an interest in science, it’s best for you to have good science and math grades, but you also need good grades in all your other subjects, too.</p>
<p>Some colleges require you to apply to a certain school, Ex the school of art and design, or the school of engineering. If this is the case, they will give more weight to things that pertain to that subject- grades, scores, portfolios, etc. I do not believe you can sneak around this system by applying for a different school and just change- you’d have to re-apply for the other school. You can’t apply for Art at Cornell then just slip into the Engineering school. I could be wrong here, but this must be the case.</p>
<p>Now, (I’d say) most colleges don’t abide by this system. You don’t apply to a specific part of the school. They’ll ask you for your intended major when you apply, but that’s basically for statistical purposes, and really shouldn’t change how your application is considered/how particular classes and grades are weighted. It is not official in the least; you can select multiple interests, or just be undecided. You don’t declare your major until long after being accepted; usually at the end of freshman or sophomore year (or whenever you are ready if earlier).</p>
<p>Most colleges will say that it doesn’t matter. If you have a specific major in mind, you might as well declare, especially if it correlates with your interests displayed through course selection, recommendations, and activities. However, if you are undecided, choosing undecided won’t hurt.</p>
<p>A lot of schools say that the top major choice of those admitted is Undecided. You’re not expected to be decided, or to necessarily keep your decision the same, that’s why you’ve got a couple years of general ed before declaring. Chances are, there’s a class (or three) that will change your mind along the road.</p>
<p>i definitely want to do Biotech at UC Davis, but my AP bio grade is not pretty, because my teacher is absolutely ridiculous. everyone is struggling.</p>
<p>so thats basically why im asking about this. i hope this one bad teacher wont ruin my chances to pursue a passion of mine.</p>
<p>I would recommend you get a high score on that AP exam. That, along with high grades in your other classes, will show that something was up with that teacher.</p>
<p>If you have a major in mind, go ahead and list it. Just don’t limit yourself mentally.</p>
<p>im just scared that putting down biotech will decrease my chances at UC davis</p>
<p>hence the:
“If you don’t get accepted into your first or second choice major, you are automatically considered for undecided so it is in your interest to select a major.”</p>