I am interested in applying ED to Cornell, because of how beautiful and scenic the school appears and its world renowned physics program. In addition to majoring in Physics, I want to major also in Russian Studies/Russian. Cornell use to have very renown program in Russian with Nabakov, now the school has cut out this program out as a major. I have very big passion for Russia, and it will be for sure be reflected quite evidently in my recommendations and ECs, however I am worrying Cornell will find it foolish that I am applying there and discuss this passion in my essays, when they have no major in this area, only a minor. May I list on my college app I want to do an independent major, and describe what it is exactly? Does anyone know how Cornell will perceive this? Will they see it as me not appropriate to attend their university because my interest does not match exactly with what they have to offer, or me striving to achieve Ezra Cornell’s dream of a university?
IMO the only way it can make sense is if you talk to the Russian Dept chair first, see what you might realistically accomplish there. Then reference said discussion in your essay.