“Intended Major” Question Woes

Hey CC!

So I started filling out my common app stuff and I’m running into some issues. It might just be uptight me stressing myself out about something little but I need some guidance.

So I would like to major in biochemistry, but not all schools have as a major, many as a concentration of chem. At schools like Duke (my ED 1) you can double major or do an interdepartmental major or make a major through Program II. I was thinking about Bio major too but idk what path to take. And then I also love the humanities. I feel so scatterbrained rn and would really appreciate any help you can give. Should I list two majors, interdepartmental, or Program II?!

I wouldn’t stress about the intended major part of your application. I don’t think it really matters so much. Your extracurriculars and transcript will probably speak more toward your academic interests than a four-year comprehensive plan to triple major in BME, Econ, and Poli-sci while getting an I&E Certificate (or whatever combination prospective students and p-frosh seem to be obsessed with).

I agree with ldoc97. Schools won’t hold you to your intended major and just want a sense of your interests. In fact, a school like Duke actually WANTS you to explore disciplines outside your comfort zone and see what speaks to you. You’re not expected to know your anticipated curriculum from Day 1. So, just choose something that highlights your strengths and interests (even if Duke doesn’t offer biochem) and put the other interests as secondary interests or whatever it’s called.