MAJOR Decisions.. Less competitive majors?

Applying to College
1

<p>Northeastern University is currently my top choice and I would be devastated if I was denied, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up as I know it is becoming increasingly competitive. Anyway, I was wondering if it would increase my chances, even in the slightest, if I were to apply for a major in the humanities or some sort of obscure major and then transfer into my intended major if I do get accepted (Biochemistry or Biology, which obviously get a lot of applicants). I was thinking about applying with interest in literature/journalism majors because my essay has to do with the effect of literature on my life and I have been apart of 2 publications at my high school (And got a 5 on the AP Language exam).
Also, I am not taking the ACT until October 22. Should I just wait until Regular Decision to apply rather than apply Early Action?</p>

2

<p>Translation: Hey, I really like this college, so can I lie to their admissions office and trick them into accepting me by applying for a major that I don’t intend to take?</p>

3

<p>I wouldn’t really say “lying,” I am interested in Literature which is why I would rather put Literature than something obscure like Asian studies… I am honestly between majoring in Literature/Journalism or Biochemistry. But truthfully I AM leaning more towards biochemistry because even though I love English and Lit, I’m really not interested in those types of jobs. Not to mention, most people change their majors at least once?</p>

4

<p>Call them and see how hard it is to transfer into the more “popular” majors once in schoo there.</p>

1 Like
5

<p>At schools where selectivity varies by major, it is usually the case that changing to the more popular and selective majors requires applying to do so, with no guarantee of being admitted to the major (of course, higher GPA and such helps).</p>

<p>If you are considering majoring in biology or biochemistry for pre-med, remember that pre-med does not require any particular major. You can major in literature or other humanities, social studies, or science while taking the pre-med courses to prepare for applying to medical school.</p>

<p>As far as jobs go, biology and biochemistry do not have very good job and career prospects at the bachelor’s level.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

1 Like
6

<p>Well, pre-med is my intention regardless of my major. And by jobs, I meant that a degree in literature seems limiting if I do not end up going into medicine. Do you think applying as a lit major will give me a better chance of getting in since there should be less applicants than for a bio major (obviously there are many other factors, but just based on that)?</p>

7

<p>

</p>

<p>A bachelor’s degree in biology is only a little better. You noticed the popularity of majoring in biology – that indicates that there are lot of biology graduates competing for the biology degree jobs out there (many of which are not that well paying).</p>