I’ve been stressing over this for a bit - I declared possible majors for some of my college apps, and now I worry that they will be judging my app by how well I fit my major rather than the university (i.e. “why does this science major have no science awards/ECs???”) I thought initially that majors were declared for statistical/placement purposes and now i’m not so sure.
I’m sure colleges differ,but at the moment i’m particularly concerned about Stanford and the UCs. What is their policy?
<p>I don't know California schools at all. But some universities in the east--Penn and Cornell, for example--require you to apply specifically to one of their colleges. So, if you apply to the college of engineering, you are going to be evaluated on that basis. And that can work to your benefit or detriment, depending upon your personal skills and shortcomings.</p>
<p>However, if you're not applying to a school that handles its admissions in that way, I don't think it matters at all. I can't recall the exact figure, but something like half (or more) of college students change their majors through the course of their undergraduate years, and I don't think you're required to declare a major until you have some college experience under your belt. My daughter is a sophomore, and I don't think she has to declare a major until some time next year. Edit: Next <em>calendar</em> year, not academic year. She'll declare her major after winter break, I think.</p>
<p>For Stanford it should not matter - you are accepted to the university not to a particular major. In UCs some majors are much more competitive then others (like engineering at Berkley)</p>
<p>oh thank goodness. just the thing i was hoping to hear. any other posters want to give some confirmation so I can sleep in peace?</p>
<p>the UCs require you to indicate a preferred major on your application and it is used in the admissions process (so if your applying UCB under engineering, it's extremely competitive)</p>