I’m planning on applying to Duke University, which has been my dream school since forever. My stats are a little above average for an applicant to Duke, but it’s still a bit of a reach for me. I’m planning on applying Early Decision, and I’m planning on applying as an Undecided Major, or a really unpopular major to increase my chances of getting in. After acceptance, I was planning on changing my major to Chemistry/Biology (I’m planning on doing Pre-Med). Would applying as an Undecided Major, or an unpopular major increase my chances of getting in? Also, how difficult would it be to switch majors? Also, all my extracurriculars and course load are centered around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), so would it look bad if I applied as an Arts major, or something unrelated to my extracurriculars or course load (I haven’t taken any arts classes). I was planning on applying as a Music major, because I play piano and violin as one of my extracurriculars, as well as dance. Do schools like Duke tend not to accept people applying as undecided majors? Also, I’ve heard that if you try to change majors, the courses that you need aren’t always available, but doesn’t everyone have to do General Ed’s their first year anyways?
:sigh:
What does that mean?
I believe Duke only factors major into the admissions decision in the sense of Engineering/Arts & Sciences. Within those schools, you can switch majors easily for the first couple years, so what you say on your application doesn’t affect what you will actually end up studying.
However, it will probably look weird if you say your primary academic interest is in a subject you don’t have much experience in. It would also be odd for you to apply as an arts major without a creative supplement.
Ah Duke, the dreamcrusher of seniors everywhere! I think you need to worry about getting in first. Your 3.71 is on the low side for Duke. I dont see scores?
Undecided won’t make a difference either way.
It means don’t apply for something you have no intention of studying, to get in. Don’t you think ad coms might look at your transcript filled with English classes for example, and think “hmmm, this student wants to major in theology, but has absolutely nothing on her app to support why she wants to,study that.”
First off, the Early Decision deadline for Duke (11/1) has already passed, and decisions have also come out. If you want to apply to Duke, you’ll have to apply during Regular Decision (deadline 1/3).
Second, the intended major on your application does not have that big of an impact on your chances of admission, as most admissions officers know that students will change their majors during their time in college. As for Duke specifically, it has two undergraduate schools: Trinity (Arts and Sciences) and Pratt (Engineering). Your intended major will affect which of these schools you will be applying to, and from what I’ve seen, acceptance rates at both schools are basically the same. Applying as something completely unrelated to what you’ve been pursuing in high school will raise some eyebrows in the admissions office, unless you can give a very good reason as to why you plan on pursuing ____ major.
Could you clarify what you mean by a creative supplement?
If you wanted creative arts, for instance, you would submit a portfolio of work, a tape or audition.
So basically, applying as an undecided or unpopular major would do more harm than good?
@HRSMom - thanks!
It would not be a factor. The biggest factor is a high GPA, a very high test score, and that undefinable something they want.
Beyond choosing a) engineering or b) everything else, you would be surprised how little weight Duke admissions puts on intended major. As others have pointed out many many students change their minds about what they want to study. What they are interested in is your story of you, so it’s if you can connect the dots in a way that makes sense. Trying to outsmart AdComms is rarely a good strategy. Be yourself-it’s the best shot you have.