<p>Hey guys I have another question. It’s an age old question on this forum; does what major you put down affect your chances of getting in. However, in my case, I feel as this is especially pertinent because I feel that most or a huge portion of all my EC’s and awards are math based (see <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1665423-downwards-trend-poor-class-rank-high-aspirations-will-chance-back.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1665423-downwards-trend-poor-class-rank-high-aspirations-will-chance-back.html#latest</a>), so I was wondering if I’d have better chances indicating my interest to be as a math major. Mostly not because getting in general might be easier as a math major, but because it fits my profile better than any other major. I’m aware at some schools there is impacted majors or schools you have to specifically apply to, this was just talking about the colleges where you can pick your major once you get there (either within the entire university or a specific school within that university). Thoughts on this? I’m not really interested in doing a math major, but after taking 3 university classes in mathematics and gaining most of my awards and a significant portion of my EC’s in mathematics I thought it might be better to indicate my interest as a math major x</p>
<p>It’s hard to guess – among schools that read files holistically, they do form a picture of you. But is the picture of a singly focused math student better or worse than someone who is obviously adept at math/sci – but is undecided and is willing to swim forth with great vigor at whatever else is available at that college? I can imagine the 2nd scenario easily at more liberal arts type colleges such as Yale or Williams. Whereas a place like Carnegie Mellon or Stanfor may value the former.</p>
<p>For instance, my transcript and ECs and awards were heavy in math-sci – not unusual for the typical Asian applicant. And among several LACs, I applied to several heavy engineering colleges. In the end, I listed “undecided” at the LACs – b/c that was the truth. I really wanted to go and explore as many options as possible. I ended with an Econ - PoliSci degree at an Ivy. </p>
<p>Basically, I think it depends, case by case. Good luck w/your decision.</p>
<p>One of my friends from my school is applying to princeton EA. I am fairly confident that under most circumstances, Princeton will not take 2 students EA. He has a 4.0 vs. my 3.92 (princeton doesn’t seem to care much about differences of this size however), slightly worse testing (but tbh both our testing is at the point where small differences don’t matter), a lot more leadership positions, a bit fewer accomplishments, about equal at sports, and slightly worse at music. However, he’s an international student. I would sort of like to apply to princeton early, but if i’m going to have to compete with him, I’d rather “space” it out and apply somewhere else early. So therefore i’m wondering whether princeton reviews international students separately from domestic students and I don’t have to compete with him, or whether I would be competing directly with him if I applied early as well. </p>
<p>" I am fairly confident that under most circumstances, Princeton will not take 2 students EA" This is a statistical truth when ever you place ANY two applicants – regardless if they attend the same HS or not. If you apply SCEA to PTon, you’re competing w/thousands like him – not just him.</p>
<p>PTon will take whom they want, from wherever they want. They have no quota to protect. If PTon likes both of you, they’ll make offers to both of you. If they don’t like either or anyone else for the next ten years, they won’t make any offers. The “HS quota” fear is only apt if you believe that PTon feels the need to “set aside” admits for other high schools. Frankly, they don’t feel beholden to anyone (and even the few known “feeder” schools are successful at placement b/c they happen to have great pgms/students). And also, your non-US friend will be evaluated in the much harsher “international” pool.</p>
<p>So regardless, don’t worry about it. Statistically, you know that you’ll likely get the “reject” note. Let that be freeing to you. Go for it w/o regard to what happens if PTon really is your top choice. If you’re viable, that’s all you can ask for. </p>
<p>
Urban legend. If Princeton wants you, they will admit you, regardless of whomever else from your HS is applying.</p>
<p>What are your other senior year classes? It is completely dependent on that. You should ideally take the same number of APs as junior year or one additional one to demonstrate you are challenging yourself. But you want to balance this with workload - some APs require a ton more reading/homework than others. Lastly, you want to choose classes that line up with your interests – ones that make sense and don’t make it look just like you are reaching for any AP classes. Based on research, I am a firm believer in no more than 4 AP classes senior year, and roughly 8 total APs over a high school career. I will tell you that AP Engl Lit can kill the GPA of a student who is not strong in writing essays all-year long. If your courseload is rigorous without it, I would recommend taking two one-semester English electives.</p>
<p>I did drop lit @Momof2back2back
Yeah if Princeton wants me they’ll still take me, but if I’m on the edge it could easily be the push factor that gets me rejected. They’ve never taken 2 from our school EA and our school has been much stronger in the past. </p>
<p>Why ask about it if you are still going to be on edge? It’s not true.</p>