<p>So my app is very very very heavily business-centric. Pretty much all my ECs have some connection to business. But, I don't know what I want to major in. English is my favorite subject, and a course that I genuinely enjoy, I just don't know if it is a practical major. The good news is I don't have to make the official decision now; however, I must select one to apply as and write about in my essay. </p>
<p>Some background info: </p>
<p>English: My best grades are in English. I have never received a B in it; 35 on ACT reading; 35 on ACT English; 12 on ACT essay; 5 on AP Lang (even though my school does not offer the course). It is clear that I am a strong English student. However, I didn't ask an English teacher to write me a rec. because English classes at my school are only 1 semester each so I don't really have time to develop a solid relationship with one... so it may seem odd. </p>
<p>Econ: I got an A in the Econ class at my school, but my math grades are so-so (however 34 ACT Math and 750 Math I subject test). I am taking AP Calc AB and AP Stats next year and probably won't get As in both. I got Bs in freshman math and was in a low level math Sophomore year. BUT my app. is so business focused that it makes sense.</p>
<p>So with all this in mind, should I apply as an English Major and say I want to concentrate in business (since there is no business major)? Would this seem like a logical plan to the adcom? Or should I just say I want to major in Econ and stick with business only. I would just be honest, but I truly have no idea which I prefer so it comes down to what would help my chances more. Do I stay consistent with my ECs or go with where my best skills are?Thanks for all opinions!</p>
<p>FWIW – English is hardly an impractical major. Writing skills are essential in nearly all professional realms and are therefore highly transferable. Further, English surveys a breadth of literature that delves into philosophy and ethics, which helps train one to be thoughtful. These facts are part of the reason why English is one of the top precursors to law school. Combined with the fact that Yale is renowned for its broad liberal arts education (irrespective of major) and its lauded English department, and a degree from Yale in English is perhaps one of the top degrees one could achieve.</p>
<p>Of course, after college, the degree is only as meaningful as the person utilizing it. The degree won’t make or break you.</p>
<p>First of all, your intended major has little bearing on whether or not you will be admitted. Every student enters Yale College with their major undecided - EVERY student. Students don’t actually declare their major until the end of their sophomore years. Why does Yale do this? Probably because it knows that most of its students (just like students at any other college) will find their interests shifting as they take classes in many different areas in their first few semesters at college. Yale wants its students to take advantage of the incredibly broad and diverse array of classes and not to get locked into a certain track too early.</p>
<p>That being said, it’s not as if Yale doesn’t take into consideration an applicant’s academic interests. For instance, Yale is currently boosting their science departments, and has been recruiting science-minded folk in high numbers in the past few admissions cycles. It’s probably clear to an adcom that an applicant will likely pursue a degree/career in science if that applicant has dedicated the majority of his extracurricular life to science-related pursuits or has won national science medals. Likewise, whoever reads your application will “get” your interest in business just by glancing at your list of extracurriculars. They won’t expect you to major in economics or something similar because there are many different paths to a career in business, especially at a place like Yale. </p>
<p>So, long story short, don’t feel like your application “wouldn’t make sense” if you list English as a prospective major. Or music. Or art history. Or chemistry. Or just plain undecided (that’s what I did). Your essays and extracurriculars will say a lot more about your passions than the drop-down box where you fill in your intended major.</p>
<p>(If you do decide to go into econ at Yale, know that the program is NOT a business major masquerading under the guise of an economics major. The classes tend to focus more on the theoretical aspects of economics, which are not always directly applicable to an actual desk job.)</p>