I have moderately strong credentials in both engineering and history. I was wondering if I could apply as history or perhaps some mix of the fields like the science society and technology major at Stanford (hence Stanford in the title specifically) to improve my chances to be accepted? Then, later on, I would probably switch to a CS major, when officially declaring or as a change of college. Would this be effective to improve my chances of being accepted? I feel like my resume in history would be a little less than STEM, but the lesser competition may be worth it.
You’re not the first applicant to come up with that plan.
That is risky at colleges that admit by major. You will not get first dibs on classes in a department other than the one you’re admitted to, you may have to maintain minimum GPAs in some tough weed-out classes, and in some cases there is even a secondary admissions process involved in switching departments. There are kids every year who find themselves in a college where they are shut out of their major.
Some colleges, such as Stanford, don’t admit by major. However, if you say you want to be a history major, they’re going to be looking for some ECs and accomplishments that reflect that. Having all STEM ECs and saying you want to major in history is, without an excellent explanation, a red flag. Really, your best chance is to be yourself, and write a superb essay on why you’re a good match for the school.
Again, you’re not the first applicant to come up with that plan, and the admissions officers were not born yesterday. They’ve seen it all.
Yep, agree with Groundwork. Stanford adcoms didn’t just fall of the turnip truck. For a top level school like S, you need a lot more savvy. Do your part in researching this, what the college says or indcates. Not a forum of strangers. Learn what it takes.
Thank you both for responding. I do want to mention that I have significant achievements in both fields which is why I was considering the question, and especially a major that seems like it would combine both like SST. The main reason I would then want CS is because of the job prospects.
I will consider what both of you said and do more research. Thank you both again so much
Stanford admission readers probably know that almost all Stanford students have some interest in CS, since yearly enrollment in the first CS course for CS majors approximates the size of a class year. Of course, not all become CS majors, but it is not like they will believe that any applicant has no interest in CS, regardless of claimed intended major.
@ucbalumnus - they surely believed it in my D’s case who has not had and who continues not to have even the slightest intention of taking any CS classes at Stanford. Zero interest. She was –– and is –– a full-on humanities geek.
@SanMega – what Stanford (and most schools) wants to see most is passion. Whether you are interested in the humanities, the social sciences, STEM, or the arts, you should be shouting it from the rooftops and it should come through loud and clear through your classes, your teachers’ recommendations, your extracurricular activities, your writing, etc.
Don’t try to appeal to what you think a school wants.
Thanks everyone for all the help!
“Stanford adcoms didn’t just fall off the turnip truck.”
Ahh, lookingforward, it has been a while since I’ve heard that one. Makes one smile.