Stated wrong major in personal statement

Applying to College
1

Hello everyone,

In my personal statement, I indicated that I wanted to pursue higher education by majoring in Public Policy. However, I came to realize that some of the schools that I applied to did not offer Public Policy. On the CommonApp, it usually gives me the option to “1st chose intended major” and then 2nd and 3rd. I labeled Political Science for first, and Economics for the second because it relates to Public Policy. But in my personal statement it states otherwise (Public Policy). Should I call in the college and clarify with them about this mistake? Or will it be fine because I already indicated what major I would prefer? I always hear about the number one mistake that many people do is saying that they want to pursue a major when that University doesn’t even offer it. Please help!

2

I wouldn’t call them about this, the majors are related so it’s reasonable to think someone majoring in poly sci or econ would enter public policy as you point out. And they would all fall into the same dept or college so it’s not a big deal from an admissions perspective.

3

This is one of the typical mistake people made in the “why this school” essay. For highly competitive schools, this error would suggest you are not so interested in that school and used a generic essay or letter in their application.

4

Don’t call, no.

5

Not a showstopper. Calling would be riskier, might hint you, ummm, don’t know how poli sci and PP are related.