Success by major?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>i know that Princeton makes it very clear in their admissions brochures, etc. that intended major has little effect on the admission decision. i honestly don't know a great deal about the specifics of how they choose a freshman class, but i admit that i am at least somewhat skeptical of this claim. when it comes down to it, they must have an idea of how many students each school can comfortably fit, and they must at least predict how their freshman class will divvy up- no?</p>

<p>again, i'm not really sure but it seems like a logical consideration for any competitive school. so, if anyone has a link or even general knowledge as to how admissions success rates break down by individual school i would really appreciate that, just to satisfy my curiosity. </p>

<p>i ask this because my parents feel as though indicating architecture on my application will be my saving grace. "not many of their students are in that school, you know. blah blah blah." so if nothing else, i can either provide them some stats to stop their bickering or maybe credit them for their craftiness.</p>

<p>thanks :)</p>

2

<p>If you have the activities that show synergy with your intended major...
it would make sense ...?</p>

<p>:)</p>

3

<p>The reason why colleges don't care too much about your declared intended major is that they know many students change it when they get to college. But as Arwen said, if your activities or interests match your major, you show that you have serious future plans. But if you mention architecture and your activities reveal a passion for, let's say, physical sciences, it shows them you are not a serious person or you don't know what you want from life. However, if your activities have a kind of connection with architecture, you are ok.</p>

4

<p>They plan mostly by general area: natural sciences and mathematics, arts and humanities, social sciences, and engineering. Only in unusual cases would the specific major be relevant in their thinking (if, for example, you've</a> already done important research in theoretical mathematics).</p>