<p>Would specifying an unpopular major on the app help one's case? For example, I imagine that one would be more likely to get in by listing chemistry than pre-med as a top interest, if everything else was up-to-par, of course. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I’m gonna be applying ED, and I was thinking the same thing. I know that I’m going to major in economics, the most popular major at Duke, and was thinking about filling out something like Medieval Studies as my main interest to increase my chances. After thinking about it though, I realized that my extracirriculars really emphasize my passion for business/econ and that adcoms would either be really confused, assume I would change my major choise very quickly, or see right through what I was trying to do (I’m sure they’ve seen it all by now). I think our best bet is to just be honest and let them know our real intentions.</p>
<p>As they say, “honesty is the best policy.” You shouldn’t lie just because you think it will help you. Be yourself with the application. Plus, even if you don’t get into Duke, it’s not the end of the world. There are so many AMAZING schools out there that will provide you an equally good education.</p>
<p>I don’t think it will help/hurt you by listing a popular/unpopular major. Don’t quote me on this… but I think they just use the prospective major for “data purposes.” They know you might change majors. They will glean info into your interests through your extracurricular activities, rec letters, resume, and essay.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies! I’ve decided to switch to Cornell because its chemistry undergrad program is much stronger than Duke’s, and Ithaca is far more picturesque than Durham. I’m very much an outdoor person, so campus scenery is a significant factor.</p>
<p>I would highly advise not doing this. Adcoms are smarter than you think they are. For instance, if the majority of your ECs relate to the sciences (lab research, etc.) and you select one of the “unpopular” majors, Classics for instance as your intended major, and you haven’t studied any Greek/Latin or anything remotely related to classics, it looks highly suspicious and adcoms will likely see through it. These people have years of experience, and read through thousands of applications each year; if they don’t notice it during the 1st/2nd reads, someone will point it out during the roundtables. Don’t try to “game” the system as the winners wouldn’t be you. :)</p>
<p>I say that if you’re interested in chemistry and biology equally, and are on the pre-med track, then writing that you are a chemistry major might slightly (maybe negligibly) raise your chances. I applied as a chemistry major because that is my intended major as of now, but I would not lie to help your chances</p>