If applying to College of Arts and Sciences, is it harder to get into a prestigious school like ivy league if someone applies for a more competitive major such as economics compared to a major like African-American or Hispanic studies? For example, is it a large hook if someone Asian applies to study African-American/Chicano studies since it is more “diverse” and interesting than if that person majored in Chinese culture? Heard from a fellow family member, not suggesting that I will do this but tell me what you guys think.
Most colleges (most of the Ivies, too) do not admit by major. You need to see what is that college’s policy. Thus, what you state is irrelevant mostly. Colleges know people will switch majors easily. Just state what’s your honest interest – this isn’t something to game
Agree, that most colleges, including Ivys, don’t admit by major. Your projected major won’t matter in terms of admissions. College admission officers are wise to that ploy and are well aware that you can change majors once you have been accepted. The only exception could possibly be if you have a long and deep history of demonstrated interest in the subject already (ex. through significant research/coursework/ECs)
If intended major does affect admission selectivity, that is because the more selective major is more “full” relative to its capacity. This means that trying to go through the back door and gain admission to a less selective major and change to a more selective major after enrolling can mean facing another competitive admission process to get into the major, since it is “full”.
Thank you all for the time you put in answering these questions. Really appreciate it and further comments are also welcome
Don’t know what other info you want. It’s already been well stated above. Most colleges don’t admit by major. Those that do may make it difficult to change majors depending on how full they are (i.e. the UCs).
Since this is an FAQ, I made an FAQ thread: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1947599-faq-does-intended-major-make-it-easier-or-more-difficult-to-get-into-a-college.html
Thank you everybody again. I was orignally going to apply to my intended major economics, but just wanted to debunk the family with of how applying to a less selective major will hurt one in the long run if I am not interested in it at all.