<p>Here's my situation. I'm applying to MIT and a few other schools that ask for your favorite department, likely majors, or possible career plans.</p>
<p>I love math and science--epecially biology. However, they do not have my highest grades! I got a B+ in Math second semester sophomore year and a B+ in Biology first semester Junior year. All the rest are either A's or A-'s. While this isn't too bad in and of itself, this year has been hard on me and I'm expecting B's in at least two of my math/science courses this year.</p>
<p>I've put focus on math/science in my courses, but it sure doesn't look like I'm too great at them. My parents tell me that I ought to say I want to go into business so they won't hold that against me so much. </p>
<p>However, I'm wondering--do colleges care? <strong>How much will they hold it against you if your grades seem to say one thing and your career plans another?</strong></p>
<p>Additionally, I wonder if anyone knows something about the admission process. <strong>As they read the essay, will admissions officers also have your ECs, grades and SAT scores by the side and refer to them often?</strong></p>
<p>Just tell them the truth. MIT would rather have a B science student who loves science and is willing to work hard at it rather than some non-science student just going there for business. Tell the truth and make it easy on yourself.</p>
<p>That's a tough question, and I think it depends on your own circumstances. Colleges like to be able to understand applicants, so they would love to see a history kid have As in history classes and 5s on the AP tests who works at a history museum. If you have activities or research related to biology, write it. If you have a rec from your bio teacher, write it. If you love it so much you wouldn't consider another major, write it. However, if you like it but aren't completely sure, you might want to write down your second favorite subject that you have As in. I'm not sure about MIT, but if you can rank two or more prospective majors, fill both boxes in: one with bio and one with another subject you like. I don't have one favorite subject, but out of my top two one has consistently higher grades than the other. I wrote both down, but put the one with the lower grades as choice #2. I, though, had no real preference.</p>
<p>It seems like you should write biology. It sounds like you wrote your essay on it and it's present on your ECs. Also, a B+ isn't a very low grade. My advice would be different if you had a B-. Some classes are simply harder than others, and I think that colleges understand that. As long as they can read your application, see where you're coming from, and want you on campus you're all set.</p>