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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Colleges say major is decided in Sophomore year but the common app school specific question ask for the Major. Why is this collected and how is this used[/quote]

https://premiumprep.com/2024/09/06/small-ways-to-make-a-big-impact-on-your-common-application/

Major Matters. We often hear from colleges that they’re looking for students who have specific academic interests and pursue them outside of the classroom. You can read more about this in our blog post about “pointy applicants.” Essentially, you want to be sure that if you apply to be a business major, your application shows intentionality with that choice. Are you checking the box because business majors “make a lot of money,” or have you pursued business-related activities, have goals associated with that specific major, and sound reasoning for why you want to study it? A few key areas to highlight your specific major of interest:

Academic Program: Almost every college will ask you which Academic Program you are interested in. Some colleges read exclusively by major and the major you choose can have a great impact on your admissions decision. Other colleges don’t make admissions decisions based on your major of interest but do look to make sure that your chosen academic program makes sense within the context of your application. Did you get a C- in Chemistry? You may not want to select Pre-Med. Have a slew of extracurricular activities that speak to an interest in Computer Science? The admissions committee may raise an eyebrow if you apply as a Sociology major. It’s important not to lie – don’t try to backdoor your way into a college by picking what you think is a less competitive major. However, some majors are indeed just ultra-selective and a similar, adjacent program might be a safer option. It can be helpful to have a third party (like your Premium Prep counselor!) review your application and help you figure out what major or program makes the most sense within the context of your accomplishments.

Future Goals: This question, buried at the bottom of the Education section, can feel like a throwaway, but you should use it to your advantage to show genuine interest in your chosen area of study! Be sure that whatever career field you choose aligns with your major choice, and don’t be afraid to say you intend to earn the highest degree in your field (MBA, JD, etc.). Pro Tip: If you select “Other” for Career Interest, a text box will populate, allowing you to elaborate on your career goals. This gives you 100 additional characters to explain what you hope to do after graduation. If you have clearly defined goals in mind, this can be a great place to share those.

Supplemental Essays: We’ve written at length about how supplemental essays can be even more important than the personal statement. They’re your chance to demonstrate interest, show you’ve done your homework, and elaborate on why that specific university is the right fit for you. This includes the major or school you select! Again, make sure that if you are writing about an intended major, program, or research interest in your supplemental essay, the rest of your application matches those interests.[/quote]

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