Anonymous
02/09/2026 14:25
Subject: major alignment and ECs
Anonymous wrote:Interestingly, in the last few cycles, private CCO reports seeing math as the preferred major, frequently successful, without other EC alignment - at schools like UVA/UNC early (with top stats and rigor). But then the applicant faces more difficulty at private colleges in RD.
Does anyone else hear that?
My math major with top stats but without EC alignment is in this cycle at Michigan (EA), USC (EA), and all other schools where they applied, but didn’t apply ED anywhere and didn’t apply to anything with fewer than 20k undergrads, so I can’t speak to that.
Anonymous
02/09/2026 12:08
Subject: major alignment and ECs
Anonymous wrote:
My autistic son from MCPS had a near-perfect GPA and test scores with APs in the Humanities, but could not manage extra-curricular activities beyond a little dog-walking that he enjoyed doing. So not only was there no alignment, there weren't any ECs of significance. He wanted an International Affairs major, and was rejected from Georgetown SFS, accepted with merit at GWU Elliott, got into UMD Honors, W&M dual degree programme with St Andrews, and others of that caliber. McGill was his safety, since it admits only on scores, but he didn't want that much winter.
My second child is in high school and has her preferred activities, none of which have anything to do with the major she will probably choose, since she doesn't want to be a professional musician or equestrian! To make matters worse, she has no idea what she wants to major in!!! She's good at everything. I have no idea where she will end up.
Have her do 1 thing with a generic group or leadership and apply sociology, or similar? Does she have equestrian and music awards? If so, include those, and she will do really WELL.
Anonymous
02/09/2026 11:50
Subject: major alignment and ECs
My autistic son from MCPS had a near-perfect GPA and test scores with APs in the Humanities, but could not manage extra-curricular activities beyond a little dog-walking that he enjoyed doing. So not only was there no alignment, there weren't any ECs of significance. He wanted an International Affairs major, and was rejected from Georgetown SFS, accepted with merit at GWU Elliott, got into UMD Honors, W&M dual degree programme with St Andrews, and others of that caliber. McGill was his safety, since it admits only on scores, but he didn't want that much winter.
My second child is in high school and has her preferred activities, none of which have anything to do with the major she will probably choose, since she doesn't want to be a professional musician or equestrian! To make matters worse, she has no idea what she wants to major in!!! She's good at everything. I have no idea where she will end up.
Anonymous
02/09/2026 11:32
Subject: major alignment and ECs
Interestingly, in the last few cycles, private CCO reports seeing math as the preferred major, frequently successful, without other EC alignment - at schools like UVA/UNC early (with top stats and rigor). But then the applicant faces more difficulty at private colleges in RD.
Does anyone else hear that?
Does anyone else hear that?
Anonymous
02/09/2026 09:55
Subject: major alignment and ECs
My kid is in the process now and has been accepted EA to Michigan and UVA (along with a few likelies, including merit/honors; no rejections or deferrals yet). Waiting on RD at a few more schools ranked in the top 20.
Math major, no alignment with ECs. Public school. Very strong stats, good ECs/leadership, generally well-rounded.
Math major, no alignment with ECs. Public school. Very strong stats, good ECs/leadership, generally well-rounded.
Anonymous
02/09/2026 09:39
Subject: major alignment and ECs
Anonymous wrote:If your kid had little to no alignment with major in their listed ECs, how did they fare in selective college admissions?
Can you say what major?
And what schools they were admitted to (along with anything else you are willing to share - how long ago? type of HS)?
Zero alignment. In at UVA ED. Listed Math as major; ended up changing major.
Anonymous
02/09/2026 09:37
Subject: major alignment and ECs
If your kid had little to no alignment with major in their listed ECs, how did they fare in selective college admissions?
Can you say what major?
And what schools they were admitted to (along with anything else you are willing to share - how long ago? type of HS)?
Can you say what major?
And what schools they were admitted to (along with anything else you are willing to share - how long ago? type of HS)?