If you’re applying to college and feeling pressure to pick the perfect major, you’re not alone. Whether it’s your high school counselor asking, a college rep at a fair, or the Common App itself prompting you to choose an “intended major,” it can feel like a huge decision.
So, how much does your choice of major really matter in the admissions process? The answer: It depends. On the college, the major, and how you frame your interests.
Here’s what you need to know.
When Your Intended Major Matters
At some colleges, your major can directly influence your chances of being admitted, especially if you’re applying to:
• Highly selective majors (like Business, Engineering, Nursing, or Computer Science)
• Schools that admit by college or program (such as the College of Engineering vs. the College of Arts & Sciences)
• Any college or university with capacity limits in popular majors
In these cases, your academic preparation and grades, relevant extracurriculars, and even your essays might be evaluated with your major in mind. Admissions officers want to see that you’re prepared for the academic demands of the program and genuinely interested in the subject.
So yes, if you’re applying to a competitive program, your major selection is important but that doesn’t mean it has to be set in stone forever.
When It Isn’t So Important
For many colleges, especially liberal arts schools and large public universities that admit to a general studies program or college, the major you choose on your college application is more of a conversation starter than a commitment. It helps colleges understand your interests, but it won’t make or break your application.
These colleges know, and expect, that students will change their minds. (About 80% of students do, after all.) So don’t panic if you’re not totally sure. You can even apply as “undecided” and still be seen as a strong applicant, as long as you show curiosity, motivation, and the desire to explore.
How to Approach Major Selection on Your Application
Even if your chosen major isn’t a major factor in admission, it can still be a way to tell your story. When you’re asked to name a major or talk about your academic interests, consider this an opportunity to highlight what excites you and how you’ve explored that interest so far.
Ask yourself:
• What classes do I enjoy most?
• Are there any extracurriculars, hobbies, or experiences that connect to this subject?
• Have I taken steps to learn more about this area—summer programs, job shadows, online courses?
If you’re truly undecided, that’s okay too. But instead of just saying “I don’t know,” talk about the why, if you are able. Sometimes a supplemental essay will allow you to share your thoughts. Maybe you love both science and history, or you’re excited to try courses in fields you’ve never studied before. That kind of open-mindedness can be a strength.
What if I Change My Mind About the Major I Pick Later?
Here’s some good news – changing your major in college is common and often easy – unless you’re in a very structured program with early requirements, like nursing or engineering, or a highly selective major such as business. Many colleges give students until the end of their sophomore year to declare a major, and others allow internal transfers if you change your mind down the road.
Plus, your future job may not depend entirely on your major. A person’s working life can take many twists and turns, often resulting in people working in a field not directly related to their college major. So while your major matters in terms of college admissions at some schools, it isn’t always a lifelong decision.
Choose Thoughtfully and Relax
The major you choose on your application plays a role in the application, but whether its a major or minor role depends. It’s more important when you’re applying to competitive or capacity-limited programs. But for many students and many schools, your major is simply one piece of the puzzle. It helps you tell your story by highlighting your interests and goals. It is not a binding contract for your future.
So our advice is to choose thoughtfully, but don’t let the pressure keep you from applying or exploring. Whether you know exactly what you want to study or you’re still figuring it out, relax, there’s a place for you.
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
