Does degree difficulty affect college admissions?

I'm having a tough time deciding what to major in. I'm interested in different fields, but some seem much more difficult than others. I was wondering, does choosing a 'difficult' degree affect admission chances or the opportunities post graduation?

The specific difficulty of a degree typically doesn't directly affect college admission chances. Admissions officers generally look at the rigor of your high school courses, your involvement in extracurriculars, your grades, essays, recommendation letters, and test scores (if the school isn't test-optional or test-blind). They are essentially trying to assess if you're a good fit for the college and if you have the potential to excel there.

That being said, your declared major can indeed have an impact, especially at universities where you apply directly to a particular school within the university or a specialized program. Some majors may have more applicants than others, making them more competitive. Conversely, a less popular major may have fewer applicants, but also fewer available spots.

As for opportunities post-graduation, the difficulty or perceived prestige of your degree shouldn't be your primary concern. It's more important that you focus on a field that interests you and aligns with your career goals. In some cases, more rigorous degrees such as engineering or computer science might open doors to higher-paying jobs right out of college. Still, success ultimately depends more on your skills, experiences, internships, and the network you build during your college years.

So, whether you choose to pursue a degree considered 'difficult' or not, the key is to choose what truly interests you and aligns with your goals. That passion will drive you to excel in your studies and seize opportunities that lead to a rewarding career post-graduation.